Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) export prices in the United States fell this week, weighed down by subdued global demand and persistently high supply levels. Traders reported that sluggish conditions, evident throughout August, extended across both domestic and key international markets, leaving sellers with limited room to maneuver.
A US-based market participant told Polymerduniya, “US spot export LLDPE prices fell, influenced by ongoing weak demand and ample supply of all polyethylene types. Demand remained sluggish not only in the US but also in major global regions such as Asia and Latin America. Buyers resisted higher offers, pointing to adequate inventory levels and weak downstream pull, while sellers were forced to compete aggressively to close deals.”
Sources added that abundant US production and a lack of fresh buying activity abroad continued to strain export trade. The imbalance between weak demand and excessive supply has deepened market pessimism, with players warning that current levels are approaching points where producer margins could tighten further.
On a FAS Houston basis, LLDPE export prices were assessed at USD 830–850/mt, down USD 10/mt from the previous week.
Upstream, spot ethylene prices slipped to 20.50–21.00 cents/lb FOB US Gulf, a week-on-week decrease of 1.50 cents/lb. In contrast, the US ethylene contract for July settled higher at 32.25 cents/lb, gaining 1.50 cents/lb from June levels, though the support has yet to translate meaningfully into the polyethylene chain.
The outlook for LLDPE remains bearish in the near term, as oversupply and muted downstream offtake continue to erode pricing power, leaving producers squeezed by rising feedstock settlements against soft export realizations.
