Shin-Etsu raising silicone prices globally

Tokyo – Shin-Etsu Chemical is increasing its prices for silicones in Japan and globally, due to the recent Middle East conflict and the rise in crude oil and naphtha prices.

Effective 1 May, all silicone products by Shin-Etsu’s silicone division will see a “10% or more” increase in prices, said the Japanese group 17 May.

Shin-Etsu cited higher costs for oil-derived raw materials, along with increased manufacturing expenses, including higher prices for energy, product containers, packaging materials and logistics, as reasons for the move.

The group said it had taken “all possible measures” to reduce manufacturing costs, but noted that the in-house efforts alone were not sufficient to absorb the cost increases.