Subdued sales thwart sellers’price hike plans

摘要

In May,European standard thermoplastic prices continued on a rising trend as higher crude oil and naphtha prices fed through into petrochemical feedstock costs.Polymer producers initially called for price hikes exceeding the rise in their cost base to extend profit margins.However,polymer demand was relatively subdued for most of the month and sellers found it difficult to meet their pricing goals.L/LDPE prices increased by slightly more than the €30/tonne rise in ethylene costs as a result of material tightness,but by much less than producers initially wanted.HDPE prices,on the other hand,increased by less than IV LDPE as HDPE availability is considered more comfortable.