Polymers & Packaging News Today

EVA prices in Mumbai and New Delhi remained stable, with minor fluctuations. The Chinese EVA market saw a 6.6% price surge in February due to rising costs and strong demand. Production in Asia increased, but inventories remained tight. Experts anticipate firm prices ahead, driven by raw material costs and strong downstream demand.

Polypropylene prices saw slight corrections in February before stabilizing. Domestic production rates declined but remained sufficient to meet demand. While market activity was weak, demand for woven bags in fertilizers and cement sectors showed signs of recovery. Experts predict price consolidation in the short term, with stronger growth expected in the coming months.

PET prices remained largely stagnant in early March 2025, reflecting weak demand and persistent oversupply concerns. Despite some production cutbacks, the market remains under pressure due to high inventory levels and new capacity additions. Weak cost support from raw materials and cautious buyer sentiment further limit any significant upward price movement.

The price gap between natural and color HDPE has surged to a record 85.07 cents per pound, driven by strong demand for natural HDPE in packaging. Meanwhile, color HDPE demand remains sluggish due to weak construction activity. Market uncertainty persists, though increased recycled content requirements could further boost natural HDPE prices.

PVC prices in India fluctuated throughout February, with an initial rise driven by strong crude oil prices and PVC futures, followed by stabilization due to weak calcium carbide markets and moderate downstream demand. RIL announced a ₹1,000/MT price cut, while global plant shutdowns impacted supply. Market stability is expected in March.

Polymer prices remain under pressure amid oversupply concerns. HDPE Films Near Prime is at ₹84,880/MT in Ahmedabad, while LLDPE Film OG stands at ₹96,750/MT. New capacity additions in 2025 could further weigh on prices. Manufacturers aim for hikes despite sluggish transactions, while market volatility remains limited in the short term.

The domestic ABS market remains under pressure due to weak demand and rising inventory levels. While production stabilized at 72% operating rates, oversupply and sluggish downstream demand continue to weigh on prices. With key raw materials showing weak trends, market sentiment remains cautious, and price corrections may persist in the near term.

LDPE prices saw a marginal increase amid cautious buyer sentiment and tight supply due to unplanned production shutdowns in South Korea. Despite a strong US dollar pushing import costs up, demand remains sluggish. Market participants are adopting a wait-and-watch approach, with limited price recovery expected in the near term.

Ethylene market dynamics remain uncertain as inflation pressures impact supply expansion plans. Westlake’s potential cracker expansion in Louisiana could increase capacity by 40%, but cost concerns delay decisions. Meanwhile, polymer prices remain volatile, with PVC, HDPE, LDPE, and ABS seeing mixed trends across major Indian hubs. Short-term market stability is expected.

The Asian ABS market remains stable, with steady production rates and sufficient inventories balancing demand. Prices are largely unchanged despite fluctuating upstream costs. While post-holiday demand recovery is slow, major ABS producers maintain consistent operating rates. Short-term price movements are expected to be limited as market conditions gradually stabilize.