Resin prices fluctuate between rollover and discounts / Trend in glass fiber prices points to a slight increase / Freight costs for imports have not yet been fully factored into prices
Right at the start of the month, the existing calls for price increases for resins were off the table again. In isolated cases, low prices were raised slightly, but overall, processors settled for a rollover due to weak demand and the first signs of the summer lull.
The AI panel is divided on expectations for price trends in the coming weeks. One faction anticipates another rollover, while the other expects noticeable price declines of between -100 and -200 EUR/t. The latter view is based on the belief that demand will continue to decline and that styrene costs will be significantly lower. The July contract for the feedstock was settled at a price 270 EUR/t lower.
Prices for glass fiber products—which have mostly been in a rollover phase recently—could rise in July despite low demand. This is due to rising freight costs, which not all importers have factored into their prices yet. Added to this are recently reported production problems at a European glass fiber manufacturer.
Composites/GRP June: Resin prices fluctuate between remaining stable and declining / Trend in glass fiber prices points to a slight increase / Freight costs for imports have not yet been fully factored in
Right at the start of the month, the existing demands for resin price increases were off the table once again. In isolated cases, low prices were raised slightly, but overall, processors managed to maintain current prices due to low demand and the first signs of the summer lull.
PIE’s advisory panel is divided over expectations for price trends in the coming weeks. One faction anticipates a further rollover, while the other foresees noticeable price reductions of between EUR 100/t and EUR 200/t. The latter view is based on the belief that demand will continue to decline and that styrene costs will fall significantly. The July contract for the precursor was settled at EUR 270/t lower.
Prices for glass fiber products—which have mostly remained stable recently—could rise in July despite weak demand. This is due to rising freight costs, which not all importers have factored in yet. In addition, a European glass fiber producer recently announced production problems, which could also affect availability.