Plasticizers - Europe H2 November 2018

In the plasticizers market, November deals have been concluded with large increases this month, confirming the initial hike expectations amid limited supply given the force majeure still in force at two producers’ sites. In Northwest Europe, demand was quite solid despite the high local prices, while in the south of the region the market was more stagnant due to weak demand stemming by the notable increases in plasticizers prices.

The overall price ranges for the second half of November are quoted at €1350-1550/ton for DINP and DIDP and at €1300-1400/ton for DOTP FD, 60 days.

Sellers concur on the fact that November business wrapped up with sharp increases in line with the initial hike attempts. A trader of a Central European producer said, “The market is not bad in West and Central Europe as demand is responsive. In fact, we have already covered our sales up until February. However, the situation is different in Southern Europe as the market is stagnant amid limited supply and weak demand.” A producer commented that the logistics issues affecting the Northwest Europe, in particular Germany, weighs on overall European market. Furthermore, road and rail transportations are not able to offset transportation by barge; therefore, the situation may not change until the water levels on River Rhine will come back to normality.

On the buyers’ side, converters have purchased only small volumes of material as they were not willing to build up inventories given high prices amidst limited supply. In fact, a few buyers are switching from DINP material to DOTP this month. A buyer referred, “We are in a wait and see stance given higher prices as well as the low season.”

As for imports, South Korean DOTP prices were reported at slightly more competitive levels than the local ones, with buyers paying DOTP volumes at €1310-1350/ton DDP, 60 days.

As for December, players expect the plasticizers market to remain on a stable to firmer trend. The limited supply especially on DINP, given the force majeure at BASF and Evonik units, may continue until the beginning of 2019. According to players, the plasticizers trend will depend mainly on demand next month, taking into account that December will be a short month given Christmas festivities. This may push converters to remain on the sidelines for a while.