This week, Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) prices adjusted downward across Asia, weighed by sluggish buying activity, competitive import offers, and broader pressures from the energy market. Market sentiment remained cautious as both buyers and sellers responded to shifting supply-demand fundamentals with restrained activity.
An industry source in Asia, speaking on condition of anonymity, told a team member that the OPEC+ alliance, including OPEC and its non-member partners, signaled a planned production hike in November. Simultaneously, the restart of crude exports from Iraq’s Kurdish region has added to global supply, driving international oil prices lower. This decline in oil has contributed to softer downstream petrochemical values, including LLDPE. The source added that weak purchasing interest, alongside reduced import offers from overseas producers, intensified downward pricing pressure. Buyers remained hesitant to accept elevated offers in light of ongoing uncertainties, while foreign suppliers adjusted their prices downward to attract limited demand.
In Far East Asia, LLDPE prices were assessed at USD 830–860/mt CFR, a fall of USD 10/mt from the previous week. In China, Saudi Arabian producers offered LLDPE film grade at USD 860–870/mt, while Middle Eastern suppliers quoted around USD 830/mt for October shipments. US-origin cargoes were reported at USD 850–860/mt. Despite the range of offers, local demand stayed muted, as excess US cargoes ahead of the fourth quarter weighed heavily on sentiment. Middle Eastern suppliers maintained firmer offers, creating a wide disparity in regional price levels. Even as late-November delivery prices held steady, purchasing remained subdued, reflecting the wait-and-see approach of market players amid weak fundamentals.
In Southeast Asia, LLDPE prices were assessed at USD 870–930/mt CFR, a weekly decline of USD 10/mt. Middle Eastern producers offered film grades around USD 870/mt, with Saudi producers at USD 930/mt, while US-origin cargoes were heard at USD 830/mt. Arrivals of October shipments boosted supply, further depressing sentiment. Even with competitive pricing strategies from Middle Eastern suppliers, demand remained weak, and buyers refrained from stepping in aggressively.
In India, LLDPE prices were assessed at USD 880–900/mt CFR, down by USD 10/mt from last week. Reliance Industries Limited revised PE prices from October 1, 2025, reducing LLDPE values by Re.1/kg and withdrawing price protection. Import offers from Middle Eastern producers were largely in the range of USD 880–900/mt. Market conditions in India stayed quiet, with buyers cautious amid currency weakness and subdued demand. Some hope exists that recent GST reductions may stimulate FMCG-related demand, while upcoming maintenance shutdowns by Middle Eastern producers could tighten supply. Still, the approaching holiday season and limited trading activity are likely to keep the market stable to soft in the near term.
In Pakistan, LLDPE prices were assessed at USD 940–960/mt CFR, lower by USD 10/mt week on week. Offers from Middle Eastern suppliers remained in the same range for October shipments. Market conditions stayed under pressure, as recent floods and heavy rains disrupted downstream operations and reduced packaging demand. With liquidity challenges persisting, players expect a subdued market until clearer signs of recovery appear, though the harvest season may provide some short-term support.
In Sri Lanka, LLDPE prices slipped to USD 940–970/mt, down by USD 10/mt, while in Bangladesh, values fell to USD 930–950/mt CFR, also a USD 10/mt decline. Offers from Saudi and Middle Eastern producers ranged between USD 930–950/mt for October deliveries. Both countries continued to experience weak end-user demand and cautious procurement, as economic challenges weighed heavily on sentiment.
Adding to the bearish tone, feedstock ethylene prices also declined. Northeast Asia CFR ethylene was assessed at USD 805–815/mt, down USD 35/mt, while Southeast Asia CFR ethylene dropped by USD 30/mt to the same levels.
On the supply side, Yulong Petrochemical in China has been running its two new HDPE/LLDPE swing units at full capacity since mid-September 2025. Located in Longkou, Yantai City, each unit has a production capacity of 500,000 mt/year, further increasing regional availability of LLDPE.
Overall, the Asian LLDPE market faces a complex mix of weaker demand, rising supply from multiple regions, and energy-driven cost pressures, leaving buyers and sellers in a cautious holding pattern with expectations of only limited movement until after the upcoming holiday season.
