1. United States of America
2. Belgium
3. Saudi Arabia
4. Netherlands
5. France
6. Germany
7. Republic of Korea
8. Brazil
9. Qatar
10. Hong Kong, China
Monday, May 30, 2011
Top PVC Exporters in 2010
1. United States of America
2. Germany
3. France
4. Chinese Taipei
5. Japan
6. Republic of Korea
7. Netherlands
8. Belgium
9. Thailand
10. China
2. Germany
3. France
4. Chinese Taipei
5. Japan
6. Republic of Korea
7. Netherlands
8. Belgium
9. Thailand
10. China
Caustic Soda prices
Caustic Soda CFR India prices were hovering in the range of USD 325 – 340 PMT in the month of January 2010, while in February prices gone up & reported at USD 335 – 350 PMT. In March prices firmed up and reported in the range of USD 345 – 360 PMT and in April prices reported in the range of USD 355 – 370 PMT. In current month i.e. May 2011, prices of the product have marked up by USD 15 PMT (4%) as compared to last month & reported in the range of USD 370 – 385 PMT. Prices have firmed up by 13% in May 2011 as compared to Jan 2011 price.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Polystyrene Prices
By PlasticsToday Staff
Published: May 23rd, 2011
Share
According to plastics pricing service ChemOrbis, styrene prices are dropping in Europe and Asia, offering some respite to processors of styrenics-based plastics. In Europe, spot styrene prices have fallen $115/ton (€80/ton) on an FOB NWE basis since the beginning of May, with about half of that drop for this monomer seen in just the past week.
Lower benzene prices in the region, as well as volatile crude oil prices, coupled with supply concerns, especially for general purpose polystyrene (GP-PS), are amongst the main reasons behind this softening, according to ChemOrbis (Istanbul, Turkey). In the spot benzene market, offers fell by $110/ton (€77/ton) when compared to the start of May due to soft demand and higher-than-expected imports into the region.
In Italy's PS market, distributors started to lower their initial May prices in order to generate better buying interest. As a result of this the high end of the spot offers came down slightly, particularly for GPPS, while high impact PS (HIPS) prices still see support from firm butadiene costs despite overall weak demand.
In Asia, spot styrene offers have dropped by $80/ton compared to prices at the beginning of May, with the weekly decrease around $25/ton on an FOB Korea basis. This decrease is caused by slow demand in China, reports ChemOrbis. Further decreases are anticipated given the lower benzene prices in the region amidst fluctuating oil costs. Spot benzene prices are off $110/ton when compared to early May.
Looking at China's PS market, import prices retreated for both dutiable and non-dutiable origins by $10-$20/ton at the low end and they remained stable at the high end of the ranges in this past week. Overall demand is still slow in the country as most buyers expect to see further decreases given the softer upstream costs amidst quiet demand.
Published: May 23rd, 2011
Share
According to plastics pricing service ChemOrbis, styrene prices are dropping in Europe and Asia, offering some respite to processors of styrenics-based plastics. In Europe, spot styrene prices have fallen $115/ton (€80/ton) on an FOB NWE basis since the beginning of May, with about half of that drop for this monomer seen in just the past week.
Lower benzene prices in the region, as well as volatile crude oil prices, coupled with supply concerns, especially for general purpose polystyrene (GP-PS), are amongst the main reasons behind this softening, according to ChemOrbis (Istanbul, Turkey). In the spot benzene market, offers fell by $110/ton (€77/ton) when compared to the start of May due to soft demand and higher-than-expected imports into the region.
In Italy's PS market, distributors started to lower their initial May prices in order to generate better buying interest. As a result of this the high end of the spot offers came down slightly, particularly for GPPS, while high impact PS (HIPS) prices still see support from firm butadiene costs despite overall weak demand.
In Asia, spot styrene offers have dropped by $80/ton compared to prices at the beginning of May, with the weekly decrease around $25/ton on an FOB Korea basis. This decrease is caused by slow demand in China, reports ChemOrbis. Further decreases are anticipated given the lower benzene prices in the region amidst fluctuating oil costs. Spot benzene prices are off $110/ton when compared to early May.
Looking at China's PS market, import prices retreated for both dutiable and non-dutiable origins by $10-$20/ton at the low end and they remained stable at the high end of the ranges in this past week. Overall demand is still slow in the country as most buyers expect to see further decreases given the softer upstream costs amidst quiet demand.
Top Newsprint Suppliers
MALAYSIAN NEWSPRINT INDS.SDN BHD,.
JEONJU PAPER CORP.
KONDOPOGA INTERNATIONAL TRADING GMBH
TRADECOM SERVICES PVT LTD,
CENTRAL NATIONAL GOTTESMAN EUROPE GMBH,
NORSKE SKOG PANASIA CO.PVT LTD.
ARNE VINSDAL A/S,
COOLIBREE GMBH,
BENGTSON TRADING AB
ABITIBI CONSOLIDATED CO.OF CANADA
JEONJU PAPER CORP.
KONDOPOGA INTERNATIONAL TRADING GMBH
TRADECOM SERVICES PVT LTD,
CENTRAL NATIONAL GOTTESMAN EUROPE GMBH,
NORSKE SKOG PANASIA CO.PVT LTD.
