Polymers & Packaging News Today

PVC markets remain under pressure as weak demand in China and Europe limits price recovery. India’s PVC market may stabilize soon, but global fundamentals remain bearish. Freight costs have eased, Reliance increased LDPE & HDPE prices, and supply disruptions from TotalEnergies & LG Chem could impact global trade flows.

HDPE prices remain weak due to oversupply and sluggish demand, with China hitting five-year lows. New production capacities further strain the market, while geopolitical tensions add uncertainty. With crude oil prices down and futures showing bearish trends, HDPE prices are likely to stay under pressure unless demand sees a significant recovery.

Polystyrene prices increased in January, driven by strong export demand, restocking, and higher benzene costs. Prices later stabilized despite fluctuations in feedstock ethylene and styrene. Supply tightened due to reduced imports and limited production expansions. While cost pressures persist, steady demand from packaging and construction supports a stable market outlook.

PET prices in New Delhi rose to ₹92/kg, driven by higher raw material costs amid U.S. sanctions on Russia and increased energy demand. While production costs remain low, cautious downstream buying has limited trading activity. The market is expected to remain volatile, closely tracking international oil price movements and supply conditions.

The ABS polymer market remained stable in January, with slight price increases in some grades. Production fluctuated, impacting inventory levels, while raw material prices remained firm. Demand spiked pre-holiday but slowed during the Spring Festival. The market is expected to stabilize in February, with prices influenced by supply adjustments and raw material costs.

In Chennai, PPHP raffia grade is priced at ₹98,000/ton, while in Mundra, injection molding (IM) grade is available at ₹99,000/ton. Rajkot reports lamination grade at ₹101,000/ton. In Ahmedabad, raffia grade is listed at ₹89,750 per metric ton, and in Daman, IM grade is priced at ₹99,000/ton.

Indian polymer prices fluctuate amidst steady PP and PE demand. International suppliers raise prices, while Middle Eastern supply is restricted. Chinese suppliers offer competitive rates. LDPE faces tight supply, whereas HDPE demand weakens.

PVC prices across global markets remain stable, with slight fluctuations in Asia and the United States. A potential anti-dumping investigation by India's DGTR could influence future pricing dynamics. Supply and demand balance continues, though weaker demand is expected as the Chinese New Year approaches.

The EVA market is expected to remain stable in the near term, with minimal price fluctuations. Raw material prices will provide cost support, and reduced production rates will keep supply balanced. However, the Spring Festival may lead to subdued demand and slower trading activity. Overall, the EVA spot market is forecasted to remain stable with narrow price fluctuations.

Polymer prices in Ahmedabad reveal stability, with HDPE, LLDPE, and MDPE rates influenced by tight supply and weak demand. Global supply constraints, including RIL’s shutdown and import disruptions, are tightening the market. Force majeure events, such as TotalEnergies' PP outage and Formosa Plastics' PVC shutdown, further impact availability.