28 Mar 2024
Japanese supplier cites high maintenance and manufacturing costs for price increases
Tokyo - Japanese group Asahi Kasei is set to increase prices for styrene-based thermoplastic elastomers, effective 1 April.
The supplier is increasing prices for its Tufprene and Asaprene branded styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) copolymers by Yen70/kg, it announced 28 March.
Prices for hydrogenated styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) copolymers branded Tuftec and S.O.E. will increase by Yen120/kg.
Explaining the decision, Asahi Kasei said the cost of primary and auxiliary raw materials had increased due to a rise in crude oil prices and a weak yen.
Meanwhile, utility and logistics expenses have remained high, the polymer manufacturer further pointed out.
Asahi Kasei added that it had incurred higher manufacturing costs due to “increased maintenance and renewal costs for elastomer manufacturing equipment.”
As a result, it explained, costs have exceeded the ‘scope of self-absorption, making the price-revisions necessary to maintain a stable supply of products.'
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