Asia sorbitol to stay supported in May by firm tapioca costs

25 April 2011 06:55  [Source: ICIS news]

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Firm tapioca prices will likely keep sorbitol values in Asia stable in May in spite of a seasonal weakness in demand, market sources said on Monday.

Spot sorbitol prices were assessed at $670-710/tonne (€462-490/tonne) FOB (free on board) SE (southeast) Asia on 25 April, according to ICIS.

“Prices of sorbitol are likely to remain stable for the second quarter,” an Indonesian producer said.

Sorbitol’s price movement will largely be dictated by feedstock tapioca, market sources said.

“I do not see sorbitol prices significantly rising in May unless feedstock drastically increases,” said a Malaysian buyer.

Prices of tapioca in Thailand and Indonesia were stable at $564-613/tonne EXW (ex-works) on 25 April, market sources said.

($1 = €0.69)

By: Serena Seng

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