(ICIS) -- August polystyrene (PS) prices have risen by EUR 100/tonne (USD 145/tonne), following the EUR 121-129/tonne increase in monthly styrene monomer barge contracts, but margins have been reduced in 2011, several producers said on Wednesday.
General purpose polystyrene (GPPS) is now trading at a net price of EUR 1,350/tonne FD (free delivered) NWE (northwest Europe), up EUR 100/tonne from the July level, and INEOS Styrenics has announced a EUR 30/tonne increase for its September business.
September styrene contracts have not yet been settled and other producers are waiting for the outcome of negotiations before announcing September plans for PS pricing.
PS prices tend to follow the styrene contract curve closely, but the spread between the monomer and polymer has been reduced.