News

Kuraray has announced its decision to increase the prices of hydrogenated styrenic thermoplastic elastomers SEPTON and HYBRAR, liquid polyisoprene rubber LIR, isobutylene water-soluble resin ISOBAM, and thermoplastic polyurethane KURAMIRON, commencing with shipments from January 1, 2008.

Crude oil and naphtha prices continue to rise sharply, and prices for basic raw materials that are primary components of Kuraray products—isoprene monomer, styrene monomer, butadiene monomer and urethane material—are also hovering at high levels. Because of rising prices for these chief materials, Kuraray has implemented several price revisions for elastomer-related products in recent years. However, against the backdrop of active demand from the Asian market, raw material prices continue on an upward trend, and operating margins for these products has been rapidly deteriorating.

Given these factors, and in order to maintain a steady supply and improve profitability, Kuraray has decided to implement price revisions, as detailed below.

1. Scope of revision
All elastomer-related products
2. Price increase
ProductsDomestic Price IncreaseOverseas Price Increase
SEPTON, HYBRAR¥25/kgUS$ 0.22/kg or EUR 0.15/kg
LIR¥25/kgUS$ 0.22/kg or EUR 0.15/kg
ISOBAM¥25/kgUS$ 0.22/kg or EUR 0.15/kg
KURAMIRON¥25/kgUS$ 0.22/kg or EUR 0.15/kg
3. Effective date
Shipments from January 1, 2008