Prices level out / Imports compensate for production cutbacks / July expected to see continuation of weak demand

Following the price increases of previous months, the peak was reached in the final month of the second quarter. In the case of (virtually all) the engineering thermoplastics, prices went down. Only in exceptional cases did converters have to tolerate further increases. Base polymers were once again obtainable at a normal price.

Nevertheless, most compounders were operating their plants with reduced output because of the weak demand. The required contract quantities were available at all times. This was also thanks to the imports from Asia to Europe. Because no additional material was needed from any of the application sectors, demand remained very weak. Converters concentrated on selling off what they had already produced and consequently bought little raw material.

In July, the market is likely to be split into two: quarterly buyers will be confronted with some of the increases of the past few weeks. Monthly buyers, on the other hand, should be able (in tough negotiations) to reduce their prices. Thanks to the many imports, PIE’s advisory panel again anticipates a satisfactory supply situation that significantly exceeds the weak demand. Larger quantities are not needed in the summer months, anyway.

More information on PIE Polymer Price services ...