Engineering Polymers - Europe June 2017

Month: June 2017
	€/ton	€/ton
Polymer	Min	Max
EPS	1310	1370
PA 6	2350	2500
PA 6,6	2700	2850
PC	2500	2600
SAN	1800	1900
PBT	2000	2200
POM	1450	1550
PMMA	2480	2600

EPS prices have changed direction in June after styrene contracts settled €42.5/ton higher from May. Following the settlement, early June EPS offers emerged with increases larger than the monomer increase, yet sellers toned down their hike requests later and EPS deals were concluded €30-40/ton higher compared to May. Regarding supply, a buyer highlighted that EPS availability is slightly tighter from two European producers, who are experiencing production issues. However, other converters reported that EPS availability was good enough to cover the market needs as European producers fulfilled their orders for extra cargoes in the second half of the month. As for July, players anticipate rollovers to €20/ton decreases on the styrene contracts and mostly steady prices for EPS.

PA6 prices were mostly stable in June, with the exception of slight decreases in a few transactions due to improving supply levels. Meanwhile, PA 6,6 prices remained stable as supply was limited and shorter compare to PA6. Sellers added that demand has been good and regular for both PA grades. As for July, players expect a stable outlook for both PA 6 and PA 66, but still they mentioned that caprolactam prices will be a factor to watch as they might exert an upward pressure on PA6 prices if they move higher. As for PA 6,6, a distributor noted that his European supplier will keep its PA6,6 prices stable during the Q3.

PC offers were stable to €50/ton higher in early June; however, many deals were closed at stable levels as hike requests were not accepted in the market. Sellers noted that PC demand has been satisfying and constant in June. Meanwhile, players lamented that delivery issues from European producers persisted in June, but they expect an improvement in PC supplies during the last quarter of 2017. The July outlook is stable to softer.

PBT and POM prices were steady from last month amidst regular demand and balanced supplies. A player noticed that there are more import prices for POM this month, which makes us think that it might be possible to see competitively priced Asian material in the coming months. As for July, players do not anticipate major changes.

PMMA prices also tracked a stable trend in June although supply concerns remained in place. Both sellers and buyers confirmed that deliveries took longer time following MMA supply shortage. The July outlook is stable to firmer considering supply issues.

SAN prices were mostly stable in June following the final styrene contract settlement, which was agreed with €42.5/ton increases from May. European producers were initially targeting slight increases of up to €30/ton on the back of higher styrene costs, but June deals were mostly concluded with rollovers due to the slower SAN demand compare to May. As for July, players anticipate a mostly steady outlook for SAN.

Price ranges reported include an average freight cost to the customers’ location as well as duties if applicable, although VAT is not included.