The scarce availability seen in Q4 looks set to continue in Q1.
Trinseo hikes ABS prices by €400/mt in January in Europe as supply shortages reach critical levels.
Buyers are struggling to secure volumes and may have to accept much higher prices in Q1.
Trinseo posted a note on its website stating that from January 1 its ABS resins will increase €400/mt.
Trinseo hikes ABS prices in January also along with other products: €135/mt on polystyrene (PS); €300/mt on polycarbonate (PC); €170/mt on styrene acrylonitrile (SAN).
Several factors have converged recently to support a steep upside in ABS prices in Europe. And it seems the upward trend established in Q4 is continuing in Q1.
The European acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) market has tightened considerably during the past few months.
Good demand, plant issues, and low imports shortened ABS supply in Europe. And higher costs, added further upward pressure on prices.
ABS prices in Europe have already gained €300/mt since November, according to GC Intelligence assessments.
However, for some buyers the increases were even higher.
And despite the surge in infections, demand continues to find support, from toys, furniture, appliances, and automotive.
What is more, Europe is a net importer of ABS from Asia and the strong demand in China lifted prices in the region and at the same time lowered imports, which is amplifying the shortage.
