Epoxy Price Pressure Expected to Continue

Epoxy resin suppliers said the market is under "intense upward pressure on pricing" generated by rising global demand and continued increases in raw-material and energy costs, with the situation not expected to change in the near term.

As a result, key suppliers The Dow Chemical Co. and Resolution Performance Products said they are removing normal price-protection measures.

Patrick Ho, Dow's business vice president, Epoxy Products and Intermediates, said current forecasts suggest no immediate relief on hydrocarbon costs or supply-demand balance. He also said strengthening economies are causing increased epoxy resin demand worldwide, with demand particularly strong in Asia Pacific.