The supply shortage and high prices of MMA mean PMMA prices are heading for big increases in Q2.
MMA prices reach €3000/mt mark for spot deals in Europe in March as global tightness intensifies. The PMMA market is feeling the pressure.
Methyl methacrylate (MMA) prices have climbed for months.
Strong demand, lack of raw materials, low imports, and recently the bad weather in the US accelerated the increase in February and March.
Moreover, MMA prices in the US have reportedly increased to €4,000/mt due to the severe shortage.
The high spot values and low supply are placing upward pressure on MMA contract prices and also polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) prices.
PMMA prices have lagged behind other polymers up until recently, especially polycarbonate (PC).
But players expect big increases, which will bring PMMA prices closer to PC prices.
PMMA buyers are planning for increases of around €300/mt in Q2.
And as seasonal demand for MMA is set to improve, from both the sheet and paint industry, prices will probably continue to find support.