Why the U.S. is running out of TNT
CNBC·2025-11-22 16:00

Industry Overview - Commercial explosives are essential for various industries, including construction ($2 trillion), energy ($2.1 trillion), mining ($737 billion), and quarry ($170 billion) [3] - Blasting is the most cost-effective method for mines to fracture rock, reducing the cost of consumer goods manufactured from mine resources [1] Supply Chain and Shortages - The US is facing a shortage of TNT due to the war in Ukraine [2] - NATO and Europe are rearming at a pace not seen since the Cold War, increasing demand on the defense supply chain [3] - A new army-run TNT plant is under construction but is not expected to be operational until 2028 [4] - In the short term, the industry needs to find supplies to meet the demand [4]