Polymers & Packaging News Today

Polypropylene (PP) prices continued to decline amid weak demand, high inventories, and subdued global sentiment. Domestic producers reduced prices to clear stocks, while feedstock propylene costs softened. Despite slight sentiment improvement from trade developments, oversupply persists, keeping the PP market range-bound with limited recovery expected through November 2025.

Global polyethylene (PE) prices remained largely stable through mid-October 2025, with Asian markets showing marginal declines and U.S. prices holding steady. Supply remained sufficient despite limited demand recovery. Higher crude oil costs offered some support, but overall market sentiment stayed cautious amid weak downstream activity and moderate import interest.

European PVC prices softened amid weak demand and sufficient supply, while China reported a modest rise in imports reflecting gradual recovery. Feedstock trends remained mixed, with ethylene declining and EDC/VCM firming slightly. The market is expected to stay range-bound with limited volatility and stable-to-soft sentiment across regions.

Polyethylene and Polypropylene prices softened in early October amid weak downstream demand, high inventories, and muted buying in Asia. While crude oil strength offered limited cost support, both domestic and imported prices trended lower. Market sentiment remains cautious, with limited restocking expected until post-Diwali demand recovery.

Indian PET prices steadied at ₹88/kg by late September, while China PET bottle chip prices rebounded slightly to 5,900 RMB/ton after early-month weakness. Oversupply and weak downstream demand keep market activity muted. Falling crude oil and PTA costs weigh on margins, limiting the scope for a sustained price recovery.

Polypropylene (PP) prices in India remained flat at the end of September despite seasonal demand pickup. Abundant supply, steady-to-soft upstream costs, and cautious downstream buying continue to weigh on the market. While certain grades see stable retail prices, the overall market remains under pressure with limited bullish triggers.

China and India PVC prices stayed weak amid oversupply and muted downstream demand. SG-5 carbide PVC averaged RMB 4,664/ton in China, while Indian spot offers hovered around ₹67,000–70,000/MT. Stable calcium-carbide costs and sluggish exports keep fundamentals soft, with near-term prices expected to remain range-bound.

Indian polymer markets showed mixed trends in September 2025. PET and PVC prices rose on strong packaging and construction demand, while PE and PP weakened due to subdued consumption in packaging, automotive, and textiles. Crude oil volatility remains a key factor shaping short-term price movement across polymer grades.

PET bottle chip prices in China witnessed weak performance in early to mid-August, pressured by subdued market sentiment. By August 28th, average selling prices stood at USD 840/ton.

In the Chinese PE market, LLDPE averaged $1,041/ton on August 20 and $1,043/ton on August 27, marking a slight increase of 0.25%. LDPE prices also inched higher, averaging $1,346/ton on August 20 and $1,349/ton on August 27, reflecting a 0.17% rise. Meanwhile, HDPE remained stable throughout the period, holding firm at $1,120/ton.