Platts plans to launch Asian expandable polystyrene assessments

Following discussions with the industry, Platts proposes to introduce a weekly spot price assessment for Asian expandable polystyrene, general grade and fire retardant grade, basis FOB Northeast Asia.

FOB Northeast Asia will be based on cargoes to be loaded 0-30 days from date of publication, and will be based on the ports of China (Shanghai, Ningbo), South Korea (Ulsan, Yeosu), and Taiwan (Kaohsiung).

The assessment for FOB Northeast Asia will be based on cargoes with a size of 100-500 mt, with L/C at sight. Specifications will include EPS with a bead size of 0.7-1.3 mm and a density of 10-20 grams per liter (g/l).

Price assessments will reflect the close of Asia markets, time stamped at 4:30 p.m. Singapore time (0830 GMT), and subjected to the typical guidelines of the Platts Market-On-Close assessment process.

The launch date for the EPS assessments would be December 14 and the new assessments will be run on Platts Petrochemical Alert page 278, in the Polymerscan and in Asian Petrochemical Scan.

Please send any queries or comments by November 4 to Gustav Holmvik at gustav_holmvik@platts.com with a copy to petchems@platts.com and pricegroup@platts.com.