Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA)

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is the most important application for methyl methacrylate (MMA). Once cast or moulded it is clear, hard, UV transparent and resistant to gamma rays. Around 40-45% of usage goes to the automotive industry, with 33% used in the building and lighting industry and the remainder used for various applications including CD production, toys, pens, furniture and electronics.

PMMA is increasingly competing with polystyrene, SAN and polycarbonate.

PMMA is available as a white powder or clear plastic sheet, is stable and non-hazardous, but incompatible with strong oxidising agents. It is combustible and in powder form is harmful by ingestion or inhalation.

ICIS pricing quotes PMMA in Europe.  

Frequency:

Published weekly on Fridays

Polymethyl Methacrylate (EUROPE)

Weekly Price Assessments:

PMMA Quarterly Contract Price Standard Grade

• FD NWE (EUR/KG & conversion to USD/MT)

PMMA Feedstock Prices

• MMA FD NWE Quarterly (EUR/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)

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 1800 hours in London.

Specification: ICIS pricing assesses PMMA in resin and sheet form. Sheet material is predominantly produced by casting or extrusion, while the remainder is moulded into various shapes.

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: The published quote typically represents truck loads of between 20-25 tonnes.

Assessment basis: The quarterly ICIS pricing PMMA price assessments are based on information gathered from market players comprising of producers, consumers and traders. Price assessments take into consideration buy/sell indications, firm bids and offers, notional price discussions and rumoured, reported and confirmed deals.

Factors such as Asia/Middle East cargo movements, supply/demand balance, plant operating rates, feedstock and derivative markets, and general market sentiment are also taken into account.

As substitution with a number of other plastics is possible, relevant price or market information is also given on other products if considered relevant.

The report offers 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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