The U.S. petrochemical sector closed the week under a subdued cloud, with most key polymers struggling to gain traction as buyers remained cautious and supplies stayed plentiful. Macroeconomic uncertainty and persistent trade headwinds continued to weigh on sentiment, keeping purchasing activity restrained and prices largely flat or drifting lower across major product streams.
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) export prices held steady as September progressed, reflecting a market caught between weak downstream demand and ample supply. Sellers reported few opportunities to push for higher numbers, while buyers focused on managing inventories rather than committing to fresh cargoes.
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) mirrored that stability. Spot export values stayed flat as market participants pointed to an extended supply overhang and tepid consumption in core packaging and consumer-goods sectors. The absence of any near-term demand catalyst left sellers with limited room to negotiate increases, and many purchasers chose to delay commitments.
Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) also rolled over, with plentiful material and hesitant buying interest reinforcing a cautious mood. Traders described a market under pressure from both extended supply and the broader macroeconomic slowdown, discouraging any upward price movement.
Polypropylene (PP) was one of the few grades to post a clear decline. Export prices slipped as lacklustre downstream consumption forced sellers to trim offers. Demand weakened to the point where Latin American buyers, who traditionally value the faster shipping times of U.S. material, showed less urgency, eroding the competitive edge of American cargoes.
General-purpose polystyrene (GPPS) followed a similar trajectory. Export prices fell as sluggish demand and abundant supply overwhelmed the market. A leading domestic producer announced a monthly price cut, underscoring expectations of continued weakness through the early autumn.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) exports also retreated, marking a reversal from earlier firmness. Market participants described mixed sentiment: some buyers resisted even modest increases amid soft end-user demand, while others speculated that historically low levels might offer a floor. A confirmed October cargo at USD 570 per metric ton highlighted the difficulty in establishing a clear short-term trend. Elevated operating rates at U.S. plants, combined with globally weak demand, continued to cap pricing power.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) provided a rare note of stability. Prices rolled over as traders absorbed the government’s decision to impose full tariffs on PET and recycled PET imports effective September 8. The policy shift briefly unsettled trading, but participants said it could ultimately lend domestic producers a competitive edge over imported material.
Overall, the U.S. polymer market remains mired in a wait-and-see phase. With consumer spending constrained, inventories comfortable, and international trade flows unsettled, producers and buyers alike are bracing for a slow start to the final quarter of the year.