ARNE VINSDAL A/S,
COOLIBREE GMBH,
BENGTSON TRADING AB
ABITIBI CONSOLIDATED CO.OF CANADA
Top Kraft Paper Suppliers
• FIRN OVERSEAS PACKAGING LTD
• PT.INDAH KIAT PULP & PAPER TBK
• G.A.PAPER INTERNATIONAL INC
• VISY PAPER PTY LTD,
• FIBRO SOURCE USA INC.
• INTERNATIONAL PAPER CO.
• AMERICAN PAPER EXPORTS
• RACCOLTA MOLNAR & GREINER GMBH.,
• PT.INDAH KIAT PULP & PAPER TBK
• G.A.PAPER INTERNATIONAL INC
• VISY PAPER PTY LTD,
• FIBRO SOURCE USA INC.
• INTERNATIONAL PAPER CO.
• AMERICAN PAPER EXPORTS
• RACCOLTA MOLNAR & GREINER GMBH.,
Top HDPE Suppliers
• Saudi Basic Inds.Corp.
• Qatar Chemical Company
• Q Chem Distribution Co.Ltd.
• Equate Petrochemical Co Ksc
• NCT Middle East
• SCG Plastics Co Ltd
• Sumitomo Chemical Asia Pte Ltd
• Exxonmobil Chemical Asia Pacific P.Ltd
• Emeraude Polymers Dmcc,
• Borouge (P) Ltd,.
• Qatar Chemical Company
• Q Chem Distribution Co.Ltd.
• Equate Petrochemical Co Ksc
• NCT Middle East
• SCG Plastics Co Ltd
• Sumitomo Chemical Asia Pte Ltd
• Exxonmobil Chemical Asia Pacific P.Ltd
• Emeraude Polymers Dmcc,
• Borouge (P) Ltd,.
Top Sugar Suppliers
1. Asociacion De Azucareros De Guatemala.
2. C.I.De Azucares Y Mieles S.A.
3. Cargill Agricola S A.
4. The Thai Sugar Trading Corp Ltd.
5. United Sugar Co.
6. Agrocorp International Pvt Ltd,.
7. Usina Alto Aleegre S.A.
8. Maxwill (Asia) P Ltd,
9. Usina Alta Mogiana S/A
2. C.I.De Azucares Y Mieles S.A.
3. Cargill Agricola S A.
4. The Thai Sugar Trading Corp Ltd.
5. United Sugar Co.
6. Agrocorp International Pvt Ltd,.
7. Usina Alto Aleegre S.A.
8. Maxwill (Asia) P Ltd,
9. Usina Alta Mogiana S/A
Top Steel Wire Suppliers
• Zhejiang Suichang Suigang Metal Products Co Ltd
• Tata Steel Limited,
• Jiaxu International Development Co Ltd,
• Beijing W&M Im & Ex Co Ltd.,
• Hebei Development Metals Co.Ltd.,
• Tata Steel Limited,
• Jiaxu International Development Co Ltd,
• Beijing W&M Im & Ex Co Ltd.,
• Hebei Development Metals Co.Ltd.,
Top Steel Pipe Suppliers
• International Industries Ltd
• Benxi Beitai Ductile Cast Iron Pipes
• Garg Tube Ltd,
• Xinxing Ductile Iron Pipes Co.Ltd.
• Taian Kenuo Profile Steel Co Ltd
• Xuzhou Everbright Sinsing Ductile Iron Pipes Co Ltd.
• Benxi Beitai Ductile Cast Iron Pipes
• Garg Tube Ltd,
• Xinxing Ductile Iron Pipes Co.Ltd.
• Taian Kenuo Profile Steel Co Ltd
• Xuzhou Everbright Sinsing Ductile Iron Pipes Co Ltd.
Top Steel Billet suppliers
• Ann Joo Steel Berhad
• S.A.Metal & Machinery Co Pty L
• Duferco Asia (P) Ltd
• Stemcor Uk Ltd
• Tradeline L.L.C.
• Valency Intl.Trd.Pvt Ltd.
• Jai Balaji Ind.Ltd.
• S.A.Metal & Machinery Co Pty L
• Duferco Asia (P) Ltd
• Stemcor Uk Ltd
• Tradeline L.L.C.
• Valency Intl.Trd.Pvt Ltd.
• Jai Balaji Ind.Ltd.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Fertilizer prices, DAP prices, MAP prices, urea prices,
OMAHA (DTN) - Fertilizer prices tracked by DTN for the third week of May 2011 show very little movement in either direction with the continuing exception being 10-34-0. Retailers report farmers are beginning to think about next year's crop fertilizer needs even as they continue to plant this year's crop.
Starter again leads the way higher, up 6 percent compared to one month earlier. The starter fertilizer had an average price of $824 per ton.
The remaining seven fertilizers were up just slightly compared to the third week of April. DAP had an average price of $677/ton, MAP $706/ton, potash $602/ton, urea $493/ton, anhydrous $747/ton, UAN28 $374/ton and UAN32 $429/ton.
On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.54/lb.N, anhydrous $0.46/lb.N, UAN28 $0.67/lb.N and UAN32 $0.67/lb.N.
Starter again leads the way higher, up 6 percent compared to one month earlier. The starter fertilizer had an average price of $824 per ton.
The remaining seven fertilizers were up just slightly compared to the third week of April. DAP had an average price of $677/ton, MAP $706/ton, potash $602/ton, urea $493/ton, anhydrous $747/ton, UAN28 $374/ton and UAN32 $429/ton.
