News

Kuraray announces the decision to increase the prices of both methylmethacrylate (MMA) monomer and methyl acetoacetate (MAA) by ¥25 per kilogram in Japan, while the prices for MAA blends will be raised by ¥35 per kilogram for shipments commencing October 20, 2006.

MMA monomer, which has been the focus of flourishing demand for PMMA, has been affected by production facility problems that have kept the supply-and-demand balance extremely tight in Japan and the rest of Asia.

As with MMA monomers, supplies of MAA, which is used to make coatings and adhesives, remain tight amid strong demand in Japan and the rest of Asia.

At the same time, in addition to soaring utility costs, the prices of the mainstay materials such as acetone are rising steeply, and methanol's upward price trend is also continuing. As a result, the domestic and overseas operating revenues of MMA monomer and MAA businesses have deteriorated rapidly.

In view of these circumstances, and in an effort to maintain the stability of supply while avoiding financial loss, Kuraray has implemented the price revisions set out below.

1. Scope of revisions
Domestic shipments of MMA monomer and MAA
2. Price increase
¥25 per kilogram (MMA monomer and MAA)
¥35 per kilogram (MAA blend products)
3. Effective date
Shipments from October 20, 2006 (both MMA monomer and MAA)