Ciba announce paper chemical price increases

Ciba announced it will initiate price increases for its paper chemicals ranging from 5-20%. The ranges affected are Pergasol dyes, Irgalite pigments, Tinopal optical brightening agents (fluorescent whiteneing agents). The target is to increase prices on 1st August, 2007 or as contracts allow. The price increases are justified on the, '...... significant cost increases in select raw materials coupled with recent changes in duties associated with Chinese exports.'

Again, it will be interesting to see whether the posturing feeds through to actual price increases in the face of significant competition from dollar-based or lower-cost suppliers; particularly those producing OBAs and dyes.