On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.54/lb.N, anhydrous $0.46/lb.N, UAN28 $0.67/lb.N and UAN32 $0.67/lb.N.
Butadiene rubber prices, butadiene prices
London (Platts)--25May2011/905 am EDT/1305 GMT
The global butadiene market is currently enjoying record high prices, with the US Gulf Coast, Europe and Asia all trading at previously unseen price levels in recent weeks.
Yet there were signs of a potential fall in the global value of butadiene as Asian sources reported weakening Chinese demand this week, while there were fears in the US Gulf Coast market that imported natural rubber demand could dampen previous strong demand for butadiene.
All three major regions have been trading at all-time highs. For the week ending May 20 spot CIF US Gulf Coast prices closed at 192.50 cents/pound ($4,232/mt). This compared with a spot price of 108 cents/lb on May 21, 2010, when the market was also considered as tight. In Europe, the FOB Rotterdam market closed at Eur2,795/mt ($3,932/mt) Tuesday versus Eur1,695/mt this time last year. Meanwhile the FOB Korea market was valued at $3,799/mt at close May 20, $1,598/mt higher than the same time last year.
But sources in Asia have recently begun to report a slowdown in Chinese buying, with demand falling from the onset of May as the market has become well-supplied, said local sources. An end-user was offered a 1,500 mt spot cargo from Sinopec Maoming for about $3,450-3,500/mt CFR China last week and there were few parties interested in the parcel. The spot cargo was in the market for more than a week, the end-user said.
The global butadiene market is currently enjoying record high prices, with the US Gulf Coast, Europe and Asia all trading at previously unseen price levels in recent weeks.
Yet there were signs of a potential fall in the global value of butadiene as Asian sources reported weakening Chinese demand this week, while there were fears in the US Gulf Coast market that imported natural rubber demand could dampen previous strong demand for butadiene.
All three major regions have been trading at all-time highs. For the week ending May 20 spot CIF US Gulf Coast prices closed at 192.50 cents/pound ($4,232/mt). This compared with a spot price of 108 cents/lb on May 21, 2010, when the market was also considered as tight. In Europe, the FOB Rotterdam market closed at Eur2,795/mt ($3,932/mt) Tuesday versus Eur1,695/mt this time last year. Meanwhile the FOB Korea market was valued at $3,799/mt at close May 20, $1,598/mt higher than the same time last year.
But sources in Asia have recently begun to report a slowdown in Chinese buying, with demand falling from the onset of May as the market has become well-supplied, said local sources. An end-user was offered a 1,500 mt spot cargo from Sinopec Maoming for about $3,450-3,500/mt CFR China last week and there were few parties interested in the parcel. The spot cargo was in the market for more than a week, the end-user said.
kraftliner prices, testliner prices, fluting paper prices
Kraftliner: brown, 175 g/m2 (grams per square meter)
Kraftliner: (white top layer), 135-140 g/m2
Testliner 2: brown, 140-150 g/m2
Testliner 3: brown, 140-150 g/m2
RB Fluting: brown, 100-105 g/m2
Kraftliner: (white top layer), 135-140 g/m2
Testliner 2: brown, 140-150 g/m2
Testliner 3: brown, 140-150 g/m2
RB Fluting: brown, 100-105 g/m2
Offset paper prices, woodfree paper prices, magazine paper prices
LWC: Light-weight coated magazine paper.
Coated WF: Coated woodfree paper.
A4 B-copy paper: 80 g/m2 sheets.
Coated WF: Coated woodfree paper.
A4 B-copy paper: 80 g/m2 sheets.
Kraft paper prices
NBSK: long-fiber northern bleached softwood kraft pulp.
BHK: short-fiber beech hardwood kraft pulp (in the Nordic countries, birch pulp).
BHK: short-fiber beech hardwood kraft pulp (in the Nordic countries, birch pulp).
Cotton prices
SINGAPORE: Cotton prices have nearly doubled in the last 12 months, and clothes are set to become more expensive. But to keep a lid on costs, fashion retailers are increasingly looking to use more polyester as a substitute in garment production.
Analysts said that global supply of cotton is on a decline but demand for the commodity has shot up mainly from increased consumerism in China. Supply pressures from floods in cotton producing areas such Pakistan and Queensland, Australia this year have also added to price woes.
In the last 12 months, cotton prices nearly doubled to US$1.54 from US$0.80 per pound in May 2010. It rose to an all time high of US$2.04 per pound in March.
Since retailers are not likely to absorb all the price increases, the majority of higher cotton costs will be passed on to consumers.
Analysts said that global supply of cotton is on a decline but demand for the commodity has shot up mainly from increased consumerism in China. Supply pressures from floods in cotton producing areas such Pakistan and Queensland, Australia this year have also added to price woes.
In the last 12 months, cotton prices nearly doubled to US$1.54 from US$0.80 per pound in May 2010. It rose to an all time high of US$2.04 per pound in March.
Since retailers are not likely to absorb all the price increases, the majority of higher cotton costs will be passed on to consumers.
LDPE prices, LLDPE prices, HDPE prices
Houston (Platts)--23May2011/548 pm EDT/2148 GMT
Resin offers from Asia to Latin America could push producers to reduce polyethylene and polypropylene offers for June, market sources said Monday.
A source at Brazilian producer Braskem said the company could drop polyethylene offers next month to improve demand and better compete with the international market.
