Industry Analysis- US Methanol Prices Climb to Highest in Five Years

摘要

The U.S. spot methanol assessment reached US$1.67 Nov. 26, its highest level in more than five years. Global supply pressure exacerbated by a handful of shutdowns and both planned and unplanned maintenance turnarounds has supported higher prices. Prices have trended higher in the interim across North American, Asian and European regions, reflecting a growing demand for the product. Factors contributing to the higher prices include gas supply curtailments in Trinidad and the Brazilian government's recent decision to extend the suspension of import duties on methanol. Variations in spot and contract pricing may also factor in the climbing prices. Methanex, the world's largest methanol producer, set its FOB US Gulf December contract pricing to US$1.90 a gallon. The U.S. has thus been the most expensive region for purchasing methanol since early November. U.S. methanol prices have remained fairly high throughout 2013.