News Archive |
| Headlines from Previous Months | |
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Crude oil prices rebounded by more than 10%
from the lows of late May. Brent last traded at $75.24 and WTI
at $77.15. Naphtha prices have moved down and back up again.
US propylene contracts for June settled down 8 cents per pound with
chemical grade at 54 cents per pound DEL. Asian spot propylene prices
have moved down for June. In Europe, the monthly propylene contract
price for June rolled over at €1000 per ton DEL. Ammonia prices have
fallen back in all regions. [24 June 2010] |
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Acrylonitrile prices remain stubbornly high
despite the continued decrease in raw material costs (all regions). The
market balance remains tight in all regions. A lack of spot material
and a reluctance of those sellers that control it has kept prices high. The
danger is that the soft landing that everyone wanted now looks far more
unlikely with a sharper fall in prices looking more probable. [24 June 2010] |
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The PCI Asia/Far East
acrylonitrile import price range for June decreased at the top of the
range and was unchanged at the low end. The average fell by $20. China domestic acrylonitrile prices
decreased significantly.
US acrylonitrile export prices for June have fallen. In Europe,
T1 prices for June fell at the top and rolled over at the low end. T2
contracts for June mostly settled higher by €10. Asahi Kasei
has announced that its acrylonitrile 'Far East Contract Price' for July
is $2200 per ton CFR. This is a rollover. [24 June 2010] |
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Acrylic fibre demand in Asia remains
weak, particularly in China. Spinners appear to be waiting for
some price correction. June acrylic fibre import prices to China and
elsewhere in the region have seen reductions. China domestic prices
have moved lower. [24 June 2010] |
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Acrylic fibre demand in Europe/Turkey and
its export markets looks to be weakening. Spinners expect lower prices.
Production this month has been stronger. Prices in Europe for
June have increased. Import prices to the USA have decreased for
June. [24 June 2010] |
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Cotton and wool prices have increased
this month while Asian polyester staple prices have moved lower. [24 June 2010] |
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Immediate ABS/SAN buying by China has
seen a reduction. Some in the market are less bullish than they have
been of late. The next couple of months will be interesting. ABS
prices in Europe and the USA have rolled over. Demand in both markets
is healthy. [24 June 2010] |
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Crude oil prices have declined significantly
since early May. Brent last traded at $67.19 and WTI at $64.78.
Naphtha prices have also moved sharply lower. US propylene contracts
for May settled down 12 cents per pound with chemical grade at 62 cents per
pound DEL. Asian spot propylene prices have traded significantly
lower in recent days. In Europe, the monthly propylene contract price
for May settled at €1000 per ton DEL. This will rollover for June.
Ammonia prices have fallen back in all regions. |
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There is an expectation that acrylonitrile prices
will decrease significantly on the back of the lower feedstock costs.
Spot prices for May have seen increases and it looks unlikely that a sharp
fall will be seen in June as supply/demand remains very tight
indeed with shortages still seen. INEOS Nitriles has informed
its contract customers in Asia that it will only be able to deliver 80% of
requested contract volumes in June. |
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The PCI Asia/Far East
acrylonitrile import price range for May increased at the top and
decreased at the bottom. The average fell slightly. China domestic acrylonitrile prices
increased early in the month but have now fallen back.
US acrylonitrile export prices for May have increased. In Europe,
T1 prices for May increased. T2
contracts for May settled higher by €47 on average. Asahi Kasei
has announced that its acrylonitrile 'Far East Contract Price' for June
is $2200 per ton CFR. This is a rollover. |
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Acrylic fibre demand in Asia is weaker. The
relative high price of acrylic is leading to substitution and the
expectation of lower prices is slowing immediate purchasing. May acrylic
fibre import prices in Asia are broadly unchanged from April. China domestic
prices are now moving down. |
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Acrylic fibre production in Europe/Turkey
remains substantially weakened by the shortage of acrylonitrile.
There is also evidence of weaker demand coming. Prices in Europe for May
have increased in Euros. Import prices to the USA have
increased for May. |
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During May, Cotton prices have increased, wool
prices have decreased and Asian polyester staple prices are now
moving lower. |
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Underlying ABS/SAN demand in China is
good but immediate purchasing has slowed. In China domestic ABS
prices are weakening. ABS prices in Europe and the USA have
increased. Both markets are tight. More imports are seen to the US but
Europe is struggling to find supply. The weaker Euro is not helping. |
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Crude oil prices moved up to the mid $80's per
barrel level this month. Brent is now seen at $84.73 and WTI
at $82.98. Naphtha prices have also moved up on the back of the oil
prices. US propylene contracts for April settled up 7 cents per pound
with chemical grade at 74.0 cents per pound DEL. Asian spot propylene
prices have edged higher this month. In Europe, the monthly propylene
contract price for April settled at €980 per ton DEL, up €70. Ammonia
prices increased in Asia and Europe but fell in the USA. |
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Acrylonitrile markets everywhere see strong
demand from all end-uses but a shortage of product (contract and spot) means
that in some cases, derivative output has been reduced. Feedstock costs
have increased for April and this, coupled with the short market balance,
has pushed acrylonitrile prices higher again in all regions. Asian
turnarounds are now coming to an end. |
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The PCI Asia/Far East
acrylonitrile import price range for April has increased by $190 at
the low end and by $50 at the top end of the range. China domestic acrylonitrile prices have increased
for April.
