Current situation:
- Producer prices for HDPE pipe were up 1.6% M/M (up 0.2% last month) and were down 1.7% Y/Y (down 3% Y/Y last month). Plastic pipe fittings and unions were up 1.5% M/M (unchanged last month) and were up 4.2% Y/Y (up 2.9% last month).
Key factors that could affect supply or price:
- Prices appear to be firming up. Resin producers had pushed increases in both January and February. The February increase of $.03lb looks to be sticking but may soften slightly. Virtually all of the producers have announced new sheets. Exports have slowed as the Chinese economy has slowed. How fast China gets back to work remains to be seen. Expect prices to continue to move up in March and into April as long as business remains strong.
