News
Kuraray announces its decision to increase the prices of liquid polyisoprene rubber LIR, liquid polybutadiene rubber "LBR", trans-polyisoprene rubber "TP-301", isobutylene water-soluble resin ISOBAM, and thermoplastic polyurethane KURAMIRON, commencing with shipments from June 1, 2008.
Along with continuous sharp increases in the prices of crude oil and naphtha, prices for basic raw materials that are primary components of Kuraray products-isoprene monomer, styrene monomer, butadiene monomer, as well as maleic anhydride and isocyanates (MDI, etc)-have also continued to rise considerably. In addition, costs of utilities are being driven up by steeply rising prices of heavy oil.
Because of rising prices for chief materials, Kuraray has implemented several price revisions for the above products in recent years. However, against the backdrop of active demand from the Asian market, operating revenue for these products has been rapidly deteriorating as raw material prices continue on an upward trend.
Given these factors, and in order to maintain a steady supply and improve profitability, Kuraray has decided to implement price revisions, as detailed below.
1. Scope of revision:
Liquid polyisoprene rubber LIR, liquid polybutadiene rubber "LBR", trans-polyisoprene rubber "TP-301", isobutylene water-soluble resin ISOBAM, and thermoplastic polyurethane KURAMIRON.
2. Price increase:
| Products | In Japan | Overseas |
|---|---|---|
| LIR, "LBR" | JPY 70/kg | US$ 0.7/kg North America, Asia EUR 0.5/kg Europe |
| "Tp-301" | JPY 70/kg | US$ 0.7/kg North America, Asia EUR 0.5/kg Europe |
| ISOBAM | JPY 70/kg | US$ 0.7/kg North America, Asia EUR 0.5/kg Europe |
| KURAMIRON | JPY 50/kg | US$ 0.5/kg North America, Asia EUR 0.3/kg Europe |
3. Effective date:
Shipments from June 1, 2008
