Polypropylene (PP) prices in Europe slipped further this week, with weak demand and steady feedstock supply keeping the market under pressure. Industry participants had hoped for the usual September bounce, but the seasonal restocking never materialized, leaving sellers with excess stock and little leverage.
A European trader said producers struggled to move volumes at higher offers, while homopolymer injection grades led the downturn. Spot prices for PP injection moulding grade eased to €915–925/mt FD Northwest Europe, down €10/mt from last week. PP block copolymer grade slipped marginally to €1,015–1,025/mt, off by €5/mt.
Contract markets reflected similar softness. PP injection moulding grade settled at €1,350–1,355/mt in Germany and France and €1,340–1,345/mt in Italy, each €10/mt lower week on week. UK prices dipped to £1,175–1,180/mt, a drop of £5/mt. Block copolymer contracts held firmer: €1,450–1,455/mt in Germany and France and €1,440–1,445/mt in Italy were unchanged, while the UK edged up to £1,265–1,270/mt, gaining £10/mt.
At Antwerp, FCA homopolymer prices fell to €900–940/mt, down €10/mt, and copolymer prices to €995–1,025/mt, down €5/mt. Upstream propylene spot prices in Northwest Europe ticked up €5/mt to €775–785/mt, while the September propylene contract settled flat at €1,005/mt.
Market sentiment remains wary heading into October. A few analysts noted a slight pickup in activity, but most see little sign of a true recovery. Buyers continue to delay decisions, watching for the October propylene contract for any cost relief. Without stronger signals from downstream industries or feedstock markets, traders say the European PP market is likely to stay oversupplied and cautious for now.
