PMMA prices increased €100/mt from Q3 to Q4 due to higher costs, according to GC Intelligence market analysis.
The increase in the feedstock methyl methacrylate (MMA) and higher energy costs, placed additional pressure on prices.
The GC Intelligence Q4 MMA contract price increased €100/mt to €2,200/mt.
In addition, producers were looking to pass on the recent spikes in energy costs, citing higher gas and ammonia prices.
The surcharges could push prices substantially higher in Q1. One producers was aiming to implement a surcharge of €350/mt.
Meanwhile, in Q4 High Impact Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) climbed to around €3,270/mt. And Injection Moulding PMMA rose to €2,550/mt.
However, extrusion PMMA rolled over, owing to lower demand for sheets.
Overall, the European PMMA market was relatively balanced. Since the summer, a slowdown in demand from both the sheet and automotive sector helped to increased supply.
Should demand continue to fall then sellers will have to fight hard to pass on the increases in costs in the next few weeks.
The recent spike in energy has added yet another layer of complexity in the PMMA markets and the rest of the polymer industry.
And while visibility has decreased further, it is unlikely that buyers will see prices fall in the next few months.