Another caustic soda increase is on the table.(Inorganics)(Brief Article)

Chemical Week, August, 2004 by Sim, Peck Hwee

OxyChem, PPG Industries, and Formosa Plastics have separately announced a $65/ton increase in caustic soda prices, effective immediately, or as contracts allow. Formosa is also seeking an $85/ton rise in membrane-grade caustic soda. Other producers had not announced increases at CW press time, but observers say they will likely follow.

The increases come as no surprise, market sources say. Market conditions have been moving in favor of sellers after a prolonged period of excess supply. Operating rates at chlor-alkali plants have hit 100% in response to strong demand and tightening supply. An expected slowdown in production this summer, as well as planned outages at chlorine derivatives units are expected to further strain caustic supply. Formosa, Olin, and...

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