Standard Thermoplastics December 2019: Hardly any movement worth mentioning in December / Bonus purchases partially stabilise demand / Stability expected in January at first glance

摘要

PE: Producers tried in vain in December to factor in the small EUR 10/t rise in the C2 reference, but with the LDPE and LLDPE film grades they had to grant minor concessions. Attempts to pass on the cost increase succeeded only with higher-specified HDPE injection moulding grades. Converters occasionally placed extra orders to obtain bonuses, but otherwise most tried to ensure that stocks remained low at the year's end. Major movements are not expected in January, particularly as the C2 reference contract stayed put. Some producers are keen to hike PE prices in view of lower margins.