Chloroform

Some 95% of chloroform production is used in the manufacture of hydrochlorofluorocarbon-22 (HCFC-22), which is used in refrigerants and fluoropolymers such as polytetrafluoro-ethylene (PTFE). Refrigerants currently account for 60% of HCFC-22 output, and fluoropolymers 40%, but demand for the former is seen declining and the latter rising. Chloroform has a minor usage as a laboratory reagent and as an extraction solvent for pharmaceuticals.

 

ICIS pricing quotes chloroform in Europe and the United States in a combined report.

 

Frequency:

Published weekly on Tuesdays

 

Chloroform (EUROPE/US)

Weekly Price Assessments:

European Chloroform Spot Prices

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

US Chloroform Spot Prices

• EX-PLANT (US CTS/LB & conversion to EUR/MT)
• FOB USG (US CTS/LB & conversion to EUR/MT)

 

General Information:

Assessment window: Price assessments are based on information supplied by market participants up to the close of business at 1700 hours in London on Tuesdays.

 

Specification: ICIS pricing quotes chloroform conforming to CNT-18568 (TA) and G-01-A (R)

 

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: Assessments typically refer to parcels of 500-1,000 tonnes, for domestic and export business.

 

Assessment basis:

From a supply perspective, market dynamics hinge on alternatives for chlorine (chloroform’s feedstock) and their relative netbacks. Under normal conditions around 90% of business is conducted under long-term contracts that usually span a year. It is a global market with a strong element of seasonality given its major application in refrigerants. The market is growing, especially in China. Asia is a significant net importer from both North America and Europe.

ICIS pricing chloroform reports offer market commentary that includes details of traced transactions, news on the supply/demand balance, export/import information news, 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.