Low density polyethylene (LDPE) prices in Asia spike amid escalating Middle East tensions
This week, LDPE prices in Asia increased, driven by higher feedstock costs and volatile market conditions.
An industry source in Asia, on condition of anonymity, informed a Polymerupdate team member, "The Asian LDPE market is holding firm, supported by ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and elevated feedstock ethylene costs, with Asia prices rising alongside domestic levels and effectively keeping the import window shut. LDPE continues to trade at a slightly higher premium due to tighter supply. Buying interest remains cautious, with downstream players largely restricting purchases to immediate needs amid resistance to higher prices. At the same time, limited import arrivals, fewer overseas offers, and logistical delays have tightened prompt availability, shifting most activity to the secondary market. Sources indicate that April shipments are expected to be low, which is likely to keep domestic supply constrained and support near-term pricing, although any further upside may be gradual as demand stays subdued.”
In Far East Asia, LDPE Film grade prices were assessed at USD 1340-1450/mt CFR levels, week-on-week sharply higher by USD (+140/+190/mt).
In South East Asia, LDPE Film grade prices were assessed at USD 1550-1700/mt CFR levels, a steep gain of USD (+150/mt) from the previous week.
In India, LDPE Film grade prices were assessed at USD 1650-1700/mt CFR levels, a surge of USD (+150/mt) from last week.
A domestic industry source informed a Polymerupdate team member, "Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has raised LDPE price by Rs.10/kg, except for LDPE Foam ( J1020FF20/J1020FA20) grade prices, which are hiked by Rs.7/kg.”
In Pakistan, LDPE Film grade prices were assessed at USD 1520-1600/mt CFR levels, a steep week-on-week increase of USD (+100/+130/mt).
In Sri Lanka, LDPE Film grade prices were assessed at USD 1570-1690/mt CFR levels, sharply higher by USD (+90/+140/mt) from the previous week.
In Bangladesh, LDPE Film grade prices were assessed at USD 1570-1650/mt CFR levels, a spike of USD (+120/+130/mt) from last week.
Ethylene feedstock prices were assessed at USD 1445–1455/mt CFR South East Asia levels while CFR North East Asia ethylene prices were assessed at USD 1445–1455/mt levels, both week-on-week steeply increased by USD (+200/mt).
