Polypropylene (PP) export prices in the United States edged higher this week, bucking the trend of weaker upstream propylene values. The gains were attributed largely to stronger domestic demand, which encouraged producers to redirect sales away from international markets.
An industry source in the U.S. told that the rebound in PP was tied directly to a reallocation of supply. “A pickup in domestic demand led a moderate uptick in US PP spot prices. Producers rerouted their focus to the domestic markets with weak demand in overseas destinations lessening the appeal for export trade,” the source explained.
Market assessments confirmed the upward movement. Copolymer PP export prices at FAS Houston were evaluated at USD 970–990/mt, showing an increase of USD 10/mt from the previous week. Homopolymer PP export prices rose more sharply, assessed at USD 930–950/mt FAS Houston, up USD 15/mt week on week. These gains highlight the influence of local consumption in offsetting the lack of momentum in global markets.
Interestingly, the price rise came despite a notable drop in feedstock propylene. Spot polymer-grade propylene (PGP) values declined to 28.50–29.00 cents/lb FOB U.S. Gulf, down by 2.50 cents/lb from the previous week. This disconnect between PP and its raw material suggests that short-term demand dynamics outweighed cost pressures in determining price direction.
In the contract arena, propylene values showed stability. For September 2025, U.S. polymer-grade propylene contracts settled at 35.50 cents/lb, while chemical-grade propylene settled at 34.00 cents/lb. Both figures represented a rollover from August 2025 levels, reinforcing the notion that contract negotiations are reflecting a steadier outlook compared to the more volatile spot market.
Analysts suggest that the near-term trajectory for U.S. polypropylene will depend on whether domestic buying interest remains strong enough to sustain prices in the face of weaker feedstock trends. With overseas demand still muted and freight costs discouraging exports, producers may continue prioritizing the home market, at least in the short run.
