Everchem reported in early June that three major North American MDI producers issued formal price increase notices in late May.
According to the report, spot trading for polymeric MDI and monomeric MDI in the U.S. remained elevated through the fourth week of May, with supply tightness pushing price discussions higher heading into June.
For bedding producers, the notices are worth watching because MDI is one of the chemical inputs used in polyurethane foam.
Timing and impact will vary
The American Chemistry Council notes that memory foam, also known as viscoelastic foam, is made by mixing TDI, MDI, polyols, and other additives.
But movement in MDI pricing does not affect every manufacturer in the same way or on the same timeline. Contracts, supplier relationships, product mix, and inventory all matter. That makes the current notices less of a one-size-fits-all pricing signal and more of an early indicator to monitor in conversations with foam suppliers.
What to watch
The key question is whether the increase notices translate into sustained pricing pressure for foam buyers heading into summer.
If they do, the effects could show up in purchasing conversations, product-cost reviews, or pricing discussions with retail partners.
Sources: Everchem, American Chemistry Council
