Roehm decreases MMA prices from the first of December “in order to support European customers”.
The decrease of €175/mt comes amid slowing demand and competitive imports across the value chain in Europe.
Methyl methacrylate (MMA) spot prices posted decreases in recent months, with imports offered below €2000/mt, according to the latest data from GC Intelligence.
The rise in energy prices in Europe pushed up prices and decreased competitiveness against imports.
The lower demand in Asia driven by the slowdown in China fuelled cheap imports, not only for raw materials but also for finished goods.
However, Roehm decreases MMA prices also likely helped by the recent retreat in gas prices.
The gas futures price peaked in the summer above €300/MWh and decreased around €100/MWh in October.
Nonetheless, gas prices found renewed support in November, climbing to €130/mt, and raising the risk of another spike during the peak demand period of the winter.
Methyl methacrylate (MMA) finds its uses in the paints and coatings industry, but mainly as a raw material for polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).
Roehm, based in Germany, is a major producer of both MMA and PMMA.