In Europe, FKM prices were judged stable at USD xx,xxx/MT FD-Hamburg, as sellers defended their margins through the more measured drawdown of inventories rather than through aggressive spot sales. Even though the overall chemical sector in the region is feeling pressure with rising costs, few suppliers were willing to risk major price fluctuations as most producers continue to focus on longer term contracts and commitments with key FKM customers.
From the demand point of view, Europe was reporting varied consumption trends. Manufacturing was reported as slowing, with declining new order inflow and lower business confidence, although governmental investment programs continued to support elements of the industrial sector. New passenger car registrations in the KBA reported by the German Federal Motor Vehicle Office (KBA) were reported at xxx,xxx in September xxxx (-xx.xxx MoM and +xx.xx YoY), indicating some underlying demand for automotive recovery. The automotive recovery provided...
