Standard thermoplastics April 2020: Large decreases predominate / Producers attempt to limit damage / Mostly equal passing on of falls in feedstock costs / Demand is variable

摘要

PE: The PE market in Western Europe presented a varied picture in April. Demand fluctuated depending on the application. Buyers were focused on coronavirus-related products, especially for the food, pharmaceuticals and hygiene sectors. Producers tried to limit to EUR 80/t the share of the drop in the C2 contract passed on to customers. Converters of HD pipe grades could win almost the full cost reduction due to the oversupply. Producers with a strong presence in locked-down Southern Europe were sitting on material. The C2 contract was fixed EUR 100/t lower for May. Producers' attempts to limit the share they pass on are being helped by measures to control supply, especially with LLDPE (C8) materials. In May, this could be extended to C4 and C6 grades.