Prices fall further / Stock levels rise on weak demand, increasing imports

Despite all the interventions with supply, Western European producers had to accept further price cuts in November. The pressure of the quarterly reductions was simply too high, carrying over into the monthly prices. At the same time, producers’ stock levels continued to rise last month as sales were very low, regardless of the type. Only rarely was a converter in a position to report a revival in demand. The main trend reflected another month with partly rapid sales declines.

Even PMMA was unable to hang on to its previous price level and moved lower in November. Ordering from the construction and automotive segments was negligible, which inevitably led to mounting stock levels for producers. At the same time, local suppliers also had to battle increasing imports.

In December, too, another slice of the quarterly reductions is due. At present, there are few signs that would speak against prices crumbling further. Speculation clearly indicates additional special sales in the short month before Christmas. Many producers are set to shut down their compounding lines earlier than usual, bringing the year to an end before the middle of the month. The expectations are for a very calm December with extended production breaks over Christmas and the New Year.

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