European PVC export prices rise on tighter market

LONDON (ICIS)–A firmer situation was heard in European polyvinyl chloride (PVC) export markets, with prices increasing this week, according to sources on Friday.

Spot prices were assessed at $880-895/tonne FOB (free on board), up $20/tonne on the low end and $15/tonne on the high end.

Demand remains slow in the important export market of Turkey, although it has recovered somewhat due to better seasonal conditions.

However, this has been more than counterbalanced by tight supply from European producers which has reduced the offers available and pushed up prices for any remaining material.

Players said that reduced supply from Europe is partly the result of a major producer preparing for upcoming feedstock shutdowns rather than focussing on the export market.

European domestic prices have also risen in April, which has given producers another outlet for material and decreased the incentive for sellers to export PVC out of the market.

Any remaining European k67/68 grade offers in Turkey, the largest individual export market for Europe, were heard in the low $900s/tonne CFR (cost and freight).

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