"We are still studying a possible offer price reduction, mainly on LDPE for Mercosur (Paraguay, Uruguay and Bolivia) because we know offers coming from Asia are cheaper, and we lost some deals because of that," the source said.
In early May, Braskem increased polyethylene offers to Paraguay, Uruguay and Bolivia by $100/mt and polypropylene by $150/mt. The hikes put Brazilian PE offers at $1,800/mt CFR for HDPE injection, blowmolding and film, $1,800/mt CFR for LLDPE butene and at $1,900/mt CFR for hexene. LDPE offers were herd at $2,250/mt CFR.
Resin offers from Asia to Latin America could push producers to reduce polyethylene and polypropylene offers for June, market sources said Monday.
A source at Brazilian producer Braskem said the company could drop polyethylene offers next month to improve demand and better compete with the international market.
"We are still studying a possible offer price reduction, mainly on LDPE for Mercosur (Paraguay, Uruguay and Bolivia) because we know offers coming from Asia are cheaper, and we lost some deals because of that," the source said.
In early May, Braskem increased polyethylene offers to Paraguay, Uruguay and Bolivia by $100/mt and polypropylene by $150/mt. The hikes put Brazilian PE offers at $1,800/mt CFR for HDPE injection, blowmolding and film, $1,800/mt CFR for LLDPE butene and at $1,900/mt CFR for hexene. LDPE offers were herd at $2,250/mt CFR.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Top LLDPE suppliers
• SAUDI BASIC INDUSTIES CORP.
• EQUATE PETROCHEMICAL CO
• QATAR PETROCHEMICAL CO.LTD.
• SCG PERFORMANCE CHEMICALS CO LTD
• SUMITOMO CHEMICAL ASIA PTE LTD
• EQUATE PETROCHEMICAL CO
• QATAR PETROCHEMICAL CO.LTD.
• SCG PERFORMANCE CHEMICALS CO LTD
• SUMITOMO CHEMICAL ASIA PTE LTD
Top PVC Suppliers
• ITOCHU CORP
• PT.ASAHIMAS CHEMICAL
• MARUBENI CORP.
• THAI PLASTIC & CHEMICALS PUBLI CO LTD
• FORMOSA PLASTICS CORP
• SINGAPORE POLYMER CORP (Pte) LTD
• PT.ASAHIMAS CHEMICAL
• MARUBENI CORP.
• THAI PLASTIC & CHEMICALS PUBLI CO LTD
• FORMOSA PLASTICS CORP
• SINGAPORE POLYMER CORP (Pte) LTD
Top Steel Billet Suppliers
• ANN JOO STEEL BERHAD
• S.A.METAL & MACHINERY CO PTY L
• DUFERCO ASIA (P) LTD
• STEMCOR UK LTD
• TRADELINE L.L.C.
• S.A.METAL & MACHINERY CO PTY L
• DUFERCO ASIA (P) LTD
• STEMCOR UK LTD
• TRADELINE L.L.C.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Cocoa Prices
Cocoa futures may extend a slide to the lowest price since July 2009 as Cargill Inc. and Barry Callebaut AG (BARN) resume exports from Ivory Coast, the world’s biggest producer.
Prices will drop to as low as $2,525 a metric ton by the end of December, down 13 percent from the May 20 close of $2,902, according to the average estimate of seven analysts in a Bloomberg survey. Cocoa has slumped 23 percent since reaching a 32-year high on March 4, when a civil war in Ivory Coast disrupted exports. Investors also are exiting, with bullish bets by speculators dropping last week by the most in eight months.
Prices will drop to as low as $2,525 a metric ton by the end of December, down 13 percent from the May 20 close of $2,902, according to the average estimate of seven analysts in a Bloomberg survey. Cocoa has slumped 23 percent since reaching a 32-year high on March 4, when a civil war in Ivory Coast disrupted exports. Investors also are exiting, with bullish bets by speculators dropping last week by the most in eight months.
Sugar prices
Crystal sugar dropped to an eight- month low in Brazil, the world’s largest sugar producer, on stepped-up local output.
The Cepea/Esalq crystal sugar index fell to 58.21 reais ($35.61) a 50-kilogram (110 pounds) bag on May 20, data from Cepea, a University of Sao Paulo research group, and compiled by Bloomberg showed. That was the lowest level since Sept. 17. The crystal variety, used to make soft drinks, chocolate and dough, accounts for 68 percent of all sugar sold in Brazil.
The Cepea/Esalq crystal sugar index fell to 58.21 reais ($35.61) a 50-kilogram (110 pounds) bag on May 20, data from Cepea, a University of Sao Paulo research group, and compiled by Bloomberg showed. That was the lowest level since Sept. 17. The crystal variety, used to make soft drinks, chocolate and dough, accounts for 68 percent of all sugar sold in Brazil.
Palm Oil prices
Palm oil declined, ending the longest rally in more than two months, as falling crude oil prices reduced the appeal of the commodity as a source of biofuel.
The August-delivery contract declined as much as 1.2 percent to 3,348 ringgit ($1,094) per metric ton on the Malaysia Derivatives Exchange, and settled at 3,355 ringgit. Palm oil had risen for five sessions to May 20.
The August-delivery contract declined as much as 1.2 percent to 3,348 ringgit ($1,094) per metric ton on the Malaysia Derivatives Exchange, and settled at 3,355 ringgit. Palm oil had risen for five sessions to May 20.
Rice prices
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)has forecast world rice production to reach 480 million tons in 2011, up 3% from last year on improved weather conditions.
