- Split direction in raw material feedstock settlements- The EPS market is expected to
increase in the second half of March, according to trader





In the week leading up to March 1, prices
for polystyrene were stable. Most market participants were seen waiting for
settlements in the downstream feedstocks benzene or ethylene. The ethylene
contract price rose Eur30/mt and reached Eur1,290/mt. March benzene settled down Eur1/mt to
Eur919/mt. One producer had announced plans on polystyrene and prices
before hearing the styrene price settlement. Trinseo stated an intention
to increase Eur70-71/mt. Marchb> /b>benzene was settled
down Eur1/mt at Eur919/mt. This occurred before the settlement of the styrene
contract price on March 1. Trinseo announced an intended increase of Eur70-71/mt. However, the month
of XPS saw little construction demand. A trader in Southern Europe said that
they expect demand growth in the second...