Manufacturers of polymers, especially the small capacity players are facing rough weather. During the last year, slowdown in key downstream markets worldwide led to a declined in margins globally.
Pressure on profits was intensified by the commissioning of several capacities. This has resulted in stagnation in the profitability of Indian companies, despite rising sales volume on account of increasing demand in the domestic market.
The chemical market, reflecting the sentiment, continued in a lacklustre manner with prices remaining more or less stagnant from the previous week.
Citric acid continued through the week range bound between Rs 3000 and Rs 3100 per tonne. Caustic soda flakes remained steady at Rs 695 per 50 kgs. Menthol flakes were slightly down at Rs 380 from last week