Mohanty estimated current global rice inventory to be 25 million tons above levels seen two years ago, when the price of the staple hit record highs of $1,080 a ton in April 2008.
The benchmark Thai 100 percent B white rice fell by around 10% from around $548 to $550 in January this year and was pegged at $500 per ton this week.
Mohanty estimated current global rice inventory to be 25 million tons above levels seen two years ago, when the price of the staple hit record highs of $1,080 a ton in April 2008.
The benchmark Thai 100 percent B white rice fell by around 10% from around $548 to $550 in January this year and was pegged at $500 per ton this week.
Toluene prices, Xylene prices
Houston (Platts)--23May2011/318 pm EDT/1918 GMT
Asian toluene prices sank Monday with the FOB Korea marker assessed down $11/mt from last Friday at $1,055.50/mt as feedstock naphtha prices fell $9.13/mt over the same period to $945/mt on a CFR Japan basis. On Friday, the FOB US Gulf toluene was assessed at 379 cents/gallon, or $1,152.16/mt. The FOB USG-FOB Korea spread stood at $85.66/mt Friday, the lowest seen since April 21, when it was $83.62/mt
Asian isomer-grade mixed xylenes were lower Monday at $1,181.50/mt FOB Korea, down $5/mt from last Friday amid weak upstream markets. European xylene prices slumped $68/mt or 5.3% Friday from a week earlier to $1,222/mt FOB Rotterdam on the back of lower global sentiment, tracking similar trends in the US and Asia.
Asian toluene prices sank Monday with the FOB Korea marker assessed down $11/mt from last Friday at $1,055.50/mt as feedstock naphtha prices fell $9.13/mt over the same period to $945/mt on a CFR Japan basis. On Friday, the FOB US Gulf toluene was assessed at 379 cents/gallon, or $1,152.16/mt. The FOB USG-FOB Korea spread stood at $85.66/mt Friday, the lowest seen since April 21, when it was $83.62/mt
Asian isomer-grade mixed xylenes were lower Monday at $1,181.50/mt FOB Korea, down $5/mt from last Friday amid weak upstream markets. European xylene prices slumped $68/mt or 5.3% Friday from a week earlier to $1,222/mt FOB Rotterdam on the back of lower global sentiment, tracking similar trends in the US and Asia.
TITANIUM DIOXIDE PRICES
WILMINGTON, Del., May 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Effective July 1, 2011, DuPont Titanium Technologies announces a net price increase of $500 (USD) per metric ton for all DuPont™ Ti-Pure® titanium dioxide grades (TiO2) sold in Asia Pacific with the exception of grades specific to plastics and laminates applications whose net price will increase by $800 per metric ton (USD).
PP PRICES
In Asia, PP prices started the week with decreases as domestic sellers in China, Indonesia and Vietnam cut prices in response to poor demand and softening propylene feedstock costs, as per Chemorbis. Sellers complain of inadequacy of price cuts to revive demand as buyers expect further price declines in the days ahead. Converters report recent unsatisfactory demand for their end products as they operate with sufficient stock levels to cover their immediate needs.
Inside China, a major domestic producer began the week by announcing decreases of CNY200-250/ton (US$31-38/ton) for homo-PP and CNY350/ton (US$54/ton) for PP block copolymer, citing lackluster demand and falling propylene feedstock prices. A distributor commented that news of producer’s price cuts has further dampened buying interest, expressing willingness to negotiate prices with buyers’ firm bids. A converter of manufacturing woven bags expresses purchasing small amounts of material from the local market in anticipation of further price decreases in the days ahead, adding that currently local prices are more attractive than import prices. When taking customs duties as well as an estimated US$30/ton for clearing and handling charges into account, domestic PP prices are currently trading with a discount of approximately US$90-110/ton when compared with the prevailing import prices, suggesting that import sellers will face additional downward pressure in the days ahead.
In Indonesia, domestic producers conceded to price reductions of US$70-80/ton on homo-PP prices at the start of this week, bringing new price levels near the prevailing offer levels from the distribution market, which had been trading with a discount of around US$60-90/ton when compared with the producer price level for the past few weeks. Converters in Indonesia do not plan to make any new purchases for the present even after these price reductions as demand for their end products has been disappointing and their stock of previously-purchased higher cost raw materials will work for the present.
In Vietnam, distributors reported reducing their offers for both domestic and locally-held import cargoes by US$19-24/ton at the start of this week in the face of persistently sluggish demand from the local market. Converters within the region also reported receiving export offers for Vietnamese origins with decreases of US$20/ton from the past week given weakening propylene feedstock costs and lower prices for locally-held cargoes.
Inside China, a major domestic producer began the week by announcing decreases of CNY200-250/ton (US$31-38/ton) for homo-PP and CNY350/ton (US$54/ton) for PP block copolymer, citing lackluster demand and falling propylene feedstock prices. A distributor commented that news of producer’s price cuts has further dampened buying interest, expressing willingness to negotiate prices with buyers’ firm bids. A converter of manufacturing woven bags expresses purchasing small amounts of material from the local market in anticipation of further price decreases in the days ahead, adding that currently local prices are more attractive than import prices. When taking customs duties as well as an estimated US$30/ton for clearing and handling charges into account, domestic PP prices are currently trading with a discount of approximately US$90-110/ton when compared with the prevailing import prices, suggesting that import sellers will face additional downward pressure in the days ahead.
