High-density polyethylene (HDPE) export prices in the United States remained steady this week, with market participants citing soft demand and comfortable supply levels that have carried over into September. According to an industry source, the combination of muted downstream consumption, macroeconomic headwinds, and lingering trade uncertainties continues to weigh on sentiment, leaving sellers with little room to push for higher prices.
Market observers explained that consumer spending remains restrained, prompting many converters and distributors to prioritize careful inventory management over new purchases. “Buyers are hesitant to build stocks in the current climate,” the source said, noting that this cautious approach has left sellers with limited leverage for price increases.
Assessments reflected the quiet tone. HDPE film export prices held firm at USD 830–850 per metric ton FAS Houston, while HDPE injection grades were unchanged at USD 785–805 per metric ton. Blow moulding export prices likewise stayed stable at USD 805–825 per metric ton, underscoring the lack of fresh market drivers.
Upstream feedstock movements offered little support. Spot ethylene prices slipped slightly to 20.00–20.50 cents per pound FOB U.S. Gulf, down by a marginal 0.50 cents from the previous week. Meanwhile, the U.S. ethylene contract price for August 2025 settled at 32.00 cents per pound, a modest 0.25-cent decrease from July’s settlement. Analysts say these minimal changes further highlight the subdued trading environment, with no immediate signs of a shift in fundamentals.
Looking ahead, industry insiders suggest that a meaningful recovery in HDPE pricing would require a clear improvement in downstream demand or a significant disruption to feedstock supply, neither of which appears imminent in the near term.
