Polymers & Packaging News Today

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.

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.

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.

Dow and Vynova are closing European chemical plants due to market challenges, impacting over 1,100 jobs and 465,000 tonnes of annual PVC capacity. Ineos's €4 billion ethane cracker nears completion.

PET prices dropped last week due to weak raw material costs and sluggish demand, despite a slight price hike by Wankai. Leading Chinese producers have begun output cuts, but high inventories persist. Exports rose in May, though global competitiveness is under pressure from higher freight rates and US anti-dumping tariffs.

PVC prices saw a marginal rise in early July, supported by export demand and energy market trends. However, subdued domestic consumption, rising inventory, and limited downstream activity are capping major gains. While supply remains high due to increased plant operations, the market is expected to stay stable with slight upward potential.

Polyethylene prices remained stable in East China during early July, supported by improving ethylene margins and slight production disruptions in LDPE. Indian producers raised domestic prices modestly, while global supply adjustments continue. However, downstream demand remains subdued, and the market awaits clearer cues from packaging, agriculture, and macroeconomic trends in H2 July.

Polypropylene (PP) markets in both Europe and India remain subdued. Despite crude oil strength, oversupply and poor downstream demand are capping prices. European spot and contract rates are stagnant, while Indian PP prices vary by grade. Market players are adopting a wait-and-watch approach ahead of July’s propylene settlement.

Sabic is shutting down its Olefins 6 ethylene cracker plant in Wilton, Teesside, northeast England.