Ethylene dichloride (EDC) and vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) prices in the United States reflected a mixed undertone this week, as export activity lent support to EDC while VCM values eased under pressure from a weakening global PVC market.
A US-based industry source told that, “US export prices for ethylene dichloride stayed steady as market activity was characterized as calm. Heightened export activity to Brazil has offered some backing for US EDC prices lately, even with the downturn in the global PVC market.” Traders noted that steady flows into Latin America have helped balance supply, cushioning EDC values despite lackluster fundamentals.
Seasonal considerations also shaped sentiment, with market participants monitoring potential disruptions from the US hurricane season. However, some dismissed the risk this year, suggesting lower expectations for storm-related supply shocks and therefore limited impact on pricing.
On Friday, FOB US Gulf export EDC prices held at USD 105–115/mt, stable on the week. In contrast, VCM prices softened, assessed at USD 440–450/mt FOB US Gulf, down USD 10/mt from the prior week.
The downturn was compounded by weaker feedstock and downstream dynamics. Spot ethylene feedstock fell to 20.50–21.00 cents/lb FOB US Gulf, losing 1.50 cents/lb week-on-week. Downstream, PVC export prices dropped sharply to USD 560–570/mt FAS Houston, down USD 40/mt, reflecting fragile global demand and oversupply pressures.
The divergence underscores the narrow support that export-led EDC is drawing from Latin America, while VCM and PVC remain weighed down by weak fundamentals, leaving overall market sentiment cautious.