US acrylonitrile export prices for April have increased. In Europe,
T1 prices for April increased by $200 at the top of the range. T2
contracts for April settled higher by €103 on average. Asahi Kasei
has announced that its acrylonitrile 'Far East Contract Price' for May
is $2200 per ton CFR. This is a rollover. |
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Acrylic fibre demand in Asia remains at a good
level although there is a lot of talk of substitution due to the high price.
Higher acrylonitrile costs have pushed prices up again. April acrylic
fibre import prices to China have touched $3.00 per kg CFR. Prices elsewhere
in the region have hit $3.10. China domestic prices are up. |
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Acrylic fibre production in Europe/Turkey is being
held back by the shortage of acrylonitrile. Producers are worried
about future substitution, although current demand is good. Prices in
Europe for April have increased. Import prices to the USA have
increased for April. |
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During April, wool and cotton prices
have eased while Asian polyester staple prices have moved higher. |
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ABS/SAN demand in China is strong and
expected to continue so. The ABS price range in Asia for April
has moved higher. In China domestic ABS prices have increased.
ABS prices in Europe and the USA have increased. Producers
will push for higher numbers for May due to raw material hikes and strong
demand. |
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Crude oil prices have moved up to and remained
around the $80 per barrel level this month. Brent is now seen at
$79.18 and WTI at $81.68. Naphtha prices have also moved up
although some easing is now evident. US propylene contracts for March
settled up 5 cents per pound with chemical grade at 67.0 cents per pound
DEL. Asian spot propylene prices have moved higher this month. In
Europe, the monthly propylene contract price for March settled at
€910 per ton DEL, up €35. Ammonia prices have increased in all
regions. |
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Acrylonitrile demand remains strong from all
end-uses and supply constraints (mainly but not only turnarounds) has moved
the market from tight to short. Some derivative producers have had to cut
rates due to lack of raw material. Feedstock costs (propylene and
ammonia) continue to increase and this, coupled with the market balance, has
pushed acrylonitrile prices higher in all regions for March. |
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The PCI Asia/Far East
acrylonitrile import price range for March has increased by $190 at
the low end and by $320 at the top end of the range. China domestic acrylonitrile prices have increased
again.
US acrylonitrile export prices for March have increased significantly. In Europe,
T1 prices for March increased by $200 at the top of the range. T2
contracts for March settled higher by €125 on average. Asahi Kasei
has announced that its acrylonitrile 'Far East Contract Price' for April
is $2200 per ton CFR. This is the first FECP announcement since
November 2009. |
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Acrylic fibre demand in Asia remains robust
but tight supply caused by a lack of acrylonitrile coupled with high
acrylonitrile costs has pushed prices up again. Acrylic fibre
import prices to China and elsewhere in the region have increased again.
China domestic prices are moving up. |
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Acrylic fibre producers in Europe/Turkey are
frustrated by the lack of and high cost of acrylonitrile. Production is
being held back. So far demand remains buoyant. Prices in Europe for
March have increased again. Import prices to the USA
have increased sharply for March. |
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During March wool, cotton and Asian
polyester staple prices have all moved higher. |
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Despite a slowdown in immediate purchasing,
ABS/SAN consumption in China remains strong. The ABS
price range in Asia for March has moved higher. In China
domestic ABS prices have increased. ABS prices in Europe and the USA
have increased and producers will push for more in April on the back of raw
material hikes. |
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Crude oil prices have dipped and then
increased again in the past month. Brent is now seen at $76.44 and
WTI at $78.61. Naphtha prices have also eased back but are now
increasing again. US propylene contracts for February settled up 6.5
cents per pound with chemical grade at 62.0 cents per pound DEL. Asian
spot propylene prices have moved lower this month. In Europe, the
monthly propylene contract price for February settled at €875 per ton DEL,
up €85. It looks as if March will settle up €35. Ammonia prices have
increased in all regions. |
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Acrylonitrile markets remain very tight
in all regions. Contract offtake is extremely strong and this is limiting
the quantity of spot material available. Plant turnarounds are
playing a part on the supply side. Feedstock costs (propylene and
ammonia) have increased and this, coupled with the market balance, has
pushed acrylonitrile prices higher in all regions for February. |
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The PCI Asia/Far East
acrylonitrile import price range for February has increased by $210 at
the low end and by $230 at the top end of the range. China domestic acrylonitrile prices have increased
again.
