Polyolefins stable to firm / PVC development remains subdued / PS followed the cost of benzene down

摘要

In July 2017, North American PE producers succeeded in keep-ing prices stable despite the fall in the C2 reference price in June, reports PIE's cooperation partner RTi (Fort Worth, Texas / USA; www.resinpros.com), from the US markets. Ethane has become more expensive in North America from the startup of new crackers plus the growth in exports. With falling C2 prices, this hits cracker operators. In August, producers want to raise prices by the USD 66/t they failed to win in July. Furthermore, a first July reference call for C2 shows a fall of around USD 33/t, which means that, on top of weak demand, the motivation to push for price increases is lacking. Some of the new facilities on the US Gulf will begin producing significant volumes in the coming months.