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(polyestertime) -- As polymer markets are seen squeezed
between high costs and unsatisfactory demand in China, trading activities are
mostly reported to be stalled with players preferring to take a wait and see
stance.
They generally argue that any price cut is not seen possible in
the near term considering the fact that polymer markets have been firm since the
beginning of 2012 in China with sellers attempting to raise their offers for PP,
PVC, PE and PS products due to the cost pressure from the upstream markets.
Nevertheless, demand has been showing an unsatisfactory performance,
failing to meet the expectations about a rebound in the aftermath of the Chinese
New Year celebrated at the end of January. This situation paved the way for
regional and overseas suppliers to shift their allocations to other
markets.
The players generally argue that any price cut is
not seen possible in the near term considering the fact that
the upstream
chain is maintaining its strength. However, they also do not think that large
price hikes are likely
to materialize as long as demand retains its sluggish
stance. Therefore, a stable to firm trend is expected to
be seen over the
near term with prices fluctuating in a narrow range. |
