[Usa] Refractories Prices Rising

The ANH Refractories group of companies, including AP Green Refractories, North American refractories and Harbison Walker Refractories, is to increase prices by 5-15% from October 2007. The actual increase will vary according to refractory composition. Rising fuel, energy, raw materials and transport costs are being blamed for the price rises. So far, the company says, it has been able to offset input price increases by production improvements but higher prices for magnesia and bauxite, plus China's new cuts in tax rebates, have meant price increases.