Chemicals & Polymers

Acetone prices declined ₹2/kg this week due to weak downstream demand and rising imports. Domestic supply remains stable, but the pharma and coatings sectors saw reduced offtake. Global feedstock trends and OPEC’s crude output hike added bearish pressure. Market sentiment remains weak, with buyers advised to limit inventory.

PP prices remain under pressure amid weak demand and abundant supply. Domestic rates vary across India, with MRPL's lamination grade reaching ₹1,00,000/MT. China’s PP prices dropped 2.06% since early July. Limited cost support and upcoming capacity additions in H2 2025 are likely to keep the market rangebound and volatile.

ABS prices declined in China and remained range-bound in India amid weak demand and elevated inventories. Domestic supply is ample due to higher plant operations and restarts. Feedstock costs like acrylonitrile and styrene remain weak. With no clear upward triggers, ABS prices are expected to stay under pressure in the near term.

Domestic Acetic Acid prices have softened by ₹0.5/kg, now quoted at ₹31.75++/kg Ex-Kandla and ₹32.00++/kg Ex-Mumbai for advance payment terms. For bulk volumes with 90-day credit applicable for July and August liftings, rates are at ₹32.50++/kg Ex-Kandla and ₹32.75++/kg Ex-Mumbai.

PVC prices remained flat or softened across Asia amid weak demand, seasonal monsoons, and cautious buying sentiment. China and Vietnam saw price corrections due to reduced construction activity. Indian demand stayed sluggish with adequate supply. Upcoming plant shutdowns may limit supply, but price recovery is expected post-monsoon.

Domestic methanol prices dropped marginally after the BIS certification withdrawal. Weak downstream demand and lower replacement costs are pressuring prices. Despite steady supply, port inventories are rising due to slow offtake. Global prices show slight strength, but Indian buyers are advised to remain cautious amid a potential supply surge.

HDPE prices in India remain firm across prime and near-prime grades. While Europe saw slight price increases due to tight supply, China witnessed a drop driven by weak construction demand and high inventories. Global sentiment remains cautious, with limited upside unless demand revives or geopolitical tensions ease.

Indian PP prices remained steady, while China witnessed minor declines amid weak demand and soft feedstock support. High inventories and reduced end-user activity kept sentiment bearish. Supply disruptions from planned maintenance were offset by new capacities. Overall, PP prices are expected to stay under pressure through the rest of July.

MIBK prices declined ₹1/kg this week due to high port inventories, weak downstream demand, and falling replacement costs. While demand from paints and packaging remains low, rubber and bulk drug sectors show early signs of revival. Deepak Phenolics’ entry may alter domestic supply dynamics by Q3 2025.