This week, LDPE spot prices witnessed gains in the European region.
In the spot markets, LDPE prices were assessed at the Euro 1255-1265/mt FD Northwest Europe mark, up Euro (+5/mt) from last week.
An industry source in Europe informed a Polymerupdate team member, “European LDPE spot prices registered a modest rise on the back of a perceived uplift in the market sentiment.”
In the contract markets, General Purpose LDPE grade prices were assessed at the Euro 1870-1875/mt FD NWE Germany and FD NWE Italy levels, both rolled over week on week. LDPE General Purpose grade prices were assessed at the Euro 1870-1875/mt FD NWE France levels, unchanged from the previous week. Meanwhile, LDPE grade prices were assessed at the GBP 1600-1605/mt FD NWE UK levels, constant week on week.
The source added, ”Meanwhile, participants’ opinions on the contract market situation were varied with some of them saying that producers are intent on protecting their margins and, as such, are seeking a rise in PE contract prices given that the ethylene feedstock monthly contract price for April has gained. Meanwhile, most LDPE grade settlements are anticipated to trend higher owing to a tight regional supply situation, with a few ongoing plant overhauls further aggravating the supply constraints in the region. A few other market participants stated that some suppliers will not be in a position to pass on the price rise on account of weak demand sentiments.”
FCA Antwerp LDPE General Purpose film prices were assessed at the Euro 1235-1255/mt levels, stable from last week.
Ethylene spot prices on Thursday were assessed at the Euro 805-815/mt FD North West Europe levels, a week on week slip of Euro (-10/mt).
European ethylene feedstock contract price for April 2024 settled at the Euro 1260/MT FD North West Europe levels. This price represents a sharp rise of Euro 40/mt from its March 2024 settlement levels.
