Europe: isocyanate contract price of February went down

The contract price of isocyanate in February fell by an average of Euro 50-200/t (USD 64-256/t) in Europe. Despite of the rise cost of materials in February, the price continues to slow down because of poor demands in the markets.

Among the isocyanate materials, TDI fell seriously. Its average contract prices were at Euro 1950-2050/t FD North-West Europe, a slip of Euro 200/t compared to January. In addition, crude MDI contract prices were at Euro 1500-1600/t, a fall of Euro 100/t compared to January; pure MDI contract prices were ranged at Euro 1610-1730/t FD North-West Europe.

As for the lacklustre demands, one of the main reasons is the shrinking demands from construction and automobiles sectors, what's worse; the coldness of this winter in Europe plays a negative role for construction sectors.

However, most producers predict that with the materials increase, the products will keep steady in March; meanwhile, the warm weather will stimulate the demands from construction sectors.