Horgen, Switzerland - December 15, 2006

The current pricing levels of polystyrene - versus the continuing high and volatile feedstock and energy costs - are not yielding acceptable margins for Dow. As a result, Dow Europe GmbH is announcing a price increase across the European, Middle Eastern and African regions for all polystyrene resins.

Effective January 1, 2007 or as contract terms allow, Dow Europe polystyrene prices will increase by 70 Euro per metric ton for all its general purpose and high impact STYRON™ polystyrene resins and STYRON™ A-TECH™ advanced technology polystyrene resins.

About The Dow Chemical Company

Dow is a diversified chemical company that harnesses the power of science and technology to improve living daily. The Company offers a broad range of innovative products and services to customers in more than 175 countries, helping them to provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. Built on a commitment to its principles of sustainability, Dow has annual sales of $46 billion and employs 42,000 people worldwide. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted.

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For Editorial Information:

Nadja Streckhardt
Dow Europe GmbH
+41-44-728-2564