Methylene Chloride Methodology
Methylene chloride, also known as dichloromethane or methylene dichloride, is a chlorinated hydrocarbon. It is by far the largest of the chlorinated solvents family of products and is used in many diverse applications, which include paint stripping, metal cleaning and finishing, pharmaceuticals, polycarbonates, cellulose esters and photographic film. It is also used in aerosol propellants, adhesives, cosmetics, plastics processing, foam blowing and as an extraction medium in food processes.
Methylene chloride is carcinogenic and flammable.
ICIS pricing quotes methylene chloride in Europe and USA.
Frequency:
Published weekly on Tuesdays.
Methylene Chloride (Europe)
Weekly Price Assessments:
Methylene Chloride Spot Prices
- FD NWE (EUR/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)
- FD MED (EUR/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)
- FOB NWE (USD/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)
Methylene Chloride (USA)
Weekly Price Assessments:
Methylene Chloride Spot Prices
- FOB USG (US CTS/LB & conversion to USD/MT)
General Information:
Assessment window: Priceassessments are based on information supplied by market participants through the week up to close of business on Tuesdays at 1700 hours in London and Houston.
Specification: Clear liquid free from suspended matter: 99.9% minimum: non volatiles 10ppm max: water 100ppm max: acidity 5ppm max
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: The main production centres for methylene chloride are Europe and the US. Most production is used locally and exports are mainly to Latin America and the Far East, notably China.
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.