Composites/GRP June: Resin prices fluctuate between rollover and reductions / Trend in glass fibres points to slight rise in prices / Freight costs for imports not factored in fully yet
Right at the start of the month, the existing demands for price increases for resins were off the table once again. In isolated cases, low prices were raised slightly, but overall, processors achieved a rollover due to low demand and the first signs of the summer lull.
PIE’s advisory panel is divided over expectations for the price trend 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 EUR 270/t lower.
With glass fibre products – which have mostly been rolling over lately – prices could move up in July despite the weak demand. This is because of the mounting freight costs, which have not yet been factored in by all importers. On top of this, one European glass fibre producer recently announced production problems, which could also influence availability.
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