US November VAM exports down more than 19% year-over-year

13 January 2009 20:00  [Source: ICIS news]

HOUSTON (ICIS news)--US exports of vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) in November 2008 totalled 20,919 tonnes, down by more than 19% from 25,890 tonnes during the same month a year earlier, the US International Trade Commission (ITC) said on Tuesday.

November exports also were down by almost 30% from 29,689 tonnes in October, the ITC said.

US VAM exports increased by 27% through the first 11 months of 2008 compared with the same period of 2007, reflecting a soft domestic economy that prompted producers to look overseas for much of their sales, market sources said.

Belgium, Canada and Germany were the top three export destinations through November, accounting for a collective 190,181 tonnes - or about 44% of total shipments of 432,632 tonnes.

US Gulf export FOB (free on board) prices were $1,050-1,250/tonne (€788-938/tonne) over the past month, according to global chemical market intelligence service ICIS pricing.

US VAM producers include Celanese, Dow Chemical, DuPont and LyondellBasell.

($1 = €0.75)

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By: Lane Kelley
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