(source: Harriman)

Caustic soda and vinyl chain prices have increased by up to 100% since the beginning of 2008 in some global regions, especially North and Latin America, Northeast Asia (import PVC), and Europe (caustic soda export). This has put tremendous pressure on negotiations between buyers and suppliers, and in some cases shows no sign of reverting any time soon.
Contracts for 2009 are going to be extremely competitive, consultants are predicting in September.