This week, Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) prices across Asia remained largely unchanged, reflecting a steady balance between supply and demand as the market continued to trade within a cautious but stable range.
An industry source in Asia, speaking on condition of anonymity, told a correspondent that crude oil is expected to remain range-bound to slightly positive, supported by ongoing Middle East tensions and the possibility of tougher U.S. sanctions on Russian oil. A smaller OPEC+ output hike has also helped stabilize prices. At the same time, rising U.S. inventories and softer physical demand could limit any significant upward momentum. Traders and analysts are closely monitoring U.S. stockpile data and policy signals from the Federal Reserve for clues about the next market move.
The source further explained that LLDPE prices have been steady as import offers from overseas suppliers showed minimal movement. Sellers kept their quotations aligned with prevailing market conditions, while regional buying interest also held firm. Converters and traders maintained a cautious stance, supported by balanced stock levels and moderate downstream demand. Consistent offers combined with steady purchasing activity helped sustain a stable market sentiment, effectively anchoring prices across the region.
Regionally, prices reflected this stability. In Far East Asia, LLDPE was assessed at USD 850-890/mt CFR, unchanged week on week. Southeast Asia maintained prices in the range of USD 910-970/mt CFR, while in India, levels held steady at USD 910-940/mt CFR. Pakistan saw a slight adjustment, with prices assessed at USD 970-1010/mt CFR, reflecting a minor drop of USD 10/mt week on week. Meanwhile, in Sri Lanka, LLDPE remained unchanged at USD 960-1000/mt CFR, and in Bangladesh, prices were stable at USD 950-980/mt CFR.
Feedstock ethylene values provided a backdrop of consistency, with CFR Northeast Asia prices assessed at USD 835-845/mt, unchanged from the previous week, while CFR Southeast Asia prices inched higher by USD 5/mt to reach the same range.
On the production side, developments at regional plants could influence future market dynamics. PTT Global Chemical (GC) is expected to operate its LLDPE unit at reduced rates starting in early November 2025, although the reason for the cutback remains unclear and no official confirmation has yet been issued. Located in Map Ta Phut, Thailand, the facility has a production capacity of 800,000 mt per year. In China, PetroChina Jilin Petrochemical is likely to shut its LLDPE unit on September 15, 2025, with operations expected to restart by September 27, 2025. Independent verification of this information has not been obtained. The Jilin-based unit has a capacity of 290,000 mt per year.
Overall, despite minor fluctuations in certain sub-markets, the Asian LLDPE market continues to reflect stability, supported by balanced fundamentals, cautious supplier behavior, and steady demand from buyers across the region.
