European acrylonitrile butadiene styrene prices in October are expected to be steady, tracking a stable outlook on costs, according to sources.
The September ABS contract price was assessed at Eur1,860/mt ($2,190/mt) FD NWE Wednesday, up Eur120/mt on the month. Costs are expected to be steady in October.
The butadiene October contract has already been settled up Eur125/mt to Eur900/mt. The styrene contract is expected to be settled Friday and expectations are bearish, with sources citing decreases of between Eur40-100/mt.
The acrylonitrile contract price will be settled at the end of October, but expectations are bullish due to a surge in spot prices.
The acrylonitrile spot price was assessed at $1,725/mt CIF ARA, up $100/mt on the week, and reaching a near three-year high.
The distribution of ABS costs are approximately 58% of styrene, 25% acrylonitrile and 18% butadiene, meaning that costs are expected to be largely stable.
ABS demand has been firm in September. Although demand may weaken marginally in October from the peak month of September, demand prospects for October are expected to be bright.
