POLYMER PRICES

Polyurethane feedstocks in September 2010: MDI prices rising / TDI and polyols weaken / Stable production levels ensure slight surplus / Demand begins to cool down / Little support for increases

POLYMER PRICES

Polyurethane feedstocks in August 2010: Summer lull has a stabilising effect / Some MDI and polyol grades up slightly / TDI still moving sideways / Supply gradually improves / Renewed price increases for MDI and TDI

POLYMER PRICES

Polyurethane feedstocks in July 2010: Building boom fuels MDI and polyols again / TDI moves sideways at high level / Allocation still the rule / Heated demand / Upswing likely to continue despite summer holidays

POLYMER PRICES

Polyurethane feedstocks in June 2010: Seasonal demand drives MDI and polyols upward / TDI firm at a high level / Outages shorten supply in several production stages / Demand strong / Risk of increases in July

POLYMER PRICES

Polyurethane feedstocks May 2010: Stagnating costs stabilise prices / Bank holidays dampen demand / Feedstock shortages and maintenance limit supply / Risk of price hikes up to the end of Q2

POLYMER PRICES

Polyurethane feedstocks April 2010: Producers' spring offensive drives notations / Raw materials bottlenecks and plant shutdowns / Demand from building and industrial sectors / Trend pointing upward

POLYMER PRICES

Polyurethane feedstocks in March 2010: TDI and polyols point upward on tightening feedstocks and maintenance turnarounds / MDI makes little progress / Slack ordering / Season kick-off with sharp increases

POLYMER PRICES

Polyurethane feedstocks in February 2010: Downward momentum halted / MDI shows marginal decline / TDI makes up lost ground / Polyols firm / Smooth supply situation / Automotive picks up / Price hikes in March?

POLYMER PRICES

Polyurethane feedstocks in January 2010: Most prices lose ground as the new year begins / Long inventories pressure MDI and flexible polyols / Building weak / Automotive still lively / Pressure mounts to pass on costs

POLYMER PRICES

Polyurethane feedstocks in December 2009: Most products see a rollover / End-of-season closeout sales keep MDI producers on their toes / Slacker demand in short month / Inventory control / Cost rises trigger hike plans

POLYMER PRICES

Polyurethane feedstocks in November 2009: Tight TDI sees biggest increase / MDI holds up well against seasonal pressure / Polyols firm despite falling costs / Supply is mostly balanced / Stability likely at year's end

POLYMER PRICES

Polyurethane feedstocks in October 2009: Triple-digit rise for TDI and flexible polyols / MDI with moderate rise / TDI tight / Demand picks up / Cold weather slows construction / Producers seek hefty increases

POLYMER PRICES

Polyurethane feedstocks in September 2009: TDI and flexible polyols up significantly / Small gains for MDI / Stocks low across the chain / Demand livelier as summer ends / Producers reinforce calls for steep hikes

POLYMER PRICES

Polyurethane feedstocks in August 2009: MDI unexpectedly strong / TDI and polyols stable / Supply situation shaky / Insulation grades boost order activity / Demand livelier as holidays end / Higher prices in sight

POLYMER PRICES

Polyurethane feedstocks in July 2009: Short supply drives MDI and TDI notations upward / Producers' firm stance pushes polyols ahead / Supply balanced to tight / Demand slightly improved

POLYMER PRICES

Polyurethane feedstocks in June 2009: TDI firmer / MDI and polyols with marginal movements / Supply mainly good / Demand remains poor / Recession now creeping into niche areas / Oil exerts a stranglehold on petrochemicals

POLYMER PRICES

Polyurethane feedstocks in May 2009: Capacity cuts and slightly improved NWE demand halt downturn / Only rigid polyols shaky / Supply shrinks to meet requirements / Seasonal markets firm

POLYMER PRICES

Polyurethane feedstocks in April 2009: Easter holidays accelerate downward trend / Benzene increase puts pressure on MDI margin / TDI in free fall / Imports hit polyols / Production cutbacks aim for stability

POLYMER PRICES

Polyurethane feedstocks in March 2009: Downward spiral for polymeric MDI and TDI loses momentum / Polyols continue to decline / Slump in private consumption likely to impact flexible foams in Q2

POLYMER PRICES

Polyurethane feedstocks in February 2009: Auto crisis and sluggish building pressure polymeric MDI and TDI / Prices plunge by up to EUR 400/t / Pure MDI loses up to EUR 100/t / Polyols least affected