PMMA prices will likely surge in Q2 after the war in the Ukraine placed considerable pressure on costs.
While the market remains relatively balanced with ongoing and renewed weakness in demand, the cost pressure is mounting.
The war caused enourmous volatility in the energy markets, increasing the prices of many costs compontes.
Transport costs have increased because of the shortage of truck drivers and rising fuel costs.
Producers are facing high bills for electricity costs because of the higher gas prices.
And gas has also impacted production and prices of ammonia, a key raw material in the value chain.
In the past few days, the main raw material, methyl methacrylate (MMA), saw spot prices increase from €2,500/mt in February to €3,200/mt.
The big pressure on costs will mean that polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) buyers will stuggle to avoid big increases in the next few months.