PCI Acrylonitrile Ltd will co-sponsor "The 7th China International Acrylonitrile & Acrylic Fibre Forum" to be held 18-19 March 2010 in Shanghai, China and organised by CCFEI. Click here for conference details and how to register.
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.
[24 February 2010]
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.
[24 February 2010]
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 January increased by $280 at the top of the range. T2
contracts for February are not fully settled.
[24 February 2010]
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.
[24 February 2010]
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.
[24 February 2010]
For February wool and cotton prices have
eased while Asian polyester staple prices have moved higher.
[24 February 2010]
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.
[24 February 2010]