In Indonesia, domestic producers conceded to price reductions of US$70-80/ton on homo-PP prices at the start of this week, bringing new price levels near the prevailing offer levels from the distribution market, which had been trading with a discount of around US$60-90/ton when compared with the producer price level for the past few weeks. Converters in Indonesia do not plan to make any new purchases for the present even after these price reductions as demand for their end products has been disappointing and their stock of previously-purchased higher cost raw materials will work for the present.
In Vietnam, distributors reported reducing their offers for both domestic and locally-held import cargoes by US$19-24/ton at the start of this week in the face of persistently sluggish demand from the local market. Converters within the region also reported receiving export offers for Vietnamese origins with decreases of US$20/ton from the past week given weakening propylene feedstock costs and lower prices for locally-held cargoes.
PVC PRICES
In Asia, producers wait to announce import PVC prices to China for June, as they feel uncertain about the market outlook for the coming month owing to volatile upstream costs and a recent outage at Formosa’s petrochemical complex in Mailiao, Taiwan, as per Chemorbis. Players are divided as to the likely impact of Formosa’s outage on PVC supply in the coming month. PVC prices were pushed higher in April and May owing to persistent PVC and VCM shortages following the March 11 earthquake in Japan, Asia’s largest VCM producer. Players in Southeast Asia report that VCM shortages within the region are beginning to ease this week while traders in China say that Japanese PVC producers are set to return to the market soon after having been largely absent from the market for the past two months.
May import PVC business for Asian origins to China has been mostly concluded with increases of US$40-75/ton from the April done deal level. Earlier this month, players had predicted that June import offers would be initially announced with increases of around US$20/ton from May done deal level. The expected June increases were questioned towards the middle of the month as crude oil prices declined below the US$100/barrel threshold to hover between US$96-103/barrel after beginning the month above US$113/barrel on the Nymex. The recent outage at Formosa’s Mailiao complex has renewed expectations of higher prices for June, with most players currently predict initial June offers to be announced early next week with rollovers to increases of up to US$20/ton from May done deal levels.
PVC demand has been relatively strong within China over the past month, with most converters increasing raw material purchases in accordance with the impending high season in the construction sector. Demand has faltered a bit this week as lower futures prices for PVC and carbide have encouraged buyers to adopt a wait and watch approach for the near term in a bid to get a clearer idea of the market direction. Although demand for end products is picking up, converters complain of operating with reduced margins owing to persistently rising raw material prices.
In Southeast Asia, local PVC prices for June are expected to be stable to softer from May as supply concerns are beginning to ease within the region, while demand has begun to stall as the upcoming rainy season in the region is expected to depress demand while buyers are also hesitant to purchase owing to the widespread uncertainty as to the future market direction. Import prices have lost ground on the higher end of the range over the past two weeks as sellers have had to step back on prices now that supply is loosening in the region, while traders offering at the lower end of the range are no longer willing to give discounts on their offers given the present uncertainty as to the medium term supply outlook.
May import PVC business for Asian origins to China has been mostly concluded with increases of US$40-75/ton from the April done deal level. Earlier this month, players had predicted that June import offers would be initially announced with increases of around US$20/ton from May done deal level. The expected June increases were questioned towards the middle of the month as crude oil prices declined below the US$100/barrel threshold to hover between US$96-103/barrel after beginning the month above US$113/barrel on the Nymex. The recent outage at Formosa’s Mailiao complex has renewed expectations of higher prices for June, with most players currently predict initial June offers to be announced early next week with rollovers to increases of up to US$20/ton from May done deal levels.
PVC demand has been relatively strong within China over the past month, with most converters increasing raw material purchases in accordance with the impending high season in the construction sector. Demand has faltered a bit this week as lower futures prices for PVC and carbide have encouraged buyers to adopt a wait and watch approach for the near term in a bid to get a clearer idea of the market direction. Although demand for end products is picking up, converters complain of operating with reduced margins owing to persistently rising raw material prices.
In Southeast Asia, local PVC prices for June are expected to be stable to softer from May as supply concerns are beginning to ease within the region, while demand has begun to stall as the upcoming rainy season in the region is expected to depress demand while buyers are also hesitant to purchase owing to the widespread uncertainty as to the future market direction. Import prices have lost ground on the higher end of the range over the past two weeks as sellers have had to step back on prices now that supply is loosening in the region, while traders offering at the lower end of the range are no longer willing to give discounts on their offers given the present uncertainty as to the medium term supply outlook.
Friday, May 20, 2011
coated magazine paper, woodfree paper and copy paper prices in Euro
LWC: Light-weight coated magazine paper.
Coated WF: Coated woodfree paper.
A4 B-copy paper: 80 g/m2 sheets.
Kraft Paper prices in USD
NBSK: long-fiber northern bleached softwood kraft pulp.
BHK: short-fiber beech hardwood kraft pulp (in the Nordic countries, birch pulp).
Steel wire rod prices
Indonesia-based Krakatau Steel has increased wire rod prices for end-May deliveries, traders told MB. Krakatau Steel is offering material at 7,500-7,600 rupiah per kg ($879-891 per tonne), including 10% goods and services tax for delivery, up from 7,300-7,350 rupiah per kg for delivery in the first two weeks of May
Titanium Dioxide Prices
CRANBURY, NEW JERSEY - May 19, 2011 - Kronos Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: KRO) today announced a price increase for all titanium dioxide products sold in North America.