US acrylonitrile export prices for February have increased significantly. In Europe,
T1 prices for February increased by $280 at the top of the range. T2
contracts for February are not fully settled. |
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Acrylic fibre demand in Asia remains very
strong, particularly in China. Production levels are also strong but
acrylonitrile availability is an issue in a few cases. Acrylic fibre
import prices to China and elsewhere in the region have increased again.
China domestic prices are moving up. |
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Acrylic fibre demand for the producers in
Europe/Turkey remains very buoyant, but significant production has again
been lost due to disruptions to acrylonitrile supply. Prices in Europe for
February have moved up. Import prices to the USA have
increased for February. Big increases are being asked for March. |
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For February wool and cotton prices have
eased while Asian polyester staple prices have moved higher. |
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ABS/SAN demand in China grew by 15.5%
in 2009. The present level of demand is very strong. Production rates
in the Asian region remain high. The ABS price range in Asia for
February has moved higher. In China domestic ABS prices have
increased. ABS demand in Europe and the USA is stronger for
February. Some supply issues are evident in both markets. Prices have
increased in Europe and the USA with more to come. |
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Crude oil prices increased in the second half
of December and breached the $80 per barrel level. Numbers have eased in the
past week. Brent is presently at $75.10 and WTI at $77.42. Naphtha
prices have increased sharply in recent weeks. US propylene contracts
for January settled up 3 cents per pound with chemical grade now at 55.5
cents per pound DEL. Asian spot propylene prices have moved higher
this month to reach $1280 per ton CFR. In Europe, the monthly propylene
contract price for January settled at €790 per ton DEL, up €40. Ammonia
prices have increased in Asia, fallen in the USA and stabilised in Europe. |
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Acrylonitrile markets are very tight
everywhere. Demand is strong and turnarounds/unplanned plant troubles
means that the supply side is limited. Higher propylene prices have
been seen in all regions and this coupled with the market balance has meant
that acrylonitrile prices have moved up everywhere for January. |
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The PCI Asia/Far East
acrylonitrile import price range for January has increased by $150 at
the low end and by $100 at the top end of the range. China domestic acrylonitrile prices have increased
again.
US acrylonitrile export prices for January have increased significantly. In Europe,
T1 prices for January increased by $120 at the top of the range. T2
contracts for January as assessed up by €50 per ton. |
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There are significant acrylonitrile plant turnarounds
through April. INEOS Nitriles has declared force majeure at
its acrylonitrile unit in Germany due to propylene supply problems. |
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Acrylic fibre demand in Asia continues to show
strength, particularly in China. January acrylic fibre import prices to
China have increased by 25 cents per kg. Prices elsewhere in the
region have also increased. China domestic prices are stable. |
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Acrylic fibre producers in Europe/Turkey
have good demand but some production has been lost due to acrylonitrile
supply disruptions. Prices in Europe for January have moved higher.
Import prices to the USA have increase for January. Prices will
also increase in February. |
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For January, wool, cotton and Asian
polyester staple prices have all moved higher. |
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ABS demand in Asia/China is strong.
Production rates remain very high. The ABS price range in Asia for
January moved up strongly. In China domestic ABS prices have
increased. ABS demand in Europe is solid. US demand is expected to
increase. Prices have increased in Europe. |
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Crude oil prices have trended down in the past
few weeks but are now moving up. Naphtha prices have broadly tracked
crude. US propylene contracts for December settled up 4.5 cents per
pound. Asian spot propylene prices have moved higher this month. In
Europe, the monthly propylene contract price for December settled at
€750 per ton DEL, up €10. Ammonia prices have eased in Europe/USA. |
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Acrylonitrile demand has remained
strong. Supply side issues in Europe, Japan and Korea, have led to a
very tight market situation everywhere. Spot acrylonitrile
prices have risen sharply everywhere. |
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The PCI Asia/Far East
acrylonitrile import price range for December has increased by $100 at
the low end and by $180 at the top end of the range. China domestic acrylonitrile prices have increased
again.
US acrylonitrile export prices for December have increased strongly. In Europe,
T1 prices for December increased by $160 at the top of the range. T2
contracts for December as assessed up by €30 per ton. |
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INEOS Nitriles is running reactor four at Green
Lake. In Mexico, the Morelos acrylonitrile plant is
running well with domestic and export sales confirmed. Mitsubishi
Chemical is to buy Mitsubishi Rayon. |
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Acrylic fibre demand remains very strong in
Asia (particularly China). December acrylic fibre import prices to
China have increased sharply, by 25 cents per kg at the top of the range.
