ABS data shows EU becomes a net importer again, a sign that could suggest a return of competitive Asian material.
The latest trade numbers from Eurostat show that imports in January thisyear were once again greater than exports.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) imports are an integral part of the European total supply of ABS.
And the EU has for the most part always been a net importer of ABS.
But the picture changed last year, likely because of good demand in China amid disruptions and high prices of transport.
Laterly, the rising cost of energy in Europe pushing up ABS prices and seemingly lower demand in Asia may be driving the increase in imports.
While one set of data is not enugh to be certaint that a trend is on the way, market dynamics appear to be changing to support this change.