Dow hikes MDI, TDI, polyol prices in North America

By David Reed, UT EditorMidland, Michigan-With effect from 1 Nov. 2005, or as contract terms allow, Dow has announced that it will further increase prices for its polyurethane raw materials in the US and Canada, as follows:* Pure and polymeric MDI (methylene diphenyl diisocyanate) by $0.13/pound. This increase is in addition to the 1 Nov. $0.07/pound MDI price increase announced 23 Sept., thereby bringing the total price increase to $0.20/pound, effective 1 Nov.* TDI (toluene diisocyanate), sold by Dow under the Voranate tradename, by $0.25/pound. This increase is also in addition to the 1 Nov. TDI price increase of $0.25/pound, announced 23 Sept., thereby bringing the total price increase to $0.50/pound, effective 1 Nov.* Polyether and copolymer polyols, sold under the Voranol, Voralux and Specflex tradenames, by $0.10/pound. This price increase is also in addition to the 1 Nov polyols price increase of $0.10/pound announced 23 Sept, and brings the total price increase to $0.20/pound, effective 1 Nov.The price increases for TDI of $0.10/pound and polyols of $0.06/pound, both effective 1 Oct. 2005, also remain in effect. Additionally, the benzene surcharge on MDI that Dow implemented on 9 Aug. 2004, to address the high and volatile increases in benzene costs, remains in effect."Costs for energy and raw materials remain high and volatile, and logistical issues continue to impact their availability," said Pat Dawson, Dow business vice president, Polyurethanes and Thermoset Systems. "In the face of these unprecedented and arduous industry challenges, these price increases are necessary to help offset rising costs."Dow claims to be the world's largest producer of polyether polyols, a leading producer of MDI and TDI, and a major supplier of propylene oxide, an essential component of polyether polyols. These products are used in rigid and flexible foams, adhesives, sealants, coatings, elastomers, as well as many other applications."