US spot methylene chloride prices were stable for the week ended 2 August, but a producer said prices are moving higher.
A producer said it is seeing methylene chloride prices in the range of 75-85 cents/lb ($1,653-1,874/tonne, €1,157-1,312/tonne), and a distributor is seeing prices at 76 cents/lb.
Another producer and most buyers disagreed with this sentiment, saying that they have not seen any formal price increase nominations in the market.
In addition, demand from the refrigerant liquids market is described by sources as lower, although still strong, because of seasonal factors.
Demand for methylene chloride in the solvent market for paint stripping and metal degreasing remains strong.
However, sources said solvent makers have struggled more with methylene chloride’s record-high prices, and are unlikely to chase material at prices above the posted range.
Supply is tight, but buyers said they are having more success sourcing material out of Asia, giving them an alternative in some cases.
Export demand for methylene chloride is strong, producers said, but with most of their material allocated to domestic buyers, few deals could be done.
($1 = €0.70)
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