Prices elsewhere in the region have increased. China domestic
prices have increased. |
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Acrylic fibre producers in Europe/Turkey
continue to see good demand. Production remains strong. Prices
in Europe for December are stable. US import prices for
December are stable. Sellers will push for January. |
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For December, wool, cotton and Asian polyester
staple prices have all increased once again. |
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ABS demand in China/Asia remains
good. Production is also strong. ABS prices in Asia have
increased for December. Producers are pushing for higher prices due to
raw material hikes. Chinese domestic ABS prices have increased.
ABS demand in Europe remains strong but US demand has weakened. ABS
prices are stable in Europe and down in the US. |
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Crude oil prices have moved in a narrow range
this month. On 17 November, Brent closed at $77.36 per barrel and
WTI at $79.08. Naphtha prices have moved higher in all regions.
US propylene contracts for November settled up 2.5 cents per pound.
Asian spot propylene prices have moved higher this month. In Europe,
the monthly propylene contract price for November settled at €740 per
ton DEL, down €10. Ammonia prices have increased in all regions. |
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Continued robust demand for acrylonitrile and
some supply side problems in Europe, Japan and China has led to a tight
market developing in the past few weeks. The market balance coupled to
generally higher feedstock cost has caused spot prices to increase. |
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The PCI Asia/Far East
acrylonitrile import price range for November has increased by $50 at
the low end and by $70 at the top end of the range. China domestic acrylonitrile prices have increased.
US acrylonitrile export prices for November remain notional. In Europe,
T1 prices for November fell slightly. T2
contracts for November mostly rolled over with some down just €5 per ton. |
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The Lucite acrylonitrile plant at Beaumont, Texas
has stopped operation. In Mexico the 60,000 tons acrylonitrile plant
at Morelos is now operating and producing on-spec product. |
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Acrylic fibre demand remains strong in
Asia. Demand in China is particularly buoyant. November acrylic fibre import
prices to China have increased by 5 cents per kg. Prices
elsewhere in the region are stable. China domestic prices have
increased strongly once again. |
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Acrylic fibre demand for the producers in
Europe/Turkey remains very strong. Production remains at a high level.
Prices in Europe for November are unchanged in Euros. US import prices
for November have increased again. |
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For November, wool, cotton and Asian polyester
staple prices have all increased once again. |
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ABS demand in Asia and particularly
in China remains good. Production in the region is high. The ABS
price range in Asia for November has moved up from the October
range. Domestic ABS prices in China have increased. ABS
demand in Europe has exceeded expectations and forecasts.
ABS demand in the US continues to improve. ABS prices in the US and
Europe are unchanged from October. |
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Crude oil prices have increased steadily this
month. On 20 October, Brent closed at $76.52 per barrel and WTI
at $78.87. Naphtha prices have increased in all regions. US
propylene contracts for October settled down 10 cents per pound.
Asian spot propylene moved down but is now moving back up. In Europe,
the monthly propylene contract price for October settled at €750 per ton
DEL, down €28. Ammonia prices have increased in all regions. |
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The continued strength of acrylonitrile
demand in Europe and Asia has come as a surprise and a combination of
acrylonitrile plant turnarounds and general low levels of inventory,
has led to a snug market continuing this month. |
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The PCI Asia/Far East
acrylonitrile import price range for October has increased slightly at
both ends. China domestic acrylonitrile prices have increased.
US acrylonitrile export prices for October remain notional. In Europe,
T1 prices for October have moved up once again. T2
contracts for October decreased by €20 per ton on average. |
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INEOS Nitriles has announced a technological
breakthrough that will allow it to vary its acetonitrile
production independently of its acrylonitrile production. SNF
has announced new investments in both acrylamide monomer and
polyacrylamides. The investments will happen in the USA, France,
China and Korea. |
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Acrylic fibre demand is holding up in Asia.
October acrylic fibre import prices to China and elsewhere in the region are
unchanged from September. China domestic prices have
increased. |
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Acrylic fibre demand is looking good in
Europe/Turkey. Production remains strong. Prices in Europe
for October have edged up at the low end of our range. US import prices
for October have increased. |
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For October, wool, cotton and Asian polyester
staple prices have all increased. |
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ABS demand in Asia is strong. China
demand has come back following the recent holiday there. The ABS
price range in Asia for October moved lower. Sellers are
now pushing for increases. Domestic prices in China have
increased. ABS demand in Europe remains good for
October. ABS demand in the US is slow but improving. ABS
producers in the US and Europe have had some success in pushing
prices higher. |
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Crude oil prices moved lower early September
but then recovered and have traded at circa $70 per barrel more recently. On
22 September, Brent closed at $69.66 per barrel and WTI at
$71.52. Naphtha prices have eased back in all regions. US
propylene contracts for September settled up 12 cents per pound.
