Polymers & Packaging News Today

Polymer prices remain stable, with minor drops in PP grades. Global supply faces disruptions from plant shutdowns and extended maintenance. Buyers are leveraging U.S. import discounts as suppliers clear inventories to avoid year-end taxes, presenting opportunities for bulk purchases.

Mitsui Chemicals touts Mipelon as a PTFE replacement, offering similar or better performance in plastics, rubbers, paints, and coatings, withstanding temperatures up to 120°C (200°C for PM200C).

Polymer prices saw marginal decreases in PP grades, while PE prices remained stable despite global competition and softening freight rates. Brazil's anti-dumping investigation on US and Canada PE imports and restarts at key facilities like Chevron Phillips are influencing global supply. Market stability hinges on improving demand and balancing production.

North American polypropylene resin prices fell by 6 cents per pound in October due to lower feedstock prices and reduced demand.

Polymer prices are largely steady, but demand for PC is low as expected seasonal surges haven’t materialized. Market challenges persist with an oversupply and cautious downstream buying. Maintenance activities in China may impact polymer supplies, though stable prices of bisphenol A, phenol, and acetone give minimal support to the struggling PC market.

The polymer market faces price pressures as demand slows across sectors like construction and automotive. Falling input costs for feedstocks, including ethylene and propylene, have allowed producers to reduce polymer prices.

The PET market is experiencing adjustments in supply and demand due to global anti-dumping measures, with prices in India and China under pressure. Lower naphtha prices in Europe, reduced operational capacity in Asia, and upcoming plant maintenance in India contribute to market volatility. Industry experts foresee further fluctuations driven by regulatory and operational dynamics.

Polymer prices showed varied adjustments in November, with notable reductions in PP Raffia, PPCP, and LLDPE. China’s post-holiday market strength and India’s cautious stance due to oversupply influence demand dynamics, while key plant restarts and freight cost reductions could shift supply availability. JPFL’s BOPP price hike also shapes the current polymer pricing landscape.

Polymer prices for HDPE and LLDPE are stable, though competition from lowered regional export prices may challenge domestic producers. October's active PE market momentum continued into early November, with steady spot prices domestically despite recent drops.

Polymer prices remained largely stable in November, with minor increases in LLDPE and Low K grades, reflecting stable demand and moderate market activity. Polymer demand from the automotive sector remains a positive influence on PP pricing.