Fresh import offers have emerged in the Chinese polyethylene market, with a Canadian producer heard to have put forward its price for metallocene linear low-density polyethylene (mLLDPE) grades. According to a source, the offer stands at USD 1,005 per metric ton on a CFR China Main Port basis for September 2025 shipment.
The announcement comes amid cautious trading in China’s polymer markets, where downstream converters remain hesitant to secure large volumes due to fragile demand across packaging, agricultural films, and industrial applications. While mLLDPE continues to be valued for its higher tensile strength and enhanced sealing properties compared to conventional LLDPE, the premium grade has not escaped the drag of subdued macroeconomic sentiment and ongoing competition from competitively priced Middle Eastern and Asian cargoes.
At USD 1,005/mt, the Canadian offer is slightly below some of the regional benchmarks reported in recent weeks, a signal that sellers are attempting to maintain competitiveness as buyers weigh upcoming September procurement rounds. Industry participants remarked that timing is critical, with many converters expected to begin stock replenishment in the weeks ahead of China’s seasonal demand cycle. However, the scale of this restocking remains uncertain, with traders noting that many buyers continue to prefer short-term purchases rather than locking in forward cargoes.
Market observers added that while Canada’s entry into the September offers highlights the increasingly globalized nature of mLLDPE trade flows, acceptance of the deal will depend heavily on how Chinese buyers evaluate feedstock price trends, margin recovery in downstream sectors, and the positioning of rival suppliers. For now, the Canadian offer sets a fresh reference point in negotiations, adding another layer of competition to a market already characterized by cautious sentiment and tight margins.
