North America
Styrene surge lifts European PS further, triggers delayed ABS rebound from five-year lows
European styrenics markets entered February on a firmer footing, as producers moved to reflect sharply higher feedstock costs across PS and ABS chains. The rebound comes after a prolonged downturn for ABS and a gradual recovery already under way in PS, though market participants remain cautious over whether the full extent of announced hikes can be absorbed amid weak demand and persistent import pressure... 05-02-2026
India’s Union Budget 2026 targets infra boom, may fuel polymer demand surge
When India’s Finance Minister presented the 2026 Union Budget on February 1, the petrochemical industry was looking for a catalyst to break a surplus-heavy market. The answer arrived in a record INR12.2 trillion ($133.1 billion) capital expenditure outlay, positioning the state as the primary mover for polymer demand... 04-02-2026
China PP, PE held cautious gains last week, while early-week signals turn mixed as holiday nears
China’s PP and PE markets maintained a cautiously firm tone in the week ending January 30, as prices selectively extended earlier gains. Players noted that the initial recovery had already taken shape from late December to early or mid-January, with the latest week marked by a measured continuation of this uptrend, supported by firmer futures and pre-holiday restocking. While demand remained restrained, slightly improved trading activity reinforced expectations of limited near-term upside... 03-02-2026
LDPE regains rare premium over mLLDPE in Italy as supply tightness reshapes pricing hierarchy
Italy’s PE markets have witnessed an unusual price structure, as LDPE sharply widened its premium over mLLDPE, reversing a relationship that typically favours metallocene grades. The disparity is primarily supply-driven, with LDPE availability tightening, allowing producers to push through hikes, while mLLDPE prices remained capped by comfortable supply conditions... 02-02-2026