High-density polyethylene (HDPE) prices slipped in the Far East this week, while the rest of Asia saw little change. Sellers largely held offers steady as balanced inventories and moderate downstream demand kept the market cautious. Crude oil remained range-bound with a slightly positive bias, supported by Middle East tensions and the prospect of tighter U.S. sanctions on Russian oil, though rising U.S. inventories and weak physical demand limited any sharp gains.
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) values fell in parts of South Asia but stayed stable elsewhere. Import offers from overseas suppliers showed minimal fluctuation, and regional buying interest remained steady as converters and traders maintained a careful stance.
Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) prices were unchanged across Asia. Consistent import offers and moderate downstream demand reinforced the stable sentiment, with traders continuing to purchase cautiously in line with balanced stock levels.
Polypropylene (PP) prices declined as overseas suppliers lowered quotations in response to subdued demand and competitive market dynamics. Regional buying interest stayed sluggish, adding to the downward pressure.
Polystyrene (PS) also weakened as production costs eased and demand faltered in electronics, automotive, construction, and packaging. Export opportunities remained limited, forcing Asian producers to focus on neighboring markets and intensifying regional competition.
Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) held steady in a subdued trading environment. Producers and market participants reported little change in fundamentals, with stable prices for upstream butadiene and acrylonitrile even as styrene inched higher.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) prices trended downward in parts of Asia, weighed by oversupply and weaker demand from construction, automotive, and packaging sectors. The arrival of lower-priced imports from China and the United States added further pressure, while broader economic uncertainty kept buyers cautious.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) prices remained stable, reflecting slow downstream demand and persistent margin pressures on manufacturers. Limited consumption in packaging and beverages kept purchasing interest muted, while elevated input costs left producers with little room to push prices higher.
