News

Kuraray has announced its decision to increase the prices of hydrogenated styrenic thermoplastic elastomers SEPTON and HYBRAR as well as of the block elastomer "TU polymer" (the technology for which combines styrene elastomer block with polyurethane elastomer), commencing with shipments from May 1, 2008. The details of global price revisions are given below.

Crude oil and naptha prices continue to rise sharply, and prices for raw materials that are primary components of Kuraray products-isoprene monomer, styrene monomer, butadiene monomer and urethane material-are hovering at high levels. Utility costs are also rising thanks to the steep rises in crude oil prices.

Because of the 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 have 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:

  • Hydrogenated styrenic thermoplastic elastomers SEPTON, HYBRAR, block
  • elastomer "TU polymer"

2. Price increases:

Products Type In Japan Overseas
Hydrogenated styrenic thermoplastic elastomers SEPTON, HYBRAR Crumb Grades JPY 50/kg US$ 0.20/pound North America
US$ 440/MT South America, Asia Pacific
EUR 300/MT Europe, Middle East
Pellet Grades JPY 70/kg US$ 0.30/pound North America
US$ 660/MT South America, Asia Pacific
EUR 450/MT Europe, Middle East
Block elastomer "TU polymer" 50% increase An Increase by 50% over current price in all regions

3. Effective date:

Shipments from May 1, 2008