North American polymer trade in many ways reflects the way business is conducted in Europe, with most polymer prices settled in monthly contracts. The cost of larger volumes is directly negotiated between producers and processors, while smaller lots change hands in spot deals via distributors and traders (also known as the “secondary market”). The North American equivalent of Europe’s silos are “railcars”, illustrating the preference towards rail transportation.

PIE’s North American polymer price data is sourced from its US cooperation partner RTi (Fort Worth, Texas), a seasoned expert with detailed knowledge of the continent’s polymer markets. All information is based on actual transaction terms.