• The source of the data are exclusively public non-confidential sources.
• We have no access to primary data from suppliers or customers
• This the index trend of the price trend of the "product category" in general, and not a single specification of the product in particular
• The data is a combination of contract and spot pricing
• Our automated algorithms are set up to eliminate significant product mix impact on the trend
• The reported price is likely to be at the lower end of market pricing
• We combine public publications, import/export records, trading prices, company announcements, magazine articles, tweets, and other sources of ad-hoc public information.
• The chart shows the our best approximation of the market trend based on our automated algorithm´s interpretation of the signals
• For most indexes we have multiple sources and the automation focuses on using statistically-correlated sources
• As a function of our automation, it is likely that recent trends will be adjusted as we discover more information. So, for example, the price trend for February 2024 will be first calculated in February 2024 and is likely to be adjusted in March, April and May 2024.
• The algorithm will regularly revise our understanding of market trends, and indicated market trends may change
• The data is presented in US$.
• The UOM of measure is shown in the Index list table

• We do not purchase data from any other source and republish it.
• We will not purchase data from any other source and republish it
• We do not extrapolate trends, even for the forecast.
• We look for market signals and leading indicators

• If you are making decisions driving significant share of profit, we always recommend that you buy data from the companies who invest in direct market access such as ICIS, amongst many others
• Our data, at best, represents an estimate of the market trend based on public information
• We have no direct access to the market, and we do not interview suppliers and customers
• Our automated analysis tools in the online software are set up to combine our data with other sources of data

We indicate the quality level of each data trend individually inside our tool. On our website, we assign the quality level per category. 

• Quality level A: Data is from a reliable and confirmed source
• Quality level B: Data is from multiple credible sources and there are no major statistical inconsistencies between them
• Quality level C: Data is from multiple credible sources and there are some minor statistical inconsistencies between the trends
• Quality level D: Data is from a single credible source, but we cannot verify the data
• Quality level E: Data is either:
  • From a single source, which we consider reliable, but we cannot verify the data.
  • From 2 or more sources which have some periods of contradicting trends.
• Quality level F: Data is from a single source which we consider indicatively correct, but the data is anecdotal and we cannot verify the data.

• As a function of our process & automation, recent trends are likely to be fientuned as we receive  more information. So, for example, the price trend for February 2024 will be first calculated in February 2024 and adjusted in March, April and May 2024.
• The algorithm could also revise historical trends, as we find and process additional  sources of information. Previously indicated market trends may change
• We will only change history if
  • We believe it improves the accuracy of the trend
  • We can use the new source of information on an ongoing basis
• From January 2025, new rules will be implemented:
  • From January 2025, series of Quality A and B will not have the history (older than 4 months) changed
  • Series of Quality C will only have minor changes to the trend in future, when we are able to re-classify it as Quality B
  • Series of Quality D could see possible see revisions in future as we reclassify it as Quality A-C
  • Series of Quality E and F are likely to see revisions in future as we reclassify them to Quality A-D

• We assume no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this site.
• The information is provided on an “as is” basis with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, fitness for purpose or timeliness.
• By their nature, outlooks are always uncertain

• We are continually improving our data collection and processing methods
• Pricing data will be updated from time to time as we improve the accuracy

• Feel free to contact us if you have a specific request. You can reach us via the Contact us page