Chemicals & Polymers

PVC K67 prices in Mundra range from ₹64,500 to ₹68,750/MT, with Chinese SG5 grades leading on price. Despite strong 10% YoY demand growth, oversupply and Chinese dumping have pressured international prices, now 25% lower than FY 2022–23. India’s PVC market is poised for structural change, with BIS certification and anti-dumping duties kicking in by mid-2025.

In the first week of June 2025, polyethylene (PE) product prices remained largely stable across LDPE, LLDPE, and HDPE categories. Downstream demand from agricultural and packaging films remained supportive, but segments like raffia and injection moulding showed weaker activity. HDPE supply constraints continue due to maintenance shutdowns. Market sentiment suggests limited price upside without stronger demand or feedstock cost increases.

HDPE prices across Asian markets remained mostly unchanged this week. In India, subdued demand and limited spot imports kept the market quiet, with expectations of better domestic supply from upcoming plant restarts. With monsoon season approaching and Eid holidays nearing in the Middle East, market sentiment remains cautious and volumes tight.

Toluene prices rose by ₹0.5/kg in India, tracking a crude oil spike. However, downstream demand remains weak, with traders cautious due to OPEC+’s planned output hike. Tight refinery margins and low bulk demand signal potential for a price correction. Short-term sentiment is bearish; buyers should monitor feedstock trends closely.

PP prices in Delhi remain steady, with PPCP random grades peaking at ₹1,09,000/MT. Chinese PP prices dipped 0.74% in May, reflecting stable but subdued demand. While supply remains ample with upcoming capacity additions, off-season demand and high inventories are capping price momentum. Market expected to stay in consolidation.

Indian methanol prices dropped ₹0.50/kg despite limited inventories and early-month demand. Weak downstream consumption and low-cost Iranian cargoes drove the correction. However, rising Asian benchmarks and firming crude may soon reverse the trend. Buyers are advised to stock up as demand from formaldehyde and pharma may strengthen in June.

Chinese PET bottle chip prices saw sharp fluctuations in May 2025, rising to ¥6,185/ton mid-month due to crude and feedstock gains, then easing to ¥6,077/ton amid supply pressure. High inventories, policy uncertainty, and weak demand kept recovery in check. A seasonal uptick may occur if beverage demand strengthens.

Styrene Monomer prices strengthened across Asia despite weak crude trends, with Indian bulk imports priced at ₹82/kg. Domestic Styrene Copolymer markets remained subdued in April, but demand is expected to rebound from June. Upstream benzene prices firmed up, while traders anticipate steady price hikes due to seasonal demand and tighter supply.

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.