European players: ABS supply tightens on uncompetitive imports

ABS players in Europe reported that supplies are tightening in Europe as buyers switch to use local material instead of sourcing from the import market due to uncompetitive prices and limited allocations from Asia. Apart from that, buyers accelerated their purchases amidst further hike expectations for February. Styrene contracts are expected to post increases between €40/ton and €100/ton in February.

A manufacturer from Austria reported closing January deals up €100/ton for West European material. The buyer commented, “There are no delivery issues for the time being. However, European ABS sellers might face some delivery delays in the near term as they are receiving orders more than usual this month on the back of reduced import volumes from Asia. We heard increase expectations calling for €40-70/ton on styrene contracts for February.”

A distributor from Italy stated, “A West European supplier has already closed January order books on better demand for their material. Buyers are turning back to the local market to meet their needs as Asian prices are no longer offering a competitive edge.”

Some Asian producers limited their allocations to Europe as China is offering better netbacks. Another seller from Italy stated, “A South Korean supplier applied €200/ton hikes in January and delayed shipments from their plants to late February, which are expected to arrive in May, claiming that their supplies are rather tight.”

Local ABS prices stand at €1750-1900/ton for extrusion and injection grades on FD Italy, 60 days basis while ABS injection and extrusion prices are quoted at €1790-1920/ton on FD NWE, 60 days.