Players of the European market of expandable polystyrene (EPS C) generally agree on the May contract prices at the level of April, but in some cases, a small decrease on EUR5-20 price has been fixed for a ton, especially on the gray material, sources told ICIS market.

The May price harmonization has not yet been completed.

This month, the demand has gone down and is below the expected level.

“Despite the fact that the demand should be good this time of year, it is not, as the markets of reconstruction and construction of new buildings are now in decline”, – said one of the buyers.

In April, the price of packaging grades of EPS were at the level of EUR1 590-1 605 per tonne FD NWE (North-East Europe), while the prices for high-impact brand totaled EUR1 600-1 610 per tonne FD NWE. Refractory grade offered in the area of ​​EUR1 610-1 635 per tonne FD NWE.

In the Russian market expanded polystyrene, according to the price review ICIS-MRC, seasonal buying activity observed. Prices of Russian PSV-C last week remained stable after the increase in prices of EPS production of Sibur and repair (nodes) in early May. So, the price of Russian production of EPS Sibur for May were announced at the 1000 rubles. per ton higher than the April proposals. Plastic Factory (nodes) announced a price increase following the growth of quotations of styrene in Russia and increase in production costs for the spot market in Russia.