Polyester Staple Shows Strength

22 November 2004 00:01  [Source: ICB Americas]

The market for polyester staple has been strong this year, and producers are raising prices to offset higher raw material costs. Year-to-date through October, US production of polyester staple had risen by 7 percent, according to Michael Bermish, director of strategic planning for Wellman Inc. Although the lower denier market is still declining, and growth in the nonwovens market has been a mere 0.5 percent, exports are up 21.5 percent, and demand has risen by 15 percent in the fiberfill market and almost 7 percent in the carpet market.

Producers implemented a price increase of 3 cents per pound at the end of October. Another 3-cent increase is slated for the end of November to be followed by a 3-cent increase at the beginning of January. Utilization rates for the industry are in the mid-90 percent range.

For the latest chemical news, data and analysis that directly impacts your business sign up for a free trial to ICIS news - the breaking online news service for the global chemical industry.

Get the facts and analysis behind the headlines from our market leading weekly magazine: sign up to a free trial to ICIS Chemical Business.

Printer Friendly