Polyethylene contract negotiations went down to the wire and processors’ resistance paid off, scoring steady prices for January. There was barely time to celebrate this small victory, because February rolled in right behind and the $.06/lb increase was again back in play. To add a little fuel to the fire, a few producers nominated an additional $.07/lb increase for March. There was no big flurry of discounted month-end spot Polyethylene railcar o... [More]

Spot Polypropylene prices rallied further, tacking on another $.04/lb, bringing the three week total to $.09/lb. Spot prices took off on the heels of rapidly rising monomer costs, which point to sharply higher contract prices for February. Price increase nominations for as much as $.22/lb were issued, subsequently $.17/lb was floated and buyers are still hopeful for a lower figure. While settlements have yet to occur, a double-digit gain will be ... [More]