Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer Methodology
Ethylene Propylene (EP) elastomer is the third largest synthetic rubber market after styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) and polybutadiene rubber (PBR). Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM), a key type of EP elastomer, has excellent resistance to ozone and heat, and good resistance to alkalis, acids, and oxygenated solvents. Asia is the largest and fastest growing market, representing about 43% of global demand.
EPDM is used in a wide range of applications including gaskets and window seals in the automotive industry and roofing membrane and insulation material in the construction industry.
Frequency:
Published weekly on Wednesdays.
EPDM (ASIA-PACIFIC)
Weekly Price Assessments:
Medium ENB Grade Spot Prices
- CIF CHINA MAIN PORT (USD/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)
- CFR S.E.ASIA (USD/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)
- CFR INDIA MAIN PORT (USD/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 the close of business on Wednesdays at 17:00 hours in Singapore.
Specification:
The Asian spot quotes cover the Medium ENB grade. The level of dienes typically comprise from 2.5% up to 12% by weight of composition.
Timing:
Cargoes delivered two-six weeks forward from the date of publication.
Terms:
Typically 30-60 days after bill of lading date.
Standard cargo size:
Typical volume sizes assessed are 30-100 tonnes in Asia.
Assessment basis:
The EPDM price assessments are based on information gathered throughout the week from market players comprising producers, consumers, traders and distributors. The assessment of prices take into consideration confirmed deals, buy and sell indications, firm bids and offers. Notional price discussions and rumoured deals will not usually be taken into consideration for assessment purposes.
In Asia, factors such as deep-sea cargo movements, supply/demand balance, plant operating rates, feedstock and derivative markets, and general market sentiment, are also taken into account. Domestic prices in China are discussed in the text.
ICIS does not take into consideration Russian origin material for CIF China assessments.
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, notably in the automotive market, and general market intelligence.
4 December 2012