Polymer Prices Engineering Thermoplastics

Engineering thermoplastics in September 2011: Initial weaknesses appear / ABS, PC, PA and PP compounds begin to crumble / So far the overall picture still remains one of stability / Benzene and butadiene at last decline

Engineering thermoplastics in August 2011: ABS and PBT rise despite holiday lull / Monomer reduction prompts fall in PP compounds / Bottlenecks ease as demand declines / Automotive still lively / Risks of price increases remain

Engineering Thermoplastics in July 2011: Prices stable at a high level / ABS, PC and PP respond to the lower cost basis / Supply adequate / Holiday period dampens demand / Stability likely

Engineering Thermoplastics in June 2011: Many grades move up again / ABS, polyamides and PBT are hit particularly hard / Butadiene shortage is the driving factor / Demand significantly weaker / Upward pressure should ease in July

Engineering Thermoplastics in May 2011: Butadiene price explosion triggers triple-digit rise for ABS / Higher costs for PA 6, PMMA and PP / Limited feedstock supplies / High stock levels dampen ordering activity / Calls for fresh increases

Engineering Thermoplastics in April 2011: Upswing slows down slightly / PBT, POM and PMMA climb by nearly EUR 100/t / Q2 agreements tighten lower price levels / Price hikes likely again in May

Engineering Thermoplastics in March 2011: Considerable increases at the end of Q1 / Only POM remains stable / Feedstock costs drop down a notch / Supply tight / Significant rises expected for quarterly agreements

Engineering Thermoplastics in February 2011: All materials still rising / PA 6 and POM soar by more than EUR 200/t / Cost wave continues to roll through the markets / No time for a breather before Q2

Engineering Thermoplastics in January 2011: Petrochemical cost explosion hits engineering polymers / Benzene takes to new heights prompting triple-digit rises on a broad front / Upward momentum likely to continue through February

Engineering Thermoplastics in December 2010: First reactions to cost-driven increases / Extra-low prices still being cleared out / Supply becomes increasingly tight / Q1 kicks off with the threat of extensive hikes

Engineering Thermoplastics in November 2010: Stability dominates / Extra-low prices reeled in / Additives continue upward surge / Supply situation improves slightly at year end / High price increases announced for December

Engineering Thermoplastics in October 2010: Price hikes take a breather / Only POM rises significantly / High additive costs drive specialities / Supply stabilises / Fresh cost wave likely in November

Engineering Thermoplastics in September 2010: Notations continue to climb / Increase more marked with specialised materials / PA has hit the stratosphere / PP compounds down slightly / Tension remains as additives drive prices up

Engineering Thermoplastics in August 2010: Prices still under pressure / PC, POM and PBT move up / Polyamides take a breather / Supply remains tight / Delivery times lengthen / Switching to higher gear in September?

Engineering Thermoplastics in July 2010: Long-term negotiations drive notations up / Only ABS and PP compounds stable / Shortages further prolong delivery times / Risk of increases despite holiday season

Engineering Thermoplastics in June 2010: Hikes continue despite feedstock decline / For many grades of polymer it was a seller's market / Quarterly and semi-annual contracts see consistent upward price momentum

Engineering Thermoplastics in May 2010: Prices continue to spiral / All materials aside from PP compounds and PMMA again show triple-digit increases / PA 6.6 goes through the roof / Shortages abound / Outlook varied

Engineering Thermoplastics in April 2010: Notations skyrocket / Numerous triple-digit hikes / Supply tightens / Lively demand / Sharp rises expected again in May

Engineering Thermoplastics in March 2010: Hikes gather speed / Ongoing import slump / Tight PA 6.6 drives up related materials / Demand definitely improving / Further increases likely

Engineering Thermoplastics in February 2010: On the road to recovery / Increases all round / Low prices adjusted / Imports scarce with ongoing production cutbacks / Ready for take-off

Engineering Thermoplastics in January 2010: Upcurrent in Asia hits European markets / Production cutbacks clash with livelier demand / Feedstock costs drive polymers up

Engineering Thermoplastics in December 2009: Year ends on a stable footing / Quarterly contracts still preclude hikes / Supply limited by reduced production and decline in imports / Automotive continues to be lively / Rising costs drive demand

Engineering Thermoplastics in November 2009: Most polymers stable / Feedstocks pull ABS down / PC moves in the opposite direction / Livelier demand / December market will be focused on next year's business

Engineering Thermoplastics in October 2009: “Classic” materials stable / Feedstock increases drive hike in ABS and PP compounds / Downward pressure mounts / Scarce PA 6.6 could be only gainer

Engineering Thermoplastics in September 2009: Q3 ends on a largely stable footing / Feedstocks nudge ABS and PP forward / Supply balanced / Demand somewhat slack / Cost cutting in Q4 / Market still calm