Central European sellers reveal May PVC prices in Italy

Following a stable to slightly firm trend in April, sellers offering central European PVC supplies to Italy have begun revealing their May offers. Some preferred to apply price increases while one seller maintained previous levels.
One central European producer is seeking a 20 euro/ton increase to 820 euro/ton for k67 grade and 820-840 euro/ton for specialty grades (FD North Italy, 90 days deferred payment). A company source also revealed that prices might be adjusted upward in the second half of the month. One trader also applied an increase of 30 euro/ton for specialty grades and 60 euro/ton for the k67 grade, offering Czech and Polish materials respectively at 850 euro/ton for specialty grades and 820 euro/ton for k67 with the same terms. A second trader in these materials will maintain last month's prices at 800-810 euro/ton for k67 and 820-840 euro/ton for specialty grades. He attributed his decision to the fact that his prices were already considered high in April. He complained that western European offers are still competitive and it can be hard for central European prices to move higher if western Europe retains its competitive edge.
Looking at the unchanged market dynamics with supply remaining comfortable and demand still failing to rebound, buyers expect PVC prices to remain stable in May. Plus, ethylene settled at a rollover, not providing bullish support for the market outlook. However, major western European producers as well as their central European counterparts are seeking increases based on their expectations of improvements in demand. So far, only a few western European offers have been reported for May in Italy's spot market, with a buyer receiving a k70 offer at 800 euro/ton for a 10 euro/ton increase but still standing below the rest of the other regular offers, particularly those from central Europe. He noted that his supplier informed him that they might seek further increases in the second half of the month. (Source ChemOrbis)