Composites/GRP July: Fluctuating styrene prices create greater resin volatility / Glass fibre imports affected by rising freight costs
With the styrene contract settled significantly lower in July (down EUR 270/t), and demand remaining weak, resin prices declined overall. The PIE panel reported changes ranging from rollovers to reductions of EUR 70/t. Demand is unlikely to improve much in August, but the same does not apply to styrene costs, which are set to rise noticeably. Polymer prices are therefore expected to increase in the coming weeks.
The glass fibre market was shaped by higher freight costs for deliveries from Asia. However, weak demand generally kept suppliers’ demands in check. The exception was higher-grade chopped strand mat, where the dominant quarterly contracts kept prices largely stable. Sellers will again push to pass on logistics costs in August. They are likely to succeed in many cases, resulting in further price increases.
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