Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene : Europe

摘要

Northwest European acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene prices closed March with registered gains of Eur70/mt over February as falling demand curtailed cost-based increases. Previous bullish demand in March appeared to have tapered off by the end of the month, but some convertors were said to be reducing production rates on squeezed margins. "Demand from automotives is still strong, but the consumer sector has cooled off," said a producer. "Overall, the balance is OK, but we are looking at a turning point now." Going forward, market participants expected a decrease in April as demand destruction seeped in, given high fixed prices, several sources said. Feedstock styrene monomer prices rose $17.50/mt week on week to close Wednesday at $1,455/mt FOB ARA.