North America
Stats: China’s Jan polymer imports and exports decline, marking multi-month lows
According to data from ChemOrbis Stats Wizard PRO, China’s polymer trade witnessed a slowdown in January 2025, with both imports and exports falling from December levels. The declines also extended on a year-on-year basis for several key polymers, reflecting weaker market demand... 24-03-2025Europe’s PVC prices remain firm in March; will markets take a breather from increases in April?
European PVC prices extended their gains into the second straight month in March amid producers’ margin enhancement targets, despite the marginal upturn in the last ethylene contract. Suppliers’ larger hike attempts, however, met buyers’ resistance as market conditions did not witness a major uptick over the last month, with demand defying seasonal patterns... 21-03-2025Import PE retains strength over PP in SE Asia’s polyolefin markets
In Southeast Asia’s polyolefin markets, import PE has maintained a stronger position than PP since the post-Lunar New Year uptrend. Supply constraints and seasonal factors have lent PE prices firm support, while ample Chinese-origin PP cargoes have kept PP under pressure. However, both markets continue to face demand headwinds amid economic uncertainty and cautious buying... 20-03-2025Rally falters across Mid-East PP, PE markets in March
Players in the Middle Eastern PP and PE markets have received March offers from regional sellers with rollovers to some increases compared to the latest February levels. Indeed, the annual turnaround season in Q1 and partly extending into Q2 has continued to support price hike targets across the region; nevertheless, the pace of increases appears to have lost some momentum, as tepid derivative markets loomed large, resulting in discounts in deals... 19-03-2025