Polyols

Polyols are a primary polyurethanes component. A polyol and an isocyanate react to form polyurethane. There are both polyether and polyester polyols. Polyether polyols are used in a wide range of rigid and flexible polyurethane applications, including energy-saving refrigeration insulation, industrial sealants, cushion foam, and construction and building materials. A polyether polyol and a polyfunctional isocyanate react to form polyurethane.

Polyols are most commonly used in the manufacture of flexible polyurethane foam, used in furniture, bedding and transportation, and in the production of rigid foams, which are used in construction materials, insulation, automotive components and more.

Polyols are combustible liquids and are toxic and harmful through inhalation, ingestion or skin and eye contact.

ICIS pricing quotes polyols in Europe, Asia-Pacific and the USA.  

Frequency:

Published weekly on Wednesdays

Polyols (EUROPE)

Weekly Price Assessments:

Flexible Polyols  Monthly Contract Prices

• SLABSTOCK CONVENTIONAL FD NWE (EUR/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)

Base Rigid Polyols Monthly Contract Prices

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

Polyether Polyols (ASIA-PACIFIC)

Weekly Price Assessments:

Flexible Foam Spot Prices

• SLABSTOCK (BULK) DEL CHINA (USD/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)
• SLABSTOCK CFR S.E.ASIA (USD/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)
• SLABSTOCK CFR INDIA (USD/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)
• HIGH RESILIENCE CFR S.E.ASIA (USD/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)

Rigid Foam Spot Prices

• SLABSTOCK CFR S.E.ASIA (USD/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)

Polyols (USA)

Weekly Price Assessments:

Flexible Foam Domestic US Transaction Prices

• SLAB BULK/DELIVERED (US CTS/LB & conversion to USD/MT)
• HIGH RESILIENCE BULK/DELIVERED (US CTS/LB & conversion to USD/MT)

Rigid Foam Domestic US Prices

• POLYESTER BULK/DELIVERED (US CTS/LB & conversion to USD/MT)
• POLYETHER BULK/DELIVERED (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 Wednesdays at 1800 hours in London, Singapore and Houston.

Specification: The molecular weight of the conventional slabstock polyether polyols reported is 3,000-3,500, rigid polyester polyols is 200-1000.

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

Terms: Typically 30-60 days after bill of lading date. China prices assume that the buyer holds a letter of credit with credit terms between 30-90 days, while terms elsewhere in Asia are 90-180 days.

Standard cargo size: A typical full bulk truck load size into NWE is 20-25 tonnes. US assessments are based on typical railcar and tank truck volumes of 180,000-190,000 lbs in the case of railcars, and approximately 46,000 lbs for tank trucks. In Asia typical bulk cargo sizes covered range between 100-500 tonnes.

Assessment basis: European polyether polyols price assessments reflect full bulk, pre-discounted monthly values only. The market is dominated by four major customers who contribute to around 80% of purchases made.

The European price assessments reflect full bulk, pre-discounted values only. The contract prices in the ICIS pricing ranges may not represent the final settled price for that month. Price changes are calculated against the previous monthly contract prices quoted. All prices in the range are pre-discounts.

The price range includes monthly transactions reported as physical deals and concluded between buyers and sellers during the previous week. Certain prices may be excluded from the range if they have been negotiated in unusual circumstances or if special conditions are thought to apply. In the absence of business, the price spread can be adjusted based on the majority market sentiment. When applicable, business concluded in the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, central Europe, the Middle East and Africa is quoted in the body of the European report text. Chinese domestic prices are discussed in the text of the Asia report.

Major suppliers in Asia are Shell, Dow and Bayer. India imports in USD on a CFR drummed basis. Local producer, Manali Petrochemical, is trying to develop export markets for its rigid form.

In the US, information is gathered throughout the week from suppliers, consumers, distributors and other market players. The published prices do not include discounts for volume or customer/contract status.  Business concluded in Latin America is included in the body of the report.  

All regional 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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