U.S. polyvinyl chloride (PVC) export prices edged lower this week, reflecting a market caught between persistent oversupply and divergent expectations for near-term demand. Industry sources told that sentiment has turned more cautious after several weeks of tentative strength, with buyers and sellers debating whether current levels can hold or if further weakness lies ahead.
Market participants reported that some buyers resisted recent price hikes, citing muted downstream demand from construction and infrastructure sectors. Others expressed guarded optimism, arguing that prices have already reached historically low territory and could attract bargain hunters if global economic conditions stabilize. The uncertainty was highlighted by the confirmation of an October cargo offer at USD 570 per metric ton, which underscored the market’s difficulty in establishing a clear trend.
Despite the shifting tone, U.S. producers continue to run plants at high operating rates, ensuring that export availability remains ample. This steady output, combined with sluggish international demand, has kept sellers under pressure in price negotiations. By the end of the week, FAS Houston PVC export prices were assessed at USD 565–575 per metric ton, marking a USD 10 decline from the previous week and signaling a retreat from the mild upward momentum seen earlier in the quarter.
Feedstock developments offered a mixed backdrop. Vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) export prices rose to USD 415–425 per metric ton FOB U.S. Gulf, up USD 15 from the prior week, while ethylene dichloride (EDC) prices climbed to USD 115–125 per metric ton, an increase of USD 10. In contrast, spot ethylene values eased slightly to 20.00–20.50 cents per pound FOB U.S. Gulf, down 0.50 cents week on week.
Globally, Asian PVC prices showed little movement, with CFR China assessments holding steady at USD 700–720 per metric ton. Analysts say that unless a significant uptick in global construction demand emerges or U.S. producers curtail output, export pricing is likely to remain under downward pressure into October despite firmer feedstock costs.
