(plasticsinfomart) -- Global monomer markets ended March on a firm note amidst steady to slightly firmer spot prices on a global scale. Spot propylene and ethylene prices increased in Asia and the US in the last week of March.
In Europe, however, spot ethylene and propylene prices were stable to softer in contrast to higher contract settlements. As for styrene, global spot markets followed a stable to slightly firmer trend over the past week, but the most recent increases failed to move prices back above their early March levels.
The bullish trend was mainly attributed to concerns regarding restricted availability. Technical issues at several regional crackers resulted in shutdowns or lower operating rates in South Korea and Japan.