Chemicals & Polymers

Methanol prices have risen by ₹0.25/kg following a surge in futures contracts and natural gas prices. Asian CFR futures climbed $6/MT as potential sanctions on Russian and Iranian supplies spark concern. In India, bulk consumption is rising despite production constraints, and traders are actively building inventories anticipating further price increases.

Polymer prices in India are rising due to speculative inventory hoarding ahead of a potential duty hike targeting non-BIS-compliant materials. Market trends suggest further price increases through February, with close attention to fiscal policy announcements.

PVC prices range between ₹74-77.75/kg, with a notable oversupply in the Asian market due to increased production and declining real estate demand. Despite a 2.5% rise in production to 20.5 million tons in 2024, apparent consumption fell, exacerbating inventory build-ups and pressuring prices downward in a sluggish economic environment.

The Acrylonitrile market shows mixed performance across regions, with prices stable in Asia and Europe but subdued in North America due to reduced global demand. Automotive sector growth offsets weaker demand from paints and coatings. Experts predict a January price dip, recovery starting March, and stronger market dynamics post-winter.

Polymer prices reflect continued market weakness as both supply and demand face challenges. Increased production and imports are pressuring supply, while limited demand follow-up and inventory replenishment dominate downstream activities. Maintenance shutdowns by major producers like Reliance aim to stabilize operations.

N-butanol prices in Kandla remain steady at ₹84.5/kg, while the Asian market in Shandong witnessed a slight price increase this week due to tight supply and cautious downstream demand. India's seasonal demand, especially from the paints and coatings sector, is expected to sustain price stability until mid-2025.

The melamine market is witnessing stable prices, with slight fluctuations in the Asian benchmark. Oversupply persists due to increased production capacity, while weak downstream demand, impacted by the real estate slowdown, limits significant price changes. Adjustments in supply and potential policy shifts in real estate may influence future demand recovery.

PET prices remain stable, with Reliance at Rs. 93,000/MT and Wankai 801 at Rs. 86,500/MT. Malaysia has imposed provisional anti-dumping duties (ADDs) on PET imports from China and Indonesia, ranging from 6.33% to 37.44%, to protect its domestic PET industry. This could stabilize local PET supply while causing minor cost increases for downstream sectors.

Polypropylene (PP) prices remain steady in domestic and global markets as supply outpaces demand. Domestic output has increased slightly, with abundant inventories and moderate seasonal demand in sectors like packaging. Global supply chains are supported by imports, while maintenance shutdowns in China and Saudi Arabia contribute minimally to price movements.