manufactured · input
Poly(meta-phenylene isophthalamide) (m-Aramid) paper trade-named Nomex (DuPont). Used for H-class (220°C rated) transformer insulation. Made from m-phenylenediamine (MPD) and isophthaloyl chloride (IPC). DuPont holds ~60% of the global nomex aramid paper market for electrical applications. Key raw material MPD was previously concentrated in Eastern China.
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Source countries
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Companies
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Goods affected
0
Claims on record
What depends on it
1 essential American goods rely on nomex aramid paper (dupont) for transformer insulation somewhere upstream in their supply chain.
Where it comes from
Share of global supply, by country.
| Country | Share of supply |
|---|---|
| USUnited States | 60% |
| CNChina | 15% |
| JPJapan | 15% |
Who makes it
2 companies produce nomex aramid paper (dupont) for transformer insulation.
US chemical conglomerate (NYSE: DD). Divested its entire Aramids business (Kevlar + Nomex brands) to Arclin (TJC L.P.) for $1.8B; transaction closed April 1, 2026. DuPont invented Kevlar in 1965 (Stephanie Kwolek, Wilmington DE). After divestiture, DuPont retains no para-aramid production. The Spruance, Maydown, and Du Pont-Toray facilities are now operated by Arclin.
China's largest — and the world's second largest — producer of meta-aramid materials. Located in Yantai, Shandong Province (primary) and Ningdong, Ningxia Province. Products include Newstar® meta-aramid fiber, METASTAR® aramid paper, and Taparan® para-aramid. Total assets >4 billion RMB. METASTAR® aramid paper is used in transformer insulation for power transmission and transformation equipment — the direct Chinese alternative to DuPont's Nomex. The company also supplies Chinese military and police with protective equipment (PPE). One of the key domestic Chinese aramid companies being developed as a strategic alternative to Western DuPont Nomex supply.
