North American liquid epoxy resin (LER) market participants continued to see prices sliding during the week ended 10 March, but the market was expected to begin levelling off in April and May. Sources were seeing a seasonal improvement in demand, but the overall economic picture remained weak.

Posted contract prices for mid-volume customers were unchanged, pending further information on April price levels. April and May offers have materialised around $1.05/lb from importers, and firming feedstock costs overseas made it unlikely that prices would drop lower, sources said.

Spot prices for prompt delivery were seen below $1.20/lb DEL as sellers struggled to move bulk inventory amid slow demand. Drummed LER prices were assessed unchanged as price notions continued to vary widely across the market. Some deals have been heard near $1.50/lb DEL, while offers as low as $1.25/lb DEL in the US northeast encountered resistance.