Perchloroethylene

Perchloroethylene is a chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent used mainly in the dry cleaning industry (70-75%). One of its other major uses is as a chemical intermediate (12%), especially as the basic raw material in the manufacture of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) 134a, a popular alternative to chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerants, but also HFCs 123, 124 and 125. Other uses include metal degreasing (15-16%), textile finishing, dying and extracting processes. The size of the market has been shrinking for several years. For instance, in Western Europe consumption has been declining steadily since 1990, when volumes were about 125,000 tonnes to 57,000 tonnes in 2003. 

Over-exposure can potentially have a lethal effect and concerns over the environmental impact of emissions mean that perchloroethylene is tightly regulated. However, the shrinking size of the market has much more to do with increased use of recycling systems in the dry cleaning industry than reduced use driven by health and environmental concerns. 

 

ICIS pricing quotes perchloroethylene in Europe and the USA.

 

Frequency:

Published weekly on Fridays

 

Perchloroethylene (EUROPE)

Weekly Price Assessments:

Perchloroethylene Spot Prices

• FD NWE (EUR/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)
• FOB NWE (USD/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)

 

Perchloroethylene (USA)

Weekly Price Assessments:

Perchloroethylene Spot Prices

• FOB USG (US CTS/LB & conversion to USD/MT)
• EX-TANK USEC (US CTS/LB & conversion to USD/MT)

 

General Information:

Assessment window: Price assessments are based on information supplied by market participants through the week up to close of business on Fridays at 1700 hours in London and Houston.

 

Specification: ICIS pricing quotes perchloroethylene conforming to CNT-18514, 18529 & 18530

 

Timing: Cargoes loading or delivered four-six weeks forward from the date of publication.

 

Terms: 30-60 days after bill of lading date.

 

Standard cargo size: Domestic (FD) price assessments refer to trucks, with a typical full bulk truck load size being 20-25 tonnes. Export (FOB) prices typically refer to bulk parcels of 500-1,000 tonnes.

 

Assessment basis: In terms of trade flows, historically speaking, Europe has long been a net exporter or perchloroethylene to North America. However, with the sudden tightening of global chlor-alkali balances in 2004 the volume of transatlantic business shrunk, but the destination remains an outlet for European producers.  Regular domestic business is conducted under monthly or quarterly contracts, while a sizeable portion of the market is supplied through a network of distributors.

The reports offer market commentary that includes details of traced transactions, news on the supply/demand balance, export/import information, contract price negotiations and general sentiment for price direction. Where applicable there is product information, comments on up and downstream market developments and general market intelligence.

 

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