Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) markets presented a mixed picture this week, with U.S. export prices remaining flat even as values in parts of South America edged lower. Industry sources told that an extended stretch of oversupply and weak downstream demand continues to weigh on sentiment across both regions, leaving sellers with little leverage to push for higher offers.
In the United States, spot export LDPE prices stayed steady, reflecting abundant material availability and limited buying interest. Market participants said that downstream demand in packaging and consumer product applications remains sluggish, while broader macroeconomic pressures and ongoing trade uncertainties have dampened consumer spending. With plentiful inventories and hesitant buyers, sellers reported minimal opportunity to secure price increases. FAS Houston LDPE export prices were assessed at USD 960–980 per metric ton, unchanged from the prior week.
Across the West Coast of South America, however, prices softened as sellers trimmed offers to stimulate lackluster demand. A regional source noted that converters displayed little urgency to restock, controlling target pricing and completing transactions largely at the lower end of the valuation range. Robust inflows of material from the United States and the Middle East kept supply conditions comfortable, further reinforcing a bearish tone. CFR West Coast South America LDPE film prices slipped by USD 20 from last week to USD 1,040–1,070 per metric ton, while CFR Brazil and CFR Mercosur levels held steady at USD 1,070–1,090 per metric ton.
Feedstock movements added to the quiet backdrop. Spot ethylene prices on the U.S. Gulf Coast eased slightly to 20.00–20.50 cents per pound FOB, a marginal 0.50-cent decline from the previous week, underscoring the absence of strong upstream cost pressure.
Market observers say that unless there is a clear uptick in end-use demand or a disruption in supply chains, LDPE pricing is likely to remain under downward pressure in South America while staying rangebound in the United States in the near term. Buyers across both regions are expected to continue exercising caution, hoping for more attractive offers before committing to larger volumes.
