Following the pattern started in January of this year, all of the major suppliers of styrene beads for North America have announced their 3rd and 4th price increases for 2011. Prices from Asia in today’s market are still 10-15% higher than domestic suppliers. The escalated costs of styrene monomer, benzene at record highs (and being exported from the USA to Asia), and ethylene feedstock’s have once again necessitated this action, along with the climbing price of crude oil in excess of $100.00 per barrel. The turmoil in Egypt and Libya has also created havoc on a global basis.

Diesel fuel costs to operate our delivery trucks are now reaching $4.00 per gallon in most markets, and climbing daily, as are your company delivery costs to your customers.  Carpenter Co. must raise our prices, details to follow.