LONDON (ICIS news) -- European plasticiser buyers hoping for a summer respite to high prices and prevailing market tightness are now bracing for the opposite.
After last week's force majeure declaration from BASF, market supply is set to contract even further, and all varieties of plasticiser are likely to get more expensive.
Dioctyl phthalate (DOP), di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) and other plasticisers are primarily to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC) soft and flexible for end uses ranging from pipes and cables to flooring, medical devices and toys.
MRCMRC Reference
BASF. The share in the Russian market in 2008:
PS - 9.1% (GPPS - 5.9%, ABS - 11.4%, EPS - 10.6%).
Annual sales growth in Russia over the 5 years:
PS - 15%.
Imports by polymers processing technologies:
foaming;
injection molding