Mexico July PS prices drop 2-3 cents/lb on feedstocks

14 July 2011 22:26  [Source: ICIS news]

HOUSTON (ICIS)--Polystyrene (PS) prices in Mexico declined 2-3 cents/lb ($44-66/tonne, €31-47/tonne) in line with weaker prices for feedstocks ethylene and styrene, local participants said on Thursday.

General purpose polystyrene (GPPS) prices in Mexico for July were assessed 3 cents/lb lower from June. High impact polystyrene (HIPS) prices declined by 2 cents/lb.

The smaller reduction in HIPS prices was due to an increase in feedstock butadiene (BD) costs this month.

PS demand in Mexico rose once prices for July were finalised and the uncertainty was eliminated. Strong seasonal demand for disposables along with replacement of depleted resin inventories supported healthy PS business. Participants noted that concerns over the hurricane season also factored into rising demand.

Steady PS demand came from the school and office supplies segment. Activity from the appliances sector had weakened, however.

Participants said resin availability was in balance with demand.

GPPS prices in Mexico before the July drop were assessed at 23.29-23.80 cents/lb FOT (free on truck), and HIPS at 25.08-26.10 cents/lb FOT, according to ICIS.

($1 = €0.71)

For more on PS visit ICIS chemical intelligence

By: Ron Coifman
+1 713 525 2653

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