Effective July 1, 2011, or as permitted by contract, prices for all Kronos® titanium dioxide products sold in North America will be increased by 15 cents per pound.
This increase is in addition to the increases previously announced.
Kronos Worldwide, Inc. is a major international producer of titanium dioxide products.
Contact: H. Joseph Maas, President, Sales and Marketing, (609) 860-6200
Effective July 1, 2011, or as permitted by contract, prices for all Kronos® titanium dioxide products sold in North America will be increased by 15 cents per pound.
This increase is in addition to the increases previously announced.
Kronos Worldwide, Inc. is a major international producer of titanium dioxide products.
Contact: H. Joseph Maas, President, Sales and Marketing, (609) 860-6200
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
PP, PE prices
GUANGZHOU (ICIS)--China’s polyethylene (PE) import demand may weaken further in the coming months because of high import prices that will deter buyers, industry sources said on Tuesday.
“The domestic retail PE prices have fallen quite a lot in the past weeks, but import prices have not fallen by as much. Hence, many processors prefer to buy from the retail market, rather than import cargoes,” a source with a Middle Eastern PE producer said.
The benchmark linear low density PE (LLDPE) was on average selling at yuan (CNY) 10,800/tonne ($1,659/tonne) EXWH (ex-warehouse) on 13 May, CNY350/tonne or 3.1% lower from mid-April, according to data from Chemease, an ICIS service in China.
The import cost of LLDPE was at least $35/tonne (€25/tonne) higher than current retail prices, local traders said.
The average retail price of injection grade polypropylene (PP) rose to CNY12,675/tonne EXWH on 13 May, up by CNY225/tonne or 1.8% from mid-April, but still lagged behind import costs, local traders said.
The benchmark injection grade PP is being offered from Asia at around $1,680/tonne CFR (cost & freight) China for June shipment, around $133/tonne higher than current retail prices.
China imported less PE and PP in March this year as a result of the high import costs, local traders said.
China imported around 230,000 tonnes of LLDPE and about 330,000 tonnes of homopolymer PP in March, which were 14% and 9% lower compared with the same month last year, according to China’s customs data.
China’s domestic retail polyolefins market has been weak since early this year mainly because of the government’s efforts to curb inflation by tightening credit lines, local traders said.
Naphtha-based PE and PP producers in northeast and southeast Asia said they could not reduce their price offers to China, despite the weak demand, because they were grappling with high naphtha and feedstock costs.
Some northeast Asian PE producers had said they would consider cutting production in May or June if regional PE prices do not catch up with rising spot ethylene prices.
Thailand’s PTT Chemical said it was considering cutting production in May or June because of low margins.
Taiwan’s Formosa Plastics Corp cut its PP production at its facilities at Mailiao by 25% in May because of squeezed margins.
More Asian producers may be forced to cut production if the June import prices of PE and PP fail to catch up with the propylene and ethylene feedstock prices, a northeast Asian producer said.
Asian producers typically need spot polyolefins to be priced at least $100/tonne above olefins to continue making resins, he said.
Spot ethylene and propylene were assessed at $1,355/tonne and $1,595/tonne on 16 May on a CFR northeast Asia basis, according to ICIS.
Traders’ offers for the benchmark LLDPE and yarn grade PP were at $1,350-1,380/tonne CFR China and $1,630-1,650/tonne CFR China, respectively, on 16 May, according to local traders.
Price discussions for June shipments of PE and PP are expected to be revved up during the four-day Chinaplas exhibition in Guangzhou, China, which begins on 17 May.
($1 = CNY6.51, $1 = €0.70)
“The domestic retail PE prices have fallen quite a lot in the past weeks, but import prices have not fallen by as much. Hence, many processors prefer to buy from the retail market, rather than import cargoes,” a source with a Middle Eastern PE producer said.
The benchmark linear low density PE (LLDPE) was on average selling at yuan (CNY) 10,800/tonne ($1,659/tonne) EXWH (ex-warehouse) on 13 May, CNY350/tonne or 3.1% lower from mid-April, according to data from Chemease, an ICIS service in China.
The import cost of LLDPE was at least $35/tonne (€25/tonne) higher than current retail prices, local traders said.
The average retail price of injection grade polypropylene (PP) rose to CNY12,675/tonne EXWH on 13 May, up by CNY225/tonne or 1.8% from mid-April, but still lagged behind import costs, local traders said.
The benchmark injection grade PP is being offered from Asia at around $1,680/tonne CFR (cost & freight) China for June shipment, around $133/tonne higher than current retail prices.
China imported less PE and PP in March this year as a result of the high import costs, local traders said.
China imported around 230,000 tonnes of LLDPE and about 330,000 tonnes of homopolymer PP in March, which were 14% and 9% lower compared with the same month last year, according to China’s customs data.
China’s domestic retail polyolefins market has been weak since early this year mainly because of the government’s efforts to curb inflation by tightening credit lines, local traders said.
Naphtha-based PE and PP producers in northeast and southeast Asia said they could not reduce their price offers to China, despite the weak demand, because they were grappling with high naphtha and feedstock costs.
Some northeast Asian PE producers had said they would consider cutting production in May or June if regional PE prices do not catch up with rising spot ethylene prices.
Thailand’s PTT Chemical said it was considering cutting production in May or June because of low margins.
