In Europe this week polymer markets are showing clear signs of strain as abundant supplies and soft buying match up with lacklustre demand. HDPE feels the sharpest pressure, but LDPE and LLDPE are not far behind. Across both spot and contract trades, prices are inching downward, while buyers and converters are keeping tight reins on their purchasing.
The HDPE market is under significant downside pressure. Traders and distributors alike report full warehouses, extra volumes arriving, and a growing number of import offers that are more attractive than local supplies. Demand is described as “extremely weak,” especially for spot material, where buyers are largely focused on clearing inventories rather than restocking. Even contract talks, which tend to be more stable, are seeing producers offer lower terms or simply roll over existing contracts rather than pushing price gains. In North Western Europe, spot HDPE film grades dropped by about €30/mt week-on-week, while base molding and injection grades also slipped by €10-20/mt.
LDPE and LLDPE are following a similar trend. LDPE prices eased this week as downstream demand remains weak and restocking hasn’t kicked in as usual following summer slowdowns. Import pressure, particularly from U.S. origin cargoes, adds urgency to buyer reluctance, since imported LDPE often undercuts local offers once shipping cost and duties are considered. The same factors apply in the LLDPE space, where competitive import offers and oversupply paired with cautious downstream users are pushing price momentum downward.
Trade policy remains a wildcard. There’s ongoing debate over U.S.-EU tariffs on polyethylene imports, which have, in past months, helped shield some European producers but also created distortions. Now, with talks of reducing or removing these tariffs, worried suppliers are anticipating even more import competition.
Looking ahead, the short-term outlook is cautious. Spot demand is likely to remain subdued as year-end nears and buyers delay purchases amid uncertainty. Any upward price movements seem unlikely unless supply tightens, through plant turnarounds or policy changes, or unless a sudden upsurge in downstream activity emerges. Otherwise, for now, the current oversupply, soft demand, and import competition are poised to keep price pressure high.
