Polymers & Packaging News Today

The EVA market is expected to remain stable in the near term, with minimal price fluctuations. Raw material prices will provide cost support, and reduced production rates will keep supply balanced. However, the Spring Festival may lead to subdued demand and slower trading activity. Overall, the EVA spot market is forecasted to remain stable with narrow price fluctuations.

Polymer prices in Ahmedabad reveal stability, with HDPE, LLDPE, and MDPE rates influenced by tight supply and weak demand. Global supply constraints, including RIL’s shutdown and import disruptions, are tightening the market. Force majeure events, such as TotalEnergies' PP outage and Formosa Plastics' PVC shutdown, further impact availability.

The Asian PET market saw a 3-4% price rise in January 2025, driven by seasonal demand and improving global trade. However, weak early January demand and competition from low-cost imports kept the market pressured. Favorable supply conditions and subdued overseas inquiries balanced short-term volatility, with gradual demand recovery anticipated.

Polymer prices, particularly BOPP films, declined in January 2025 due to oversupply and weak demand. Industry incentives, plant shutdowns, and cautious market recovery highlight the current dynamics. A gradual stabilization is expected by Q1 2025 as restocking begins.

Polymer prices in India are rising due to speculative inventory hoarding ahead of a potential duty hike targeting non-BIS-compliant materials. Market trends suggest further price increases through February, with close attention to fiscal policy announcements.

PVC prices range between ₹74-77.75/kg, with a notable oversupply in the Asian market due to increased production and declining real estate demand. Despite a 2.5% rise in production to 20.5 million tons in 2024, apparent consumption fell, exacerbating inventory build-ups and pressuring prices downward in a sluggish economic environment.

Polymer prices reflect continued market weakness as both supply and demand face challenges. Increased production and imports are pressuring supply, while limited demand follow-up and inventory replenishment dominate downstream activities. Maintenance shutdowns by major producers like Reliance aim to stabilize operations.

PET prices remain stable, with Reliance at Rs. 93,000/MT and Wankai 801 at Rs. 86,500/MT. Malaysia has imposed provisional anti-dumping duties (ADDs) on PET imports from China and Indonesia, ranging from 6.33% to 37.44%, to protect its domestic PET industry. This could stabilize local PET supply while causing minor cost increases for downstream sectors.

Polypropylene (PP) prices remain steady in domestic and global markets as supply outpaces demand. Domestic output has increased slightly, with abundant inventories and moderate seasonal demand in sectors like packaging. Global supply chains are supported by imports, while maintenance shutdowns in China and Saudi Arabia contribute minimally to price movements.

PET prices have increased due to rising production costs, fuelled by surging crude oil prices and higher polyester raw material rates. While new production facilities may ease supply constraints, short-term growth remains limited as downstream buyers adopt a cautious approach. The approaching Spring Festival is expected to bolster domestic demand for PET, supporting market stability amidst rising supply levels.