European propylene markets remained firmly anchored on Monday as both polymer-grade and CIF NWE prices held steady, reflecting a balanced yet cautious trading environment. Polymer-grade spot propylene was assessed at €750–760/mt FD NWE, while CIF Northwest Europe prices were unchanged at €770–780/mt, mirroring last Friday’s levels. A Europe-based industry source, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted, “Propylene prices held steady, supported by consistent buying activity across the European markets.”
The Asian market displayed similar stability, with spot propylene in Korea flat at US $735–745/mt FOB, unchanged from Friday’s assessments.
In Europe, firm yet cautious purchasing helped sustain price levels, even as downstream demand remains moderate. Import volumes have stabilized, and no material shifts in feedstock or logistical dynamics have emerged to provoke volatility. Similarly, in Asia, steady cracker operating rates and stable feedstock costs have contributed to the lack of price movement.
Market participants appear to be embracing a “wait-and-see” stance: producers are maintaining offers in anticipation of improving downstream consumption, while buyers are pacing acquisitions against the backdrop of ample inventories and subdued momentum.
Absent any unplanned disruptions – such as cracker outages, freight cost spikes, or downstream demand surges, the propylene market is likely to remain range-bound. Stakeholders should maintain vigilant monitoring of capacity utilization, crack spread fluctuations, and emerging demand signals in polypropylene and related derivative markets.
