LLDPE Prices Under Pressure Amid Import Competition and Slow Seasonal

Polymer prices remain stable, with minor drops in PP grades. Global supply faces disruptions from plant shutdowns and extended maintenance. Buyers are leveraging U.S. import discounts as suppliers clear inventories to avoid year-end taxes, presenting opportunities for bulk purchases.

Key Takeaways

  • Polymer Prices: Marginal stability across grades with LLDPE, LDPE, and HDPE prices holding steady. Slight reductions in PP Raffia and Lamination grades.
  • Demand & Supply: Seasonal slowdown and excess supply dominate the market. Competitive imports widened the domestic-import price gap.
  • News: Shutdowns and maintenance activities in key global plants add uncertainty to supply stability.
  • Expert Insight: Buyers benefit from attractive U.S. import prices amid year-end inventory clearance.

Updated Polymer Price Trends

  • Low K (DG700): Rs. 78.75/kg, Ex Nhava Sheva/Mundra
  • Low K (B57): Rs. 83.50/kg, Ex Nhava Sheva/Mundra
  • LG LS100H: Rs. 76/kg, Ex Mundra/Bhiwandi
  • LLDPE: Rs. 86.50/kg (±0), Ex Mundra/Bhiwandi
  • LDPE: Rs. 116/kg (±0), Ex Mundra/Bhiwandi
  • HDPE PE100 Natural: Rs. 88/kg (±0), Ex Mundra/Bhiwandi
  • HDPE PE100 Black: Rs. 90/kg (±0), Ex Mundra/Bhiwandi
  • HDPE HM: Rs. 90/kg (±0), Ex Mundra/Bhiwandi
  • HD Blow Molding: Rs. 91/kg (±0), Ex Mundra/Bhiwandi
  • PP Raffia: Rs. 90/kg, Ex Godown
  • PP Film: Rs. 99.50/kg (±0), Ex Godown
  • PPCP: Rs. 98/kg, Ex Godown
  • PP Lamination: Rs. 100/kg, Ex Godown

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Demand and Supply Dynamics in the Polymer Market

  • LLDPE spot prices declined, with contract prices remaining flat in Europe. A seasonal lull, excess supply, and competitive import offers suppressed pricing.
  • Domestic quotes were underbid by import prices, widening the price gap between domestic and imported materials.
  • Overseas and local suppliers refrained from offering additional discounts, with market participants prioritizing inventory reduction.

Global Developments Impacting Polymer Supply

  • Enterprise Products Partners shut its No.1 PDH plant on November 14, 2024, due to a power interruption (Mont Belvieu, Texas, USA).
  • PTTGC extended maintenance at its I-1 Cracker in Map Ta Phut, Thailand.
  • Ningbo Hanwha plans maintenance for its PVC plant (Ningbo, China) from December 14 to December 28, 2024.
  • PVC prices in Europe remained stable at €885/MT on an FD NWE basis.

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Expert Opinion: Capitalizing on Year-End Market Trends

Buyers making bulk purchases benefit from attractive import prices, as U.S. suppliers clear inventories to avoid year-end tax liabilities.

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