Taiwan’s Formosa Plastics Corp cut its PP production at its facilities at Mailiao by 25% in May because of squeezed margins.
More Asian producers may be forced to cut production if the June import prices of PE and PP fail to catch up with the propylene and ethylene feedstock prices, a northeast Asian producer said.
Asian producers typically need spot polyolefins to be priced at least $100/tonne above olefins to continue making resins, he said.
Spot ethylene and propylene were assessed at $1,355/tonne and $1,595/tonne on 16 May on a CFR northeast Asia basis, according to ICIS.
Traders’ offers for the benchmark LLDPE and yarn grade PP were at $1,350-1,380/tonne CFR China and $1,630-1,650/tonne CFR China, respectively, on 16 May, according to local traders.
Price discussions for June shipments of PE and PP are expected to be revved up during the four-day Chinaplas exhibition in Guangzhou, China, which begins on 17 May.
($1 = CNY6.51, $1 = €0.70)
Friday, May 06, 2011
Palm oil prices
CRUDE palm oil (CPO) futures contracts on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives ended lower yesterday on continued weakness in external demand, dealers said.
The dealers said most buyers adopted a wait-and-see attitude and some chose to exit the market in view of less demand while supply increased.
May and June fell RM10 each to RM3,375 and RM3,275 a tonne respectively, July decreased RM34 to RM3,195 and August declined RM38 to RM 3,187.
The dealers said most buyers adopted a wait-and-see attitude and some chose to exit the market in view of less demand while supply increased.
May and June fell RM10 each to RM3,375 and RM3,275 a tonne respectively, July decreased RM34 to RM3,195 and August declined RM38 to RM 3,187.
Thursday, May 05, 2011
PVC Prices
In China’s import market, May business for mainstream Asian origins was settled last week at prices US$20-75/ton higher than April done deal levels, which had settled with US$65-110/ton increases from March. For June business, players are currently predicting that producers will announce initial June prices with increases of around US$20/ton from May as supply from Japan is expected to ease in the coming month and local availability remains sufficient
Sugar prices
The decline in sugar prices has been attributed to improved hopes for supplies, with Thailand, the world's second-ranked sugar exporter, expected to achieve record output of 9.0m tonnes in 2010-11.
Indonesia is forecasting a 16% rise to 2.6m tonnes in sugar output, while top exporter Brazil is gearing up for peak production.
ABN Amro said that the sugar market "has the feeling of coming to the end of a bullish period".
New York's July contract stood at 21.00 cents in late deals, down 1.6% on the day. London white sugar for August closed down 1.7% at $582.30 a tonne.
Indonesia is forecasting a 16% rise to 2.6m tonnes in sugar output, while top exporter Brazil is gearing up for peak production.
ABN Amro said that the sugar market "has the feeling of coming to the end of a bullish period".
New York's July contract stood at 21.00 cents in late deals, down 1.6% on the day. London white sugar for August closed down 1.7% at $582.30 a tonne.
titanium dioxide prices
DuPont Titanium Technologies, a part of EI DuPont de Nemours & Co. (DD - Analyst Report), announced a net price increase of 250 Euros per metric tonne, for all DuPont™ Ti-Pure® titanium dioxide (TiO2) grades of all countries in which invoicing is in Euro, namely the countries of Western and Central Europe and the North African region. The price increase comes into effect from June 1, 2011.
DuPont Titanium Technologies also announced price increase of $500 per metric tonne for all DuPont™ Ti-Pure® titanium dioxide (TiO2) grades of all countries in which invoicing is in U.S. dollar, namely the countries of Eastern Europe, Middle East and the Sub-Saharan African region.
DuPont Titanium Technologies also announced price increase of $500 per metric tonne for all DuPont™ Ti-Pure® titanium dioxide (TiO2) grades of all countries in which invoicing is in U.S. dollar, namely the countries of Eastern Europe, Middle East and the Sub-Saharan African region.
Palm oil prices
Palm oil for the July-delivery contract advanced by 0.8% to $1,102 a metric tonne on the Malaysia Derivatives Exchange.
Steel Billet Prices
April 29
Reuters reported that Black Sea region billet prices rose this week as traders cited solid demand that looked set to continue as consumers restocked.
Traders said that Black Sea billet sold at USD 600 per tonne USD 640 per tonne free on board Russia and Ukraine this week, above last week's USD 585 per tonne to 605 per tonne. The price is increasing at the moment. We'll see some more increases in the next couple of weeks. Everybody will have to restock, and this is bringing additional demand.
Reuters reported that Black Sea region billet prices rose this week as traders cited solid demand that looked set to continue as consumers restocked.
Traders said that Black Sea billet sold at USD 600 per tonne USD 640 per tonne free on board Russia and Ukraine this week, above last week's USD 585 per tonne to 605 per tonne. The price is increasing at the moment. We'll see some more increases in the next couple of weeks. Everybody will have to restock, and this is bringing additional demand.
Prices of unsaturated polyester resins and vinyl ester resins
Momentive Specialty Chemicals Inc has announced a price increase for its unsaturated polyester resins and vinyl ester resins sold in North America.
The price increase is US$0.08/lb will take place on 16 May 2011
The price increase is US$0.08/lb will take place on 16 May 2011
Polypropylene prices increase
AKRON, OHIO (April 28, 3 p.m. ET) -- The North American polypropylene market has been hammered with another double-digit price increase, this time sending prices up an average of 15 cents per pound since April 1.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)