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This week, LDPE prices marched higher in the European region.
An industry source in Europe reported a Polymerupdate team member, "LDPE spot and contract prices increased during the week despite continuous supply-side pressure. The bullishness on PE pricing has primarily been driven by cost pressures, as evidenced by an increase in the February monthly contract price (MCP) of feedstock ethylene, even as several producers and sellers continue to push for sharp price increases to bolster margins amid seasonal restocking.”
The source added, "Reports of a rise in the number of contractual settlements and discussions over the past week has led to price increases across a variety of European PE grades. There has been a notable rise in discussions for three-digit increases, with LDPE prices seen as particularly bullish. As Europe is a net exporter of LDPE grades, sellers hope to make gains from the limited supply and buyers needing to restock their inventory.”
Upstream feedstock prices and the euro's exchange rate against the US dollar experienced unusual volatility this week, leaving the outlook uncertain. Participants are hopeful of the March MCP for feedstock ethylene to be relatively stable, even though it is too early to predict, given the current unstable environment.
In the spot markets, LDPE prices were assessed at the Euro 1285-1295/mt FD Northwest Europe mark, a week on week gain of Euro (+10/mt).
In the contract markets, General Purpose LDPE grade prices were assessed at the Euro 1930-1935/mt FD NWE Germany and FD NWE Italy levels, both sharply higher by Euro (+40/mt) from the previous week. LDPE General Purpose grade prices were assessed at the Euro 1930-1935/mt FD NWE France levels, a week on week increase of Euro (+40/mt). Meanwhile, LDPE grade prices were assessed at the GBP 1595-1600/mt FD NWE UK levels, a rise of GBP (+20/mt) from last week.
FCA Antwerp LDPE General Purpose film prices were assessed at the Euro 1270-1290/mt levels, a gain of Euro (+10/mt) from the previous week.
Ethylene spot prices on Thursday were assessed at the Euro 880-890/mt FD North West Europe levels, sharply lower by Euro (-50/mt) week on week.
European ethylene contract price for February 2025 settled at the Euro 1257.50/MT FD North West Europe levels. This price represents a sharp rise of Euro 52.50/MT from its January 2025 settlement levels.
