US PVC spot export prices firm as demand rises in China
Petrotahlil --US polyvinyl chloride (PVC) spot export prices firmed as demand returned in China and US producers raised offers.
The higher demand in China brought some positive sentiment in global markets for a return to more normal markets and reversed a weeks-long slide in prices.
The US assessed spot export range rose an average of $20/tonne to a narrower range of $550-570/tonne.
US producers offered spot export prices at increases of $40-50/tonne higher than business done in the previous week.
Some buyers were heard to be reluctant to buy at higher prices, but some moved to get ahead of further increases.
The higher offers come after most US producers have sold their May volumes and are aimed at late May and June lifting.
Firmer demand in China came as many plants in the region are undertaking maintenance turnarounds, adding to urgency of buying.
Major US producers of PVC include Shintech, Westlake Chemical, Formosa Plastics and OxyVinyls.
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