Polymers & Packaging News Today

PVC prices remain largely stable across China and India, with imported offers in India staying competitive, led by Chinese-origin cargoes. Despite producer price hikes by Formosa and expectations of a domestic increase, demand remains cautious amid ample supply. China’s proposed VAT rebate removal and a strong dollar lend medium-term support, though near-term buying sentiment stays restrained.

PET bottle flakes prices in China remained broadly stable after a brief rise and correction. Adequate supply, cautious downstream buying, and limited pre-holiday restocking capped upside. Regional tightness in South China provided support, but overall sentiment stayed weak-to-rangebound.

India’s PP raffia market remains stable even as China sees declining prices due to oversupply and cautious demand. Feedstock cost movements stayed mild, and high utilisation rates in China kept inventories elevated. Domestic incentives and planned plant shutdowns may briefly influence availability, but overall fundamentals point to a soft, rangebound PP market through mid-December.

Polyethylene prices across HDPE, LDPE, and LLDPE remained weak as global offers fell further and domestic demand softened after festive restocking. Imports increased, supply pressures remained high, and downstream buyers restricted purchases. Despite crude stability, sentiment stayed bearish, with major producers offering additional discounts, indicating continued softness in December.

Polymer markets remain weak, with PP and PE demand subdued and PVC facing fresh downside after India’s decision not to impose ADD. RIL announced PVC price protection, while international PVC offers dropped sharply. Imports are set to slow in December, and most polymers appear near bottom levels, encouraging stocking interest.

PVC SG5 prices have swung sharply from ₹70,250 to ₹62,500 within a month, reflecting a buyer’s market driven by weak demand and oversupply. European markets are also under pressure due to Asian export inflows and soft construction demand. Anti-dumping actions may affect trade flows but offer limited short-term relief.

PET bottle chip prices showed mixed movement during early November, with a mild recovery driven by rising crude and PX costs. Demand remains weak due to the seasonal lull and cautious procurement by end-users. Supply remains ample, and the short-term outlook is stable to slightly firm, supported by feedstock recovery and moderate operating rates.

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.