Shintech will raise its liquid caustic soda prices by $40/dry short ton effective immediately or as contract terms allow, the company said Monday in a notice to customers.
The Houston-based producer was the third to say it would raise prices in November. Occidental Chemical announced Friday a similar $40/dst increase, while Olin started the latest round of increases November 19 at $40/dst for its US customers and C$45/dry metric ton for its Canadian customers.
Market participants somewhat expected Olin's announcement, as the company is evaluating whether to idle or permanently shut about 250,000-450,000 tons of its chlor-alkali capacity, Olin said earlier in the month. "We expect to provide more specifics in the first quarter of 2016," the company added.
In markets, export US caustic soda prices were steady week on week, last assessed Tuesday at $255-$265/mt FOB USG. December spot trading levels were heard at $260/mt FOB USG, while offer levels were heard at $270-$280/mt FOB USG. In domestic markets, the assessment was also steady week on week at $285-$295/st.
