Butadiene Europe

摘要

Spot butadiene prices continued their downward trend this week, with market sources reporting spot levels moving toward the level of the August contract price of Eur2,525/mt ($3,633/mt). Spot trade was sporadic, however, with one source saying there were only 'very small volumes being done" at wide ranges. A producer reported selling at 'around CP level," showing a further erosion of prices, while a trader said that offers had been seen at below the CP. The move reflected a general weakening of prices for butadiene after the record highs seen during the first half of the year. According to one source, a correction down 'was only a matter of time, considering the sky-high prices we had." The main drag on price was being caused by falling demand, sources said. One domestic consumer said he was not looking for spot at present, while traders noted a lack of opportunities to sell European product into the US Gulf Coast. There was some potential to sell to Asia, however, with unconfirmed reports of trade being done for that purpose.