Independent Distributors – 1st-Half 2026 Trends & Priorities for 2nd-Half
For U.S. Independent industrial gas and welding Distributors, the first half of 2026 brought a noticeably better business environment—but not an easy one. Manufacturing activity improved, welding equipment demand strengthened, and pricing remained constructive. At the same time, the recovery was uneven, input costs remained elevated, helium and CO2 highlighted continuing supply vulnerabilities, and consolidation […]
First-Half 2026 Industrial Gas Performance and Outlook
The major industrial gas companies delivered a resilient first half of 2026 despite the absence of a broad industrial recovery. The primary takeaway is that earnings growth continues to exceed underlying volume growth. Pricing, productivity, project start-ups and portfolio actions are compensating for muted base demand—particularly in Europe—and demonstrating the resilience of the industry’s long-term […]