Materials Update

Materials

Plastics; Export markets continue to be difficult with a reduction in demand from China. Furthermore prices being paid have taken a downward turn with some low grades of material having no value and a 20% drop in price for some  higher value grades.

The market is very fluid at the moment with continuing doubts of the strength of demand from the West for finished products manufactured in China.  This has resulted in fewer containers being sent from China and

subsequently a reduced requirement to return containers to China .The combination of these factors has had a negative impact on container availability which has resulted in increased shipping costs.

Paper. Strong demand from Home and the Far East has meant prices have remained stable and at a relatively high rate.

Steel. and Aluminium. We continue to have strong demand for both these products from a number of Far East Countries. This demand is expected to last till the end of the year

PERNS.

Paper Perns. Prices continue to soften as there is ample supply of product available.

Plastic Perns Prices have remained stable for the past few months as first and second quarter figures have shown ample supply of material. Third quarter figures are not expected to be as strong as a number of exporters are having difficulty with end markets which may push the price of Perns up slightly.

Steel. Demand for Perns continues to be strong as second quarter figures showed a significant upturn in exported material. This increased exported tonnage is expected to continue which should result in the UK being in a position to meet its recycling targets and continues to put upward pressure on the price of steel Perns.

Aluminium. Demand and price has been consistent for the past month.