Prices jump again / Hefty hikes for all types / Southern Europe particularly hard-hit / Demand still largely weak / Further increases likely in May

Despite weak demand, prices for all engineering thermoplastics saw triple-digit rises in April. It was the same as the previous month except increases for all materials were even higher. The reasons were massive uncertainty from the geopolitical situation and related cost rises for raw materials, energy, and transport.

Typical was the enormous range of price movements. The biggest disparity was seen with POM natural, with reports of anything between a rollover and increases of EUR 1,000/t. This massive volatility makes it difficult to compile a report that reflects the overall market. In this environment, PIE figures only represent a statistically weighted approximation.

As such, the PMMA price led the way with an average increase of EUR 400/t. POM went up EUR 350/t, and PBT and PA 6.6 rose EUR 300-350/t, depending on type. Price increases in Southern Europe were even higher than on the rest of the Continent.

The high-price phase is expected to continue in May. The reasons are the same – further rises in costs for raw materials, energy, and logistics. Conversely, many market observers say some price increases will be much smaller.

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