Covered Covered Spring 2018 | Page 13

RAW MATERIALS Raw material prices add to pressure on profitability A 23% hike in oil prices in 2017 together with further increases in the first few days of January 2018 means profitability in the paint and coatings industry will remain under severe pressure. This combined with higher raw material prices, and in some cases supply shortages, means it has been a difficult year for companies in the sector. Higher prices for resins and related materials, solvents and pigments as well as some increases in packaging prices have all added to the pressure on manufacturers in terms of the materials needed for the production process. Source: BCF raw materials price survey 7% Average increase in 2017 Price increase Price decrease Covered Spring 2018 Estimated % changes in average purchase prices in the last 12 months 13