Asian propylene spot prices have moved lower in recent weeks. In Europe,
the monthly propylene contract price for September settled at €778
per ton DEL, up €93. Ammonia prices have increased in all regions. |
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Acrylonitrile producers in all regions
have faced significant feedstock pressure and this has led to
higher acrylonitrile prices in all regions. So far demand is holding up
ahead of a likely slowdown in Q4. Acrylonitrile supply/demand remains
snug and inventory levels are low with all involved being very
cautious. |
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The PCI Asia/Far East
acrylonitrile import price range for September has increased strongly at both ends of
the range. China domestic acrylonitrile prices have increased.
US acrylonitrile export prices for September have increased sharply
on the back of raw material hikes. In Europe,
T1 prices for September have moved up. T2
contracts for September increased by €125 per ton on average. |
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Lucite International is to close its 145,000 tons
acrylonitrile plant at Beaumont, Texas. |
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In Asia, acrylic fibre demand remains
robust. September acrylic fibre import prices to China have increased at
the top of the range. Prices elsewhere in the region are unchanged from
August. China domestic prices have moved lower. |
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In Europe/Turkey acrylic fibre producers continue
to enjoy a good level of demand and production remains strong. Prices in
Europe for September have moved up at the top of our range. US
import prices for September are stable but will increase in
October/November. |
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For September, cotton and Asian
polyester staple prices have fallen and wool prices have
increased. |
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ABS demand in China for
September has been lacklustre. Opinion is mixed as to the prospects
for Q4. The ABS price range in Asia for September is up slightly.
Domestic prices in China have decreased. ABS
demand in Europe is encouraging. US ABS demand continues to pick
up slowly. ABS producers in the US and Europe are
struggling to pass on feedstock hikes. |
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In the past month, crude oil prices have
decreased and then increased again. On 21 July, Brent closed at
$65.93 per barrel and WTI at $64.81. Naphtha prices have
broadly tracked crude. US propylene contracts for July settled up 1
cent per pound. Asian propylene spot prices have moved up sharply. In
Europe, the monthly propylene contract price for July settled at €650
per ton DEL. Ammonia prices decreased in the USA and Asia. Prices in
all regions are now increasing. |
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Acrylonitrile markets continue to see steady
demand and a supply side that remains disciplined. The result is a more or
less balanced market. Raw material costs continue to escalate and
acrylonitrile producers are pushing for higher prices for August volumes. |
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The PCI Asia/Far East
acrylonitrile import price range for July has increased strongly at both ends of
the range. China domestic acrylonitrile prices have decreased
slightly.
US acrylonitrile export prices for July have increased. In Europe,
T1 prices for July have increased strongly. T2
contracts for July increased by €75-85 per ton. |
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Asahi Kasei has announced plans for
acetonitrile capacity to be built in Thailand alongside its new
acrylonitrile plant. |
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In Asia, acrylic fibre demand remains strong for
the time being but there are signals of a slowdown ahead. July acrylic fibre
import prices to China are up slightly from last month and prices elsewhere
in the region are close but slightly below. China domestic prices
have decreased slightly. |
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In Europe acrylic fibre producers continue to see
very strong demand. Production remains strong. Prices
in Europe for July have increased slightly at the top of the range. US
import prices for July have increased. |
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For July, wool prices have fallen. Cotton
prices have increased. Asian polyester staple prices have increased. |
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ABS demand in Asia is strong and stable.
There is hope that it will increase in August, September and October. ABS
prices need to increase due to higher raw material costs. ABS
demand in Europe increased strongly in June. July is steady. US ABS
demand remains poor. Figures from the automotive sector in North
America are shocking. ABS prices in the US need to increase.
ABS prices in Europe have increased. |
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Crude oil prices have continued to increase
contrary to the supply/demand balance. On 20 May, Brent closed at
$59.10 per barrel and WTI at $61.45. Naphtha prices have moved
up in all regions with Europe averaging $458 so far in May. US propylene
contracts for May settled up 2.5 cents per pound. Asian propylene
spot prices have eased back. In Europe, the monthly propylene
contract price for May settled at €520 per ton DEL, an increase of €23 per
ton. Ammonia prices have stabilised in Asia and eased in Europe and
the USA. |
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Acrylonitrile markets are balanced to snug in
all regions. Demand has strengthened, particularly in Asia but also
in Europe and the supply side remains cautious. Feedstock prices are
trending up and a further increase is expected for June. Cost push and
supply/demand therefore is leading to price increases. |
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The PCI Asia/Far East
acrylonitrile import price range for May has increased strongly at both ends of
the range. China domestic acrylonitrile prices have increased.
