Standard Thermoplastics in February 2011: Prices rise significantly / Polyolefins add EUR 50/t / Styrenics see triple-digit hike / PET supply tighter / Demand robust overall / Political upheaval triggers oil surge

摘要

February saw no respite from rising European standard thermoplastic prices. January's all-time highs were topped again, although the feedstock increases of EUR 25/t for ethylene and EUR 35/t for propylene were relatively moderate. In reaction, polymer producers sought hikes of up to EUR 100/t. While they did improve margins, gains were small. PE added as much as EUR 50/t, PP about EUR 40/t. Sluggish demand from the building industry held the PVC rise to EUR 20/t. Sty-rene monomer (SM) gained EUR 96/t after the fresh benzene surge, and PS and EPS soared by around EUR 100/t.