What's the reason for the PTFE and PVDF long lead times

In the last year, the industry has had more shortages than I have come across inside my 30 years experience. In the past I have seen sharp price increases, and I have witnessed several shortages, and delivery delays because of plastic resin allocations from resin vendors. This is the first time I have seen all these issues at the same time.

PTFE Rod (TFE) and PVDF both are on allocation.

Both of these resins are in short supply. The  PTFE - Polytetrafluoroethylene product PTFE (TFE) and Kynar  manufacturing requires a mineral called Fluorspar which is mined in Mongolia and China. The worldwide interest in this mineral has grown significantly, and also the supply has tightened. PTFE materials have high heat resistance, excellent chemical resistance and really low co-efficient of friction (slick) and is utilized within a bunch of purposes from non-stick fry griddles to ptfe tape for home use. This mineral is the essential raw material within the manufacturing of fluoropolymers, fluorolubricants and many refrigerants.This escalating demand mixed with general shortage of raw materials is responsible for a dramatic price increase (almost double within the last year), shortages, and we expect both these factors to continue in the near future.