Prices for petrochemical raw materials and synthetic fibres and thread in the second half of 2005

Abstract

We analyzed the situation in the second half of 2005 for crude oil, petrochemical raw materials — acrylonitrile, caprolactam, p-xylene, terephthalic acid, and monoethylene glycol; commercial polymers — polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate, and for the basic types of synthetic fibres and thread made from these raw materials: polycapronitrile tow, polyester fibres, textile and industrial cord, polyamide industrial (cord) and textile thread. Brief information is given on the situation in world production and consumption of cotton and hyperelastic Spandex fibre. Price fluctuations for synthetic fibres and thread following the changes in the price of crude are observed in the examined regions of the world — Asia/Far East, USA, Western Europe: an increase in prices in the middle of the second half and slight weakening at the end of the year. Pressing problems of providing petrochemical raw materials and its cost on the Russian market are discussed.