June 4, 2026
Rantec Guar Report
Our guar gum market reports this year have largely focused on the geopolitical environment in the United States and around the world, with particular emphasis on tariffs and, more recently, the conflict in the Middle East. Unfortunately, conditions have not improved. The conflict involving Iran continues, and the Strait of Hormuz remains largely under Iranian influence. Energy, fertilizer, and aluminum are among the most severely affected commodities. Although oil prices appear to have stabilized, many countries continue to draw down their reserves. As a result, the outlook for lower energy costs in the near term remains unlikely.
As previously reported, Rantec has completed its refund request for tariff costs associated with IEEPA. The current phase involves non-liquidated entries. We have also filed protests with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for liquidated entries as filing deadlines approach. To date, we have not received any refunds from CBP.
The current 10% tariffs imposed under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 are scheduled to expire on July 24. The Trump administration has proposed new tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% for 60 trading partners based on concerns related to forced labor practices. Public comments are scheduled for early July. India and Pakistan are included among the affected countries.
As for the guar gum market itself, trading remains within a narrow range, with slight softening observed over the past week as the monsoon season has begun in southern India. Attached is a map showing current monsoon progress, along with the typical timeline for its movement northward into the primary guar-growing states of Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat.
Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Rick Bilodeau