London (GC Intelligence) — Asian Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) prices have increased by about $150/mt. Taking into account timing of transport, Europe could feel its impact in September.
So Asian imports could start to be less competitive when seasonal activity picks up. It is plausible then that in September prices and margins could improve in Europe.
But it is unlikely that it will be the start of an upward trend. The macroeconomic environment should remain challenging in 2019. And there will most likely be a strong chance of a seasonal downturn in demand and prices later in the year.