Prices turn downward as supply tightness eases

摘要

After four months of sharply rising notations, European standard thermoplastic prices took a downward turn in July and August. Lower crude oil prices and feedstock costs, better material availability and higher import volumes are the main reasons for the price decline. Producers attempted to retain as much of the cost reduction as they could in order to swell their profit margins during the first two weeks of August trading. However, prices are likely to have come under further pressure during the last two weeks of August with rebates expected to closely match the cost reduction.