US acrylonitrile export prices for May have increased. In Europe,
T1 prices for May have increased. T2
contracts for May increased by €30-40 per ton. |
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Asahi Kasei
has announced that its acrylonitrile 'Far East Contract Price' for
June is $1300 per ton CFR. |
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In Asia, acrylic fibre demand and production is
strong. May acrylic fibre import prices to China increased strongly
with prices elsewhere in the region seen a little lower. China
domestic prices have increased. |
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European acrylic fibre producers are busy.
Demand and production are strong. Prices in Europe for May are seen at a
good level. US import prices for May remain stable despite sellers
wishes to increase them. |
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Wool and cotton prices for May have moved
up. Asian polyester staple prices have also increased. |
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ABS shipments in Asia are strong. Immediate
demand is a little weaker. Production remains strong. The ABS price range in
Asia for May has moved lower. ABS demand in Europe continues to
improve slowly and steadily. US demand is also moving higher but more
slowly. Automotive in both regions remains depressed. ABS prices in the US
are stable. Some increase has been seen in Europe. |
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Crude oil prices had gradually increased until
the past few days. On 21 April, Brent closed at $48.70 per barrel and
WTI at $46.65. Naphtha prices have moved up in all regions
with Europe averaging $420 so far in April. US propylene contracts
for April have settled at rollover. Asian propylene spot prices have
increased since the last report but have backed off in the past week. In
Europe, the monthly propylene contract price for April settled at
€497 per ton DEL. Ammonia prices have increased in all regions. |
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Acrylonitrile demand in Asia/Far East remains
very strong while demand in Europe is reasonable and demand in the
USA remains relatively weak. On the supply side, output is
broadly matching demand but there is some tightness in the Asian market.
Feedstock prices have increased in all regions and acrylonitrile spot
prices have also moved higher. |
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The PCI Asia/Far East
acrylonitrile import price range for April has increased strongly at both ends of
the range. China domestic acrylonitrile prices have increased. The US acrylonitrile export range for
April has increased. In Europe,
T1 prices for April have increased. T2
contracts for April have rolled over. |
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The INEOS Nitriles monthly negotiated 'Headline
Price' with major Asian contract customers remains on hold. Asahi Kasei
has announced that its acrylonitrile 'Far East Contract Price' for
April is $1230 per ton CFR and for May is $1300 per ton CFR. |
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Acrylic fibre demand in
Asia remains very strong. April acrylic fibre import
prices to China and other countries in the region have increased again for
April and already for May. China domestic prices have
also increased. |
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European acrylic fibre producers have increased
production on the back of a further improvement in demand. Domestic prices in Europe for
April have increased at the top of the range. US import prices
are stable for April. |
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Cotton and wool prices for April have moved
higher. Asian polyester staple prices have also increased. |
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ABS demand in Asia is still
seen at a good level. Production rates remain strong. The ABS price range in
Asia for April increased strongly. European ABS demand
looks to have increased. US demand has also started to rise.
Production rates in both areas are responding. ABS prices in the US are
stable. Some increase has been seen in Europe. |
|
|
Crude oil
prices have continued to trade in a narrow price range during the last
month. On 18 March, Brent closed at $45.22 per barrel and
WTI at $48.11. Naphtha prices have peaked for the time
being with Europe averaging $380 so far in March. US
propylene contracts for March have settled at an increase of 1 cent per
pound. Asian propylene spot prices have increased. In
Europe, the monthly propylene contract price for March settled at
€497 per ton DEL. Ammonia prices have increased in all regions. |
|
|
Acrylonitrile
demand in Asia/Far East remains very strong while demand in
Europe is reasonable and demand in the USA is weak. On the
supply side, output is broadly matching demand but there is some
tightness in the Asian market. Feedstock prices have
increased in all regions and acrylonitrile spot prices have also moved
higher. |
|
|
The PCI Asia/Far East
acrylonitrile import price range for March increased at both ends of
the range. China domestic acrylonitrile prices have increased. The US acrylonitrile export range for
March has increased and shows just a $20 range. In Europe,
T1 prices for March have increased, particularly at the top of the range. T2
contracts for February and March have rolled over from January. |
|
|
For March 2009,
INEOS Nitriles has not agreed a monthly negotiated 'Headline Price'
with major Asian contract customers. Asahi Kasei has announced
that its acrylonitrile 'Far East Contract Price' for March is
$1150 per ton CFR. |
|
|
Acrylic fibre demand in
Asia has strengthened further. March acrylic fibre import
prices to China have increased by up to 10 cents per kg as have prices
elsewhere in the region. China domestic prices have
increased. |
|
|
Acrylic fibre demand for
European makers has improved. Production has moved up
further. Domestic prices in Europe/Turkey for March are stable
in Euros, as are US import prices. |
|
|
Cotton prices for March
moved sharply lower. Wool is stable. Asian
polyester staple prices are stable. |
|
|
ABS demand in Asia
has strengthened further. Production rates continue to rise.
