Europe top stories: weekly summary

LONDON (ICIS)–Here are some of the top stories from ICIS Europe for the week ended 18 April.

Stand-off between big buyers and sellers in Europe PET market continues
Big buyers and sellers of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in Europe are failing to find a compromise when it comes to spot prices, as each side stands its ground, sources said on Thursday.

Europe domestic base oils supply rides high into Easter despite turnarounds
European base oils supply remains high going into Easter, especially for Group I and III, with few signs of change despite rising oil prices which could prompt refiners to cut back base oils supply.

Europe replacement consumer tyre Q1 sales fall, SBR demand remains soft
Replacement consumer tyre sales declined slightly in the first quarter, according to the European Tyre & Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA).

Europe PE tight supply putting more pressure on buyers
Tight polyethylene (PE) supply for some grades in Europe is leading to stronger pressure on buyers for April pricing.

Europe PA spot prices stable, orders from construction, UPR sector increase
European phthalic anhydride (PA) spot prices are stable despite slow increases in orders from the unsaturated polyester resins (UPR) and construction downstream sectors.