Showa Denko to Raise Chloroprene Rubber Price in Europe and Asia

We have avoided raising our prices for as long as possible, but we can no longer prolong the inevitable. The price will be increased by US$430/m.t. for US-dollar-based transactions, or by EUR 380/m.t. for euro-based transactions. The rate of increase may differ between areas and customers while will be subject to the terms of applicable contracts.

At present, the chloroprene rubber price does not fully reflect the increases in raw material costs and other business circumstances. Thus, SDK has concluded that it has no alternative but to raise price in order to ensure the stable supply of chloroprene rubber and the continuation of its business.

About Showa Denko K.K.

Showa Denko K.K. ("SDK"; TSE:4004, US:SHWDF) is a major manufacturer and marketer of chemical products serving a wide range of fields ranging from heavy industry to the electronic and computer industries. The Petrochemicals Sector provides cracker products such as ethylene and propylene, the Chemicals Sector provides industrial and high-performance gasses and chemicals and high-purity gases and chemicals for the semiconductor industry, and the Inorganics Sector provides ceramics products such as alumina, abrasive, refractory and graphite electrodes and fine carbon products. Today, the Aluminum Sector provides aluminum materials and high-value-added fabricated aluminum, the Electronics Sector provides HD media, compound semiconductors such as ultra high-bright LEDs and rare earth magnetic alloys, and the Advanced Battery Materials Department (ABM) provides lithium-ion battery components. For more information, please visit www.sdk.co.jp/english/.

Contact:Public Relations Office
Phone: 81-3-5470-3235