Corrosion protection is critical to maintaining the durability and integrity of metal assets across industries. Staying ahead in corrosion protection practices is essential as evolving trends, shifting trade policies, and tightening environmental regulations reshape the landscape.
In 2025, the cold galvanized paint industry is seeing a stronger emphasis on sustainability, with a growing demand for eco-friendly solutions, and technological advancements are driving innovation in corrosion prevention. By understanding and adapting to these changes, businesses and professionals can ensure they remain compliant, competitive, and prepared for the challenges of the year ahead.
The new U.S. administration is set to implement significant tariff increases in 2025, notably a 60% tariff on imports from China and a universal 10% tariff on imports from other countries.
These measures are designed to protect domestic industries but have substantial implications for the corrosion protection sector, particularly concerning shipping costs and global supply chains for industrial coatings like cold galvanized paint.
The elevated tariffs are expected to disrupt global supply chains, increasing shipping costs for corrosion protection products. Importers may face higher expenses due to the tariffs, which could increase end-user prices and potentially reduce demand. Additionally, affected countries might implement retaliatory tariffs, further complicating international distribution strategies and market access.
To navigate these challenges, stakeholders in the corrosion protection industry should closely monitor trade policy developments and consider diversifying their supply chains to mitigate risks associated with tariff fluctuations. Exploring alternative sourcing options, such as U.S.-made corrosion protection products, will help architects and contractors avoid the uncertainties linked to foreign-made alternatives.
Rising tariffs in 2025, including a 60% increase on Chinese imports and a 10% universal tariff, are driving up costs for end-users abroad. These added expenses will not only make corrosion protection products like cold galvanized paint more expensive but also reduce their affordability and competitiveness in international markets.
It’s also worth noting that the potential for retaliatory tariffs by affected countries could create additional barriers to entry, making it even harder for exporters to maintain market access. These compounded challenges may force companies to rethink pricing strategies, absorb some of the costs, or explore alternative supply chain solutions to remain competitive in the global market.
As tariffs rise and trade policies shift, businesses that use corrosion protection products must proactively adapt to minimize disruptions. Monitoring trade policies is essential for staying informed about new developments and preparing for potential cost increases or market barriers.
One effective solution is to prioritize U.S.-made corrosion protection products, including ZRC’s industry-leading cold galvanized paint. By choosing domestically produced alternatives, businesses can avoid the risks and additional costs associated with importing foreign-made products subject to heavy tariffs.
ZRC’s products offer the reliability and performance you expect while eliminating the uncertainties tied to international trade restrictions, ensuring a seamless and cost-effective supply chain. This approach supports local manufacturing and positions your business for success in a challenging global market.
As industries increasingly prioritize environmentally friendly practices, sustainability has become a key focus in corrosion protection. The shift toward eco-friendly materials and methods is reshaping how businesses approach rust prevention, paving the way for innovative and sustainable solutions.
The demand for environmentally friendly materials and corrosion protection methods is rising as industries strive to reduce their ecological footprint. This shift is driven by both tightening environmental regulations and increasing consumer awareness of sustainable practices. Eco-friendly inhibitors, low-VOC formulations, and water-based coatings are becoming popular alternatives to traditional corrosion prevention products, offering effective protection while minimizing environmental impact.
By adopting these innovative solutions, businesses can meet regulatory compliance and align with global sustainability goals, enhancing their reputation and contributing to a greener future.
ZRC has been a leader in developing low-VOC corrosion protection solutions, with years of experience producing environmentally responsible products that do not compromise performance.
Our ZRC Zero-VOC Galvanizing Compound is a testament to our commitment to sustainability, offering the same superior corrosion resistance as our traditional products while meeting strict environmental compliance standards. Trusted by professionals across industries, ZRC's established formulas provide unmatched reliability and durability, ensuring that metal surfaces are protected even in the harshest environments.
