We work diligently to be your single source for all plastic molding and extrusion processes and materials selection knowledge – so we wanted to provide you a market update. While there are certainly challenges ahead, time will remedy the bottlenecks and delays – we’re just not sure when, or how completely. With respect to key functional and product areas – take a look at some of the updates below from industry suppliers:
Energy
The threat of Russian invasion is shaking up fragile global oil markets. Prices increase as traders calculate that supply may struggle.
Logistics
All ports are over 100% capacity. Railcar storage and warehouse storage capacities are exceeded until shipments go to customers/transfer.
Polyethylene
PE producers have held FEB price increases. Expect to see some delays for planned outages – with a larger impact on LLDPE.
Polypropylene
JAN was light production month. Imports slowing for pellets and finished goods. Pricing up in FEB slowly. Railcar/additive availability constrains.
Polystyrene
CDI and IHS posted flat for JAN. FEB pricing for benzene (feedstock PS), settled up. Some increase announcements in FEB occurred.
ABS
Ports and warehouses on West Coast remain over capacity. Bottleneck of ships reduced in S. Cal. recently from 107 to 79.
PVC
Resin flat in DEC and decrease JAN. Continued Compounder challenges in sourcing additives and plasticizers/other, driving prices up.
Polycarbonate
Overall demand very strong in North Amer, through first half of 2022. 11-13 week lead times for various materials.
TPE/TPV
Elastron SEBS and TPV grades available, while EPDM supply issues persist, in US/Europe for next 3-6 months – w/up price pressure.
Acetal
Supply very tight due to strong global demand, import delays. Longer lead times to 18 weeks and several price increases announced.
Nylon
Base polymer supply is balanced. Compounds still in short supply due to shortages (glass fiber, impact modifier). Prices are up overall in JAN.
TPU
Short supply and challenges in NA due to lack of key feedstock PTMEG. Most customers are on allocation and will continue Q1/Q2.
We hope that these updates are helpful to you and your team. NEED HELP on your next plastic parts assembly project? We can deliver results for you. Let’s talk.
Plastic Resources, Inc.
2577 Ferris Road
Columbus, OH 43224
Phone: 614-471-9478
