Plasticizers - Europe November 2016

In Italy, plasticizers market witnessed notable hikes during the month of November on the back of supply issues stemming from the explosion at BASF. The price ranges are quoted at €1070-1200/ton for DINP and DIDP and at €1030-1100/ton for DOTP, FD Italy, 60 days deferred payment. Sellers had a chance to sell at the high end of the DINP and DIDP ranges to the regular customers from BASF as they lacked material this month.

A distributor reported selling West European DINP and DIDP with increases of up to €110/ton for November. The distributor commented, “Usual DINP buyers prefer to switch to DOTP this month given the supply shortness from BASF and therefore DOTP prices posted some increases as well in line with the improving demand. We expect further increases on December prices as the impact of the short supplies is likely to persist until January.”

A plasticizers producer concluded November deals for DINP and DIDP with €100-150/ton increases from last month. The producer added, “Supply in the market tightened significantly following the explosion at BASF and we have already sold out. Supply shortness is expected to last at least for 2 or 3 months.”

An agent based in Switzerland reported that producers will try to apply additional increases or maintain their levels in December.

In the import market, South Korean DINP was offered within the range of €1090-1150/ton DDP, 60 days. For DOTP, South Korean cargoes were offered at €1025-1080/ton with the same terms. Turkish material was dealt at €1040/ton DDP, 60 days.