Polymers & Packaging News Today

U.S. Polypropylene (PP) export prices weakened this week due to oversupply and competitive Asian cargoes. Demand remains muted in overseas markets, while U.S. sellers face mounting inventory pressure and intensify price cuts. Market sentiment stays bearish with limited short-term recovery expected.

China’s PVC spot market saw minimal weekly movement, with early gains erased by week’s end. Prices remain range-bound as supply stays stable and demand weakens. Soft dealer offers, low inquiries, and volatile crude oil cap upside potential. Short-term outlook suggests continued narrow fluctuations without strong upward momentum.

PVC prices in India remain stable to slightly weak on muted downstream demand, while China sees firm prices supported by exports and futures sentiment. High plant operating rates are boosting supply in China, though sluggish domestic consumption limits upside. Global sentiment leans cautiously optimistic for August.

PE prices remained largely stable in July, with minor declines across LLDPE, LDPE, and HDPE. Demand stayed weak due to off-season consumption and cautious procurement. Supply increased as plants resumed operations. While sentiment improved slightly on policy support, strong price gains remain unlikely without a demand recovery.

PP prices remain under pressure amid weak demand and abundant supply. Domestic rates vary across India, with MRPL's lamination grade reaching ₹1,00,000/MT. China’s PP prices dropped 2.06% since early July. Limited cost support and upcoming capacity additions in H2 2025 are likely to keep the market rangebound and volatile.

ABS prices declined in China and remained range-bound in India amid weak demand and elevated inventories. Domestic supply is ample due to higher plant operations and restarts. Feedstock costs like acrylonitrile and styrene remain weak. With no clear upward triggers, ABS prices are expected to stay under pressure in the near term.

PVC prices remained flat or softened across Asia amid weak demand, seasonal monsoons, and cautious buying sentiment. China and Vietnam saw price corrections due to reduced construction activity. Indian demand stayed sluggish with adequate supply. Upcoming plant shutdowns may limit supply, but price recovery is expected post-monsoon.

HDPE prices in India remain firm across prime and near-prime grades. While Europe saw slight price increases due to tight supply, China witnessed a drop driven by weak construction demand and high inventories. Global sentiment remains cautious, with limited upside unless demand revives or geopolitical tensions ease.

Indian PP prices remained steady, while China witnessed minor declines amid weak demand and soft feedstock support. High inventories and reduced end-user activity kept sentiment bearish. Supply disruptions from planned maintenance were offset by new capacities. Overall, PP prices are expected to stay under pressure through the rest of July.

Dow and Vynova are closing European chemical plants due to market challenges, impacting over 1,100 jobs and 465,000 tonnes of annual PVC capacity. Ineos's €4 billion ethane cracker nears completion.