The European polyvinyl chloride (PVC) market witnessed a modest upward movement in spot prices this week, supported by a combination of firmer demand, higher overseas offers, and stronger upstream cost dynamics. While spot values advanced across the region, contract prices remained largely unchanged, indicating a cautious but improving sentiment among market participants.
According to an industry source in Europe, “Prices moved higher mainly due to improved regional demand trends and the surfacing of higher offers from overseas markets. Stronger ethylene feedstock values also contributed to the price increase.” The source added that renewed interest from downstream sectors such as construction and infrastructure, coupled with firming energy costs, has lent some support to producers’ pricing positions.
In the spot market, FD Northwest Europe PVC prices were assessed at EUR 825–835 per metric ton, marking a week-on-week increase of EUR 20 per metric ton. This rise comes after several weeks of subdued activity, as buyers began replenishing inventories ahead of the year-end season. Improved sentiment in the European construction industry and a gradual recovery in export inquiries contributed to the firming trend, even as some buyers remained cautious amid ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty.
Meanwhile, in the contract market, pricing held largely stable across major European regions. PVC suspension grade prices in Germany and France were assessed at EUR 950–955 per metric ton FD NWE, unchanged from the previous week. Similarly, in Italy, contract prices were reported flat at EUR 960–965 per metric ton FD NWE, reflecting a balanced market where supply met prevailing demand without significant fluctuations.
The United Kingdom showed a slightly different trajectory, with PVC contract prices edging up by GBP 10 per metric ton to settle at GBP 835–840 per metric ton FD NWE. The modest increase was attributed to exchange rate variations and logistical cost adjustments, rather than any major shift in domestic demand.
Upstream, ethylene feedstock prices provided additional upward momentum. Spot ethylene values in Northwest Europe rose by EUR 5 per metric ton from the previous week, assessed at EUR 620–630 per metric ton FD NWE. The rise in feedstock costs exerted mild upward pressure on PVC production costs, although producers largely maintained contract pricing stability to preserve competitiveness and secure steady offtake volumes.
Other key feedstocks, including ethylene dichloride (EDC) and vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), remained unchanged from last week’s levels. EDC prices were assessed at USD 90–100 per metric ton FOB Northwest Europe, while VCM prices held steady at USD 505–515 per metric ton FOB Northwest Europe. The stability in these intermediates reflected balanced supply conditions and the absence of any major operational disruptions within the region.
Overall, the European PVC market appears to be gradually regaining momentum after a period of stagnation. The improvement in spot prices signals growing buyer confidence and slightly firmer demand fundamentals, even as the broader market remains cautious amid fluctuating energy costs and uncertain macroeconomic indicators.
Looking ahead, market participants expect the firming trend in spot values to persist in the near term, particularly if upstream costs continue to climb and regional demand maintains its current pace. However, traders also note that sustained price recovery will depend on whether end-user consumption in the construction and pipe segments continues to strengthen as Europe moves deeper into the fourth quarter of 2025.
