NPRA ’11: US spot acetone activity limited amid lower operating rates

27 March 2011 16:30  [Source: ICIS news]

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (ICIS)--US availability of acetone has been balanced for much of the first quarter, but with phenol/acetone plants still operating at reduced capacity rates the surplus of acetone available for spot markets has been greatly reduced, a trader said on Sunday.

“It has been very difficult to get anything for March lifting and now April looks the same,” the trader said on the sidelines of the International Petrochemical Conference (IPC).

A small volume is being offered at around 54 cents/lb ($1,200/tonne/€852/tonne) FOB (free on board) US Gulf for April loading, but serious buying interest would be closer to 50 cents/lb, the trader said.

US Phenol/acetone plants are operating at reduced levels because of a shortage of feedstock cumene.

Hosted by the National Petrochemical & Refiners Association (NPRA), the IPC continues through Tuesday.

($1 = €0.71)

For more on acetone visit ICIS chemical intelligence

By: Heather McGuire Doyle
+1 713 525 2653

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