Polystyrene (PS) suppliers in Asia have basically prolonged their price proposals for spot volumes this week, while demand in the region remains low, ICIS reported.

Quotes for styrene monomer continue to remain at an average level of USD1,100 per tonne, CFR China, which does not allow PS suppliers to raise prices.

“This week, most sellers have kept their price offers unchanged, and the interest in buying remains generally weak,” said the Thai PS producer.

Despite the traditional situation in the third quarter, when production in China is aimed at export, the demand for PS seems to have only slightly increased. Buyers are still in no hurry to purchase material, and most of them either did not place more orders, or did not buy large volumes of substations.

“In general, the buying activity in the PS market has not changed compared to the busy business in the acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) market,” the Chinese trader said.

Trade activity in South-East Asia also remained at a low level. Suppliers complained about a lack of interest from buyers, but they remain optimistic enough, hoping that demand may grow in the near future.

Other sellers attributed the weak trade to higher PS prices compared to other polymers, such as polypropylene (PP).

“Given the prices of the PS above the level of USD1,300 per tonne, CFR, some buyers are looking for cheaper alternatives,” said another PS producer in Southeast Asia.

According to the Price Review of ICIS-MRC, in August the Russian market expects a general increase in prices of Russian material. Next month Nizhnekamskneftekhim will increase its PS selling prices by 4 thousand rubles. Per ton. Manufacturer Penoplex increased the cost of polystyrene for general use (PSS / M) by 2 thousand rubles. Per ton.