Celanese Corporation (NYSE: CE) shares dropped 4.3% in after-hours trading on Friday after the specialty chemicals manufacturer announced worldwide price increases for its liquid crystal polymer (LCP) products amid rising production costs and supply chain challenges.
The company said the pricing adjustments reflect sustained demand for LCP materials, higher feedstock and raw material expenses, disruptions affecting critical supply chains, and persistent logistics constraints across major markets.
The new Celanese LCP price increases take effect immediately or according to existing customer contract terms. The adjustments cover several product categories, with increases varying by grade and geographic region.
For Vectra E-grades and Thermx products, Celanese will raise prices by $1.00 per kilogram in Asia, $0.45 per pound in the Americas, and €0.90 per kilogram across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).
Larger increases will apply to Vectra A-grades, Vectra S-grades, Zenite, CoolPoly, and MT-Grades. Prices for these specialty polymer products will climb by $3.50 per kilogram in Asia, $1.59 per pound in the Americas, and €3.15 per kilogram in EMEA.
Celanese emphasized that the adjustments are necessary despite ongoing efforts to improve operational efficiency, increase productivity, and reduce manufacturing expenses.
The company explained that higher selling prices will help secure essential raw materials while maintaining product quality, technical support, innovation, and dependable deliveries to customers worldwide.
Celanese also warned that certain individual product grades could experience price increases exceeding the announced regional adjustments, depending on specific market conditions and supply requirements.
The pricing decision highlights continued cost pressures facing the global specialty chemicals industry, particularly manufacturers dependent on complex raw material supply networks and international logistics.
Although stronger LCP demand supports the company's pricing strategy, investors will likely monitor whether higher product prices can offset increasing operating expenses and improve profitability.
The 4.3% decline in Celanese stock during Friday's extended trading session followed the announcement, reflecting the market's immediate response to the company's updated pricing strategy.
Celanese is a global producer of specialty materials and chemicals, employing more than 11,000 people worldwide. The company reported net sales of $9.5 billion in 2025, underscoring its significant presence in the international chemicals and advanced materials markets.
