Chemical and fuel industry alliances strengthen supply chain collaboration with new memorandum

The Alliance for Chemical Distribution and the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers have agreed a memorandum of understanding aimed at tightening co-operation across the supply chains that connect chemical distributors, refiners and petrochemical makers.

According to the organisations, the deal takes effect on 12 May 2026 and is designed to deepen collaboration on rail transport issues, improve awareness of legislative and regulatory developments and examine ways to ...

work together on non-competitive services. The move reflects the importance both groups place on supply-chain reliability at a time of persistent disruption and policy uncertainty.

Eric R. Byer, chief executive of ACD, said the agreement underlined the need for inter-industry co-operation in what he described as a fast-changing supply-chain environment. Chet Thompson, AFPM’s chief executive, said his organisation sees ACD as a valuable partner and said the two groups can be more effective when they advocate together for their members.

The agreement also fits a wider pattern of co-operation for ACD. In 2024, the group signed a separate memorandum with the American Chemistry Council to support safety and sustainability performance across the chemical supply chain. ACD has also struck similar arrangements with Responsible Distribution Canada, reflecting a broader industry push to align performance programmes and strengthen cross-border co-ordination.

AFPM, which represents U.S. fuel and petrochemical producers, says its mission includes promoting science-based policy and continuous performance improvement. The new memorandum suggests the association wants to extend that approach beyond its traditional membership base, while ACD continues to position itself as a central link in the distribution network that moves chemicals safely and efficiently.

Source: Noah Wire Services