The ABS price range in Asia for March has shown a significant increase.
European ABS demand has maybe picked up a but. US
demand remains poor. Production rates in both areas remain
depressed. ABS prices in the US and Europe are stable. |
|
| Crude oil
prices settled into a rather narrow trading range during the last month.
On 18 February, Brent closed at $39.41 per barrel and WTI at
$34.66. Naphtha prices continue to increase with Europe averaging
$409 so far in February and now at $388 per ton. Some US propylene
contracts for February have settled at an increase of 6 cents per pound (not
market wide yet). Asian propylene spot prices have increased. In
Europe, the monthly propylene contract price for February settled at €455
per ton DEL. Ammonia prices have increased in all regions. [19 February 2009] |
|
| Acrylonitrile demand
has moved higher in Asia and Europe but not the USA. Acrylonitrile
operation rates have moved higher in Asia and Europe. Acrylonitrile spot
prices have moved higher in Asia but not yet in Europe. With higher
feedstock prices, acrylonitrile spot numbers will see upward pressure. [19 February 2009] |
|
| The PCI Asia/Far East
acrylonitrile import price range for February increased at both ends of
the range. China domestic acrylonitrile prices have been
stable. The US acrylonitrile export range for February has
tightened up with just a $60 range seen. In Europe,
T1 prices for February are seen in very tight range. T2
contracts for February only are under discussion. [19 February 2009] |
|
| For February 2009, INEOS
Nitriles has again not agreed a monthly negotiated 'Headline Price'
with major Asian contract customers. Asahi Kasei has announced
that its acrylonitrile 'Far East Contract Price' for February is
$1000 per ton CFR. [19 February 2009] |
|
| Acrylic fibre demand in
Asia has once again improved. February acrylic fibre import
prices to China have remained stable while prices elsewhere in the region
have moved up at the low end of the range. China domestic prices remain
stable. [19 February 2009] |
|
| Acrylic fibre demand in
Europe looks better. Production rates have moved up. Domestic prices
in Europe/Turkey for February have increased at both ends of the range.
US import prices for February are stable. [19 February 2009] |
|
| Wool and cotton
prices have decreased for February. Asian polyester staple prices
have moved higher. [19 February 2009] |
|
| ABS demand in
Asia has improved substantially. Some production rates have been ramped
up in response. The ABS price range in Asia for February moved up
significantly. ABS demand in Europe has picked up a
little but remains unchanged in the US. Production rates in both
countries have moved up a little. Prices in Europe have fallen
but are stable in the USA. [19 February 2009] |
|
| Crude oil
prices rallied in early January, then moved lower and are now relatively
stable. The average for January to date is higher than the average for
December. On 20 January, Brent closed at $39.71 per barrel and WTI
at $38.57. Naphtha prices have bottomed and are now increasing with
Europe averaging $300 so far in January and now at $365 per ton. US
propylene contracts for January have settled at an increase of 2
cents per pound. Asian propylene spot prices have increased. In
Europe, a quarterly propylene contract price looks unlikely with
January settled at €430 per ton DEL. Ammonia prices have decreased in
Europe/Asia and are stable in the USA. [21 January 2009] |
|
| Acrylonitrile demand
remains very weak in all regions. There is little change in operation
rates with many makers at only 30-50% of capacity. Acrylonitrile spot
prices have once again moved lower although there is now a signal that
feedstock prices are moving up, leading many to think that
prices have hit the bottom.. [21 January 2009] |
|
| The PCI Asia/Far East
acrylonitrile import price range for January fell back by $140 at the
low end. China domestic acrylonitrile prices have been
relatively stable. US acrylonitrile export prices for January have
fallen back by $110 at the low end of the range. In Europe,
T1 prices for January moved down by $100 on the low. T2
contracts for January only are under discussion. [21 January 2009] |
|
| For January 2009,
INEOS Nitriles has not agreed its monthly negotiated 'Headline
Price' with major Asian contract customers due to lack of contract
volume. Asahi Kasei has announced that its acrylonitrile
'Far East Contract Price' for January is $950 per ton CFR. [21 January 2009] |
|
| Acrylic fibre demand in Asia
has picked up slightly. January acrylic fibre import prices
to China have moved sharply lower as have prices elsewhere in the
region. China domestic prices have eased back. In Japan,
Mitsubishi Rayon has announced a reduction in acrylic fibre capacity. [21 January 2009] |
|
| Acrylic fibre demand in
Europe remains weak. Production is up slightly. Domestic
prices in Europe/Turkey for January moved down significantly in
Euros. US import prices for January are also down markedly. [21 January 2009] |
|
| Wool prices have
decreased. Cotton prices have moved up. Asian polyester staple
prices are broadly flat. [21 January 2009] |
|
| ABS demand everywhere
remains weak, but January demand is better than December. Production
rates remain low. The ABS price range in Asia for January is
down by $80 on the low. ABS prices in Europe and the USA
have fallen. [21 January 2009] |
|
| Crude oil
prices have continued to move down during the past month. On 16 December,
Brent closed at $42.34 per barrel and WTI at $43.84. Naphtha
prices have continued to fall, with prices in Europe averaging $260 so far
in December and now at $257 per ton. US propylene contracts for
December settled at a decrease of 10 cents per pound. Asian propylene
spot prices have stabilised. In Europe, propylene contract prices for
January/Q1 are under discussion and a January only price has emerged.
