This is the fifth consecutive monthly increase and the upside is getting steeper.
PC prices increased €280/mt in March in Europe for general purpose grade, according to GC Intelligence price assessments.
As global supply tightened even further than in February, also after the bad weather in the US, sellers secured big increases.
Moreover, the high costs, namely of bisphenol A (BPA) in Asia pushed up import prices.
But also in Europe, polycarbonate (PC) costs were going up, fuelling the current upward trend.
PC prices increased €280/mt also because of good demand. However, the picture on demand is less clear.
As the market is very short, it is difficult to separate demand due to healthy activity, panic buying, or to fill the supply gaps.
Nevertheless, the tighter market in March meant prices are now €630/mt higher than they were in November.
But for some buyers prices have increased much more than this, with offers approaching €3,000/mt.
During the ongoing market turmoil and severe shortages, prices between players have widened dramatically.
And as disruptions are happening at many levels of the value chain, it will most likely take some time for the market to rebalance.
As such, Q2 is shaping up to be another tight quarter for buyers, with some already at breaking point.
