EDC and VCM prices firm up in Asia

EDC and VCM prices marched higher in Asia this week. Reports of strong regional buying interest, bullish downstream PVC rates and a perceived tightness in prompt availability, helped sellers up adjust their spot offer rates.

CFR Far East Asia prices of EDC were assessed up at the USD 230/mt levels, a week on week spike of USD 30/mt. CFR South East Asia prices of EDC were assessed higher at the USD 245/mt levels, a gain of USD 15/mt from the previous week.

Feedstock ethylene prices on Thursday were at the USD 1315/mt CFR North East Asia levels while CFR South East Asia prices of ethylene were at the USD 1315/mt levels, both unchanged week on week.

VCM prices were assessed up at the USD 795/mt CFR Far East Asia levels, a sharp week on week increase of USD 20/mt. CFR South East Asia prices of VCM were assessed higher at the USD 830/mt levels, a rise of USD 10/mt on the week.

Downstream PVC prices were assessed up at the USD 970/mt CFR China levels, a week on week surge of USD 50/mt.

In plant news, Asahimas has shut its 250,000 mt/year No.2 VCM plant, located in Anyer, Indonesia, mid-January 2018 for a maintenance turnaround of about 40-45 days.