Chemicals & Polymers

Brazil’s polyethylene (PE) market is experiencing a surge in prices and demand amid expectations of antidumping duties (ADDs) on US and Canadian imports. Domestic supply remains tight, and distributors are passing on cost increases. Gecex is set to decide on ADDs by 29 May, potentially reshaping Brazil’s import dynamics.

The Indian Pyridine market showed a mixed trend this week. While 2-Picoline prices remained supported by seasonal agrochemical demand, 3-Picoline saw price weakness due to subdued Niacinamide consumption. Jubilant Life Sciences ramped up Niacinamide output, potentially increasing supply. Overall sentiment remains cautious, with selective downstream sectors driving demand.

Vinyl Acetate Monomer (VAM) prices in India declined by ₹1/kg due to weak demand from paints and adhesives sectors. While April saw tight supply, upcoming shipments and Celanese’s plant restart are expected to ease concerns. Market participants anticipate further price corrections as demand slows and importers hold off on fresh buys.

Wankai PET prices stable across Indian ports despite weak cost fundamentals. Industry margins decline to -44 USD/ton due to low raw material prices and high polymerization costs. China's aggressive PET production and oversupply continue to suppress Asian market prices. Jindal Films fire disrupts BOPP supply, triggering sharp price hikes and market panic.

Toluene prices in the domestic Indian market saw a downward revision of ₹1/kg, as importers adjusted rates amid falling crude benchmarks and sluggish downstream demand. Bulk deals from importers were quoted at ₹64.50++ per kg (ex-Kandla) and ₹65.50++ per kg (ex-Mumbai) for 60-day payment terms. Meanwhile, trader offers were reported at ₹66++ per kg (ex-Mumbai) and ₹65.75++ per kg (ex-Kandla) under similar credit terms.

PVC prices in Asia rebounded 3% amid improved buying sentiment and a US–China tariff delay. DAGU, FORMOSA, and LG grades saw regional pricing spreads in India, while XINFA remained most competitive. Tight freight space and rising costs—driven by export redirection to the US—are sustaining upward price pressure despite cautious downstream demand.

FOB China Acetic Acid surged $20 to $340/MT amid restocking triggered by rising COVID cases. However, Indian prices fell ₹1–1.5/kg due to weak demand and ongoing shutdowns at major plants. Inventory tightness and pharma sector demand could trigger a sharp rebound. Traders are actively building stocks ahead of June.

Diketene derivatives like EAA and MAA held steady as rising feedstock costs and strong downstream demand supported prices. Pharma and seasonal agrochemical demand kept offtake buoyant. Ethyl acetate surged 4% amid tight supply, while methanol and sodium methoxide stayed firm. Prices are expected to remain bullish through May 2025.

PVC prices rose ₹1–1.25/kg in India amid freight tightness and pre-BIS certification buying. Polypropylene and polyethylene prices continued correcting due to subdued global demand and aggressive discounting. Despite tariff relief optimism, buyers remain cautious. Chinese plant shutdowns may support PE prices ahead, while anti-dumping duty uncertainty clouds the PVC outlook.