News

Kuraray has decided to raise the price of PARAPET, a PMMA (methacrylic resin) molding material, by ¥20 per kilogram in Japan and US$200 per ton for export, commencing with shipments from November 16, 2009.

PMMA molding materials are in strong demand, primarily for use in optical materials for LCD light guides. Consequently, the tight balance between supply and demand for such materials is continuing in Japan and the rest of Asia.

Furthermore, demand for MMA (methyl methacrylate) monomer, the main ingredient of PMMA molding materials, is expanding in Asia.

However, the escalating raw material and fuel prices, caused by ever-increasing prices for raw materials and fuels, including crude oil, in recent years, have cast a shadow over Kuraray's earnings from PMMA molding materials.

In light of such circumstances, Kuraray decided to implement price revisions to maintain a stable supply and to improve profitability in this business. Details of the price revisions are as follows.

1. Scope of revisions PARAPET PMMA molding materials
2. Price increase ¥20 per kilogram in Japan and US$200 per ton for export
3. Effective date Shipments from November 16, 2009