High-density polyethylene (HDPE) film export prices in the United States slipped this week under the weight of soft domestic and overseas demand. Producers tried to hold or lift prices, but buyers resisted as inventories stayed ample and production remained steady. Latin American and Asian markets pushed back on US cargoes, citing cheaper regional alternatives and shipping hurdles, while tariff worries and broader economic uncertainty further slowed interest.
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) exports held steady. Sellers faced the same weak appetite and strong supply, with trading limited to immediate needs. Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) prices also stayed flat after two weeks of declines. Market participants said buyers are waiting for October guidance, seeing the pause as a breather rather than a turnaround.
Polypropylene (PP) export prices were unchanged as well, though US sellers continued to lose ground to more competitive Asian offers. In China, sluggish domestic consumption and heavy inventories kept local producers leaning on exports, undercutting US cargoes.
Polystyrene (PS) exports weakened, with general-purpose grades edging lower. Normally buoyed by seasonal demand, prices failed to gain traction as downstream industries stayed cautious. Asian GPPS values were stable, but regional producers noted that styrene cost swings are unlikely to spark stronger buying.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) exports remained stable while month-end negotiations played out. Buyers and traders largely kept to short-term deals, waiting for October price announcements.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was the outlier. US PET prices rose as new tariffs on PET and recycled PET imports, in effect since September 8, fueled debate over who will absorb the extra costs. Market participants reported that the question of whether producers or customers will pay the difference remains unsettled, keeping sentiment tense even as prices climb.
