High-density polyethylene (HDPE) film spot prices slipped across Europe this week while contract values held steady. Oversupply and persistently weak demand weighed on sentiment as competitive imports, particularly from the United States, kept pressure on local suppliers. Buyers remained cautious, with limited restocking activity despite speculation about potential counter-tariffs on U.S. polyethylene.
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) spot prices also declined, though contract settlements largely rolled over. Sellers faced high inventories and a flood of competitive U.S. offers, while downstream sectors such as packaging and construction showed little sign of recovery.
Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) spot prices edged higher on restricted local supply following plant shutdowns and lower production rates, even as contract prices stayed flat. Upstream ethylene costs and a slight pickup in packaging demand lent additional support, although imports continued to restrain any major gains.
Polypropylene (PP) spot prices softened amid lacklustre demand and steady import volumes. Contract prices were mostly stable as restocking failed to materialize and competitive overseas offers capped any upward movement.
Polystyrene (PS) prices retreated further, following declines in upstream styrene and ongoing weakness in packaging and consumer goods. Buyers maintained a hand-to-mouth approach, leaving producers with abundant stocks and limited leverage. Expandable polystyrene (EPS) mirrored this downward trend as construction and insulation demand remained muted.
Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) spot prices moved lower under the weight of strong imports from East Asia and subdued automotive and consumer goods demand. Production run rates slipped, with some facilities operating near minimum thresholds as regional demand stayed weak despite provisional EU antidumping measures against South Korea.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) spot prices fell, while contract levels largely held steady. European construction demand remained sluggish, and traders noted only a slight uptick in September buying interest. Competitive export offers, especially to Turkey and potentially India following proposed antidumping duties there, added complexity to market dynamics.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) spot prices drifted lower amid plentiful supply and weak preform-season demand. Converters, already well stocked, awaited clearer signals before restocking, while competitive Asian imports kept further pressure on European producers.
