ABS prices increase €60/mt in March, following in the same direction but lower than the combined cost increase of raw materials.
A combination of prices already at high levels and better supply helped buyers negotiate lower increases.
For many buyers in Europe, prices exceed €3,000/mt.
Prices reached such high levels because of higher costs but also short supply and strong demand for most of last year.
But the acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) market has improved in the past two months.
Supply increased because of the recent new capacities in Italy and France.
The lower demand from some important segments such as automotive and appliances also helped to improve supply.
Overall, the market has moved from tightness to balanced.
However, what is keeping prices up at the moment is the latest surge in energy prices.
A spike in both gas and crude oil prices is pushing up costs of electricity and raw materials.