Even as PVC demand falters prices are on the upswing

摘要

DEMAND FOR POLYVINYL chloride (PVC) continues to be exceptionally weak, with its largest end-use market-housing and construction- mired in recession. Nonetheless, PVC prices, which sank dramatically in recent months, have started inching upwards again, even though there are few signs of recovery in demand. Industry watchers attribute this trend partly to higher feedstock costs. But the main impetus for the hikes, they say, is the recent collapse of prices of caustic soda, a byproduct of chlorine production that is typically sold by large PVC makers and is a mainstay of their business.