By choosing ZRC, you can confidently incorporate proven, eco-friendly solutions into your projects, aligning with both industry demands and sustainability goals.
As global awareness of environmental issues grows, regulations governing corrosion protection products are becoming stricter. In 2025, significant changes, such as limits on PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) and other hazardous chemicals, are reshaping industry standards and pushing for more sustainable solutions.
In 2025, the EPA is implementing stringent new limits on PFAS in drinking water, setting thresholds as low as 4 parts per trillion for compounds like PFOA and PFOS under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These "forever chemicals," known for their persistence in the environment and potential health risks, will also be subject to stricter reporting requirements, mandating industries to monitor and disclose releases into air, soil, and water.
For manufacturers and users of corrosion protection products, these changes mean re-evaluating formulations to ensure compliance with the new standards, potentially requiring a shift away from PFAS-containing materials and investing in eco-friendly alternatives. The increased scrutiny stresses the need for innovative, sustainable solutions that meet regulatory demands while continuing to deliver reliable corrosion prevention.
ZRC is taking a proactive strategy for ingredient evaluation, ensuring our products remain fully compliant with evolving regulatory standards, including the stricter limits on PFAS set by the EPA for 2025. This commitment reflects our dedication to providing environmentally responsible solutions without compromising on performance. By continually assessing and refining its formulations, we not only align with regulatory demands but also meet the growing industry preference for sustainable and eco-friendly products.
As a trusted leader in corrosion protection, our focus on regulatory compliance and sustainability positions it ahead of the curve. With decades of experience and a proven track record, we offer reliable, high-performance solutions that meet both environmental and industry standards. Customers can confidently specify ZRC products, knowing they deliver exceptional corrosion protection while supporting broader sustainability goals. This proactive stance underscores our mission to remain at the forefront of innovation in the corrosion protection industry.
Advancements in technology have revolutionized corrosion management by developing real-time monitoring tools and predictive maintenance strategies. These innovations enable continuous assessment of asset integrity, allowing for early detection of corrosion-related issues. By employing sensors and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices, data on factors like temperature, humidity, and corrosive substance concentrations can be collected and analyzed in real time. This proactive approach facilitates predictive maintenance, minimizing downtime and reducing repair costs by addressing potential problems before they escalate.
For instance, Honeywell's Predict-RT framework integrates real-time corrosion prediction models with control systems and process data historians. This integration provides quantified corrosion rates at multiple process locations without the need for additional monitoring devices, enhancing the operator's ability to correlate process conditions with corrosion behavior.
Similarly, Emerson's non-intrusive corrosion monitoring solutions offer continuous data collection, enabling analysis and predictive maintenance strategies to be conducted remotely. This approach improves asset integrity and reliability while preventing catastrophic failures.
By leveraging these advanced technologies, government agencies and organizations in a wide range of industries can transition from reactive to proactive maintenance strategies, ensuring safer and more efficient operations. Implementing real-time corrosion monitoring and predictive maintenance not only extends the lifespan of assets but also contributes to significant cost savings and enhanced operational reliability.
As 2025 unfolds, the corrosion protection industry is navigating significant changes driven by evolving trade policies, a growing emphasis on sustainability, stricter environmental regulations, and technological advancements. From the impact of rising tariffs disrupting global supply chains to the increasing demand for eco-friendly and compliant solutions, these trends are reshaping how businesses approach corrosion prevention. Additionally, innovations in real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance are setting new standards for asset protection, offering opportunities to minimize downtime and reduce costs.
In this dynamic landscape, ZRC remains a trusted partner, providing high-performance solutions that align with industry shifts. Our decades of expertise and dedication to innovation position us as a leader in delivering reliable, long-lasting protection for metal assets.
Stay ahead of the curve and ensure your projects are equipped to meet the challenges of 2025.
Shop our cold galvanized paint products today and discover how our trusted solutions can help you achieve exceptional results in corrosion prevention while supporting your commitment to quality and sustainability.