Ammonia prices have decreased in all regions. [17 December 2008] |
|
| Acrylonitrile demand
in all regions remains painfully weak. Production has been cut back
further. Spot prices have fallen. [17 December 2008] |
|
| The PCI Asia/Far
East acrylonitrile import price range for December has fallen by
$300 at the bottom of the range and the average for December is $965.
China domestic acrylonitrile prices have fallen for December. US
acrylonitrile export prices for December have fallen by nearly $450. In
Europe, T1 prices for December have fallen back significantly. [17 December 2008] |
|
| For December 2008,
INEOS Nitriles has agreed its monthly negotiated 'Headline Price'
with major Asian contract customers at $890 per ton CFR. Asahi
Kasei has announced that its acrylonitrile 'Far East Contract Price'
for December is $1150 per ton CFR. [17 December 2008] |
|
| Acrylic fibre demand in
Asia remains very weak. December acrylic fibre import prices to
China have fallen back as have prices elsewhere in the region.
China domestic prices have also moved lower. [17 December 2008] |
|
| Acrylic fibre demand and
production in Europe has weakened further. Domestic prices in
Europe/Turkey for December have moved lower as have US import prices. [17 December 2008] |
|
| Wool and cotton prices
have moved up this month. Asian polyester staple prices continue to
fall. [17 December 2008] |
|
| The ABS situation
in Asia remains very weak. ABS production rates
average just 40%. The ABS price range in Asia for December is $1060-1200 per
ton CFR. ABS demand in the USA and Europe has
further declined. The weakness in the automotive sector
is the biggest issue. ABS prices in both the US and Europe
have fallen further. [17 December 2008] |
|
| Crude oil prices have moved down by circa 25% in the past month. On 18 November, Brent closed at $48.79 per barrel and WTI at $55.42. Naphtha prices have basically collapsed, with prices in Europe averaging $325 so far in November and now at $290 per ton. Naphtha prices in Asia are now at $285 per ton. US propylene contracts for November settled with a decrease of 30 cents per pound seen! Asian propylene spot prices have crashed and are seen in the range $350-500 per ton CFR. The propylene contract price in Europe is causing problems as it is a quarterly number and prices elsewhere have plummeted. Ammonia prices have collapsed in all regions. [19 November 2008] |
|
| Acrylonitrile demand in all regions has continued to fall back dramatically/collapse. Production has been cut back significantly in response with many makers at rates of 50% or lower. Spot and contract prices have fallen. [19 November 2008] |
|
| The PCI Asia/Far East acrylonitrile import price range for November has fallen dramatically. The average for October was $1825 and the average for November is $1330. China domestic acrylonitrile prices have again fallen sharply. US acrylonitrile export prices for November have fallen by nearly $700. In Europe, T1 prices for November have fallen drastically. [19 November 2008] |
|
| For November 2008, INEOS Nitriles has agreed its monthly negotiated 'Headline Price' with a major Asian contract customer at $1300 per ton CFR. Asahi Kasei has announced that its acrylonitrile 'Far East Contract Price' for November is $1580 per ton CFR. [19 November 2008] |
|
| The acrylic fibre situation in Asia remains a disaster. Production in the region is now below 50% of capacity. November acrylic fibre import prices to in the region have fallen back dramatically. China domestic prices have moved sharply lower. [19 November 2008] |
|
| The acrylic fibre situation in Europe has weakened further. Demand and production have fallen. Domestic prices in Europe/Turkey are unchanged in Euros but down in dollars. US import prices for November have fallen back and are expected to do so further in November. [19 November 2008]. |
|
| Wool and cotton prices have moved down significantly this month. Asian polyester staple prices continue to fall on too much supply and weak raw materials. [19 November 2008] |
|
| The ABS situation in Asia has continued to weaken. ABS production has seen further cuts. ABS prices have again fallen sharply.
ABS demand in the USA and Europe has declined significantly. Prices have also fallen. [19 November 2008] |
|