Chemicals & Polymers

China and India PVC prices stayed weak amid oversupply and muted downstream demand. SG-5 carbide PVC averaged RMB 4,664/ton in China, while Indian spot offers hovered around ₹67,000–70,000/MT. Stable calcium-carbide costs and sluggish exports keep fundamentals soft, with near-term prices expected to remain range-bound.

Toluene prices softened to ₹67–68/kg amid weak paint and coating demand and oversupply, tracking a 3% drop in crude oil. Imports dominate India’s 57,000 MT monthly need, while pharma demand may lend near-term support. Market direction hinges on crude trends and post-monsoon recovery in downstream sectors.

Indian polymer markets showed mixed trends in September 2025. PET and PVC prices rose on strong packaging and construction demand, while PE and PP weakened due to subdued consumption in packaging, automotive, and textiles. Crude oil volatility remains a key factor shaping short-term price movement across polymer grades.

Ethyl acetate markets showed mixed trends as acetic acid softened domestically but firmed in China. Ethanol prices surged on higher blending mandates, while methanol declined. Strong downstream demand and GST cuts for polymers are expected to boost momentum. Rising exports may create domestic shortages, keeping the outlook volatile yet firm.

IPA prices in India corrected to ₹80–84/kg amid oversupply from imports and weak sentiment linked to softer propylene and acetone values. Demand remains concentrated in pharmaceuticals and personal care, together forming half of consumption. Market outlook stays bearish short term, but recovery is expected as bulk drug output strengthens.

PET bottle chip prices in China witnessed weak performance in early to mid-August, pressured by subdued market sentiment. By August 28th, average selling prices stood at USD 840/ton.

Acetone prices in India firmed to ₹60/kg amid stable supply and subdued demand. Imports matched domestic offers, while Asian benchmarks continued downward corrections. Feedstock costs declined, supporting production. Demand from bulk drugs remains weak, but personal care, adhesives, and inks are expected to drive recovery post-monsoon.

In the Chinese PE market, LLDPE averaged $1,041/ton on August 20 and $1,043/ton on August 27, marking a slight increase of 0.25%. LDPE prices also inched higher, averaging $1,346/ton on August 20 and $1,349/ton on August 27, reflecting a 0.17% rise. Meanwhile, HDPE remained stable throughout the period, holding firm at $1,120/ton.

Methanol markets across Asia remained muted this week. India stood out as the strongest netback market, with sanctions on Iranian cargoes tightening availability and keeping prices firm near ₹30/kg despite cautious demand during a festive lull. Non-sanctioned sellers are largely sold out for September, leaving October offers pending, while global production shortfalls and diverted cargoes continue to shape regional trade flows.