Polymers & Packaging News Today

PET prices remain under pressure due to oversupply, weak demand, and falling upstream costs. Despite a slight recovery in Chinese prices, inventories are high and demand sluggish. Crude oil and feedstock volatility continue to erode cost support, keeping the market bearish. Short-term pricing depends on demand revival and production adjustments.

Polypropylene prices in India remain relatively stable, though global markets face bearish pressure. Increased imports, weak demand from key sectors, and geopolitical trade tensions are weighing on sentiment. European supply is ample despite plant outages, and bearish crude trends continue to influence market expectations, potentially keeping PP prices soft in May.

Polymer prices remain steady as HMEL leads India's petrochemical growth with record sales and expanded capacity. Strong industry demand, robust logistics, and strategic investments position HMEL for further growth.

Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has officially announced its Annual Procurement Requirement (APR) policy for Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) applicable for the financial year 2025-26, starting from April 2025. The policy outlines key requirements for participation, performance-linked discounts, and provisions for new entrants and existing dealers.

Virgin LDPE prices remain stable across major Indian markets amid soft demand and sufficient supply. Despite Reliance’s price hike, buying sentiment stays cautious. Industry experts advise short-term procurement strategies amid uncertain downstream revival and global volatility.

Polypropylene prices vary across regions, with MRPL PPHP LAMINATION (HY035R) at ₹1,03,000/MT in Rajkot, the highest. The launch of Dangote’s 900,000 MT/year facility in Nigeria is set to transform supply dynamics. RIL has reduced PP deemed export prices. Market expectations lean towards a price correction amid increasing local production.

Effective April 1, 2025, major Indian polymer producers revised prices, with reductions in LLDPE Roto, PP Non-Woven, and specific HDPE and PP grades, while PVC and PET saw price hikes. Global polyethylene demand growth slowed to 2.2% in 2024, with China’s economic struggles impacting market sentiment. North America led production expansion. Market outlook remains cautious due to economic and geopolitical uncertainties.

PVC K67 prices in India remain stable at ₹68,500–69,500/MT across top brands. The market continues to rely heavily on imports amid pending anti-dumping duty (ADD) decisions. Market uncertainty persists, with ADD ruling likely to impact cost structure ahead.

PET resin prices in India have softened due to global oversupply, weak raw material costs, and sluggish downstream demand. New production capacity, high inventory levels, and low order flow continue to weigh on the market. Experts foresee limited upside in the near term without a significant rebound in demand.

ABS prices remain stable across various locations, with LOTTE's SD-0150 (Black) priced at ₹158,000/MT. Domestic ABS demand in China is rising ahead of the Spring Festival despite a slight decrease in production rates. ABS market stability is expected, with ongoing interest from household appliance sectors.