HDPE fares better than other PE grades in Türkiye

Most PE players were sidelined ahead of the imminent price announcements for March in Türkiye. Not many official prices were revealed in the first week of the month, while expectations called for modest hike attempts based on tight volumes from the Middle East, where several plants remained under turnaround. At the same time, activity has been mild so far, except for certain HDPE grades.



HDPE up more visibly on tightness, better demand

A few March offers from the Middle East emerged with rollovers to increases depending on grade over the week. In the import market, Middle Eastern prices were assessed $10/ton higher on the low end at $1220-1240/ton for LDPE and at $1160-1180/ton for LLDPE C4 film CIF Türkiye, subject to 6.5% duty from late February.

HDPE film was up more visibly by $20-30/ton to $1180-1200/ton amid the absence of multiple Middle Eastern sources and a lack of fresh Russian cargos. "We heard that $1200/ton has turned into HDPE film deals in some cases,” a player noted.

A Saudi Arabian major intended for $1200/ton for LLDPE C4 film and $1240/ton for HDPE film with the same terms. Nonetheless, these levels were not deemed workable by players.

“The producer may test the market before stepping back from these levels while consumers do not seem willing to accept larger gains, particularly for LDPE and LLDPE this month,” players commented.

A different Middle Eastern supplier expressed his March sell ideas with $20-30/ton hikes at $1250/ton for LDPE and $1180/ton for LLDPE. An agent of a Saudi Arabian producer sought rollovers for the new month at $1240/ton for LDPE film.

HDPE b/m (large container) sees robust demand

According to several players, demand for HDPE b/m (large container) has revived amid increased demand for toys, detergents and large barrels in the aftermath of devastating quakes that hit southeast Türkiye last month. Adding to the scene has been tight availability for this grade.