European polycarbonate prices decreased in February due to lower gas prices, weak demand, and ample availability.
According to GC Intelligence assessments, prices posted triple digit decreases for some grades.
While the automotive industry has shown slight improvements, other sectors, including construction and electrical and electronics, continue to struggle.
Suppliers are lowering prices to attract volumes amid persistent oversupply, while Asian imports remain competitive.
The forecast is a continuation of price decreases, with a seasonal increase in demand in the spring expected to prevent deeper falls.
Demand remains subdued in most sectors, despite some improvement since the slump in December.
Oversupply continues into February, although the pressure has slightly eased.
The polycarbonate market is expected to remain well-supplied through the year, with any gradual increase in demand being met by increases in production.
Shortages during the spring remain a plausible scenario. If production issues persist amid a sudden rebound in demand supply could become short. But this for now remains the least probable outcome.