Speciality chemicals company Solvay has announced a proposed price increase of 15 percent across North America for vanillin and ethyl-vanillin.

The increase will come into force as soon as ‘pending contracts allow’ and are said to be driven by continued and significant increases in ‘raw materials and energy costs to produce Solvay’s vanillin and ethyl-vanillin.’

Raw material prices and availability are said to be affected by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) restrictions in China and US/Chinese trade tensions. The company states it will speak to customers directly in order to discuss supply agreements regarding the price increase.