Polypropylene (PP) producers are planning steep price hikes for March, according to Polymerupdate, as they look to recoup gains in upstream propylene prices. Contract homopolymer injection-grade PP prices rose to €810/tonne FD Northwest Europe, while copolymer contracts were assessed at €850/tonne FD Northwest Europe. PP climbed as well in the spot market, with homopolymer prices reaching €700/tonne FD Northwest Europe, while copolymer prices hit €750/tonne FD Northwest Europe. A PP producer contacted by Polymerupdate said gains in monomer costs have “compelled us to pursue increases for March”, with a minimum €50/tonne adjustment planned. LyondellBasell is targeting a March PP of €60/tonne, with Sabic announcing €50/tonne increase for March contracts.
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) prices bolted higher in Europe last week, with contract general-purpose LDPE grades rising to €890/tonne FD Northwest Europe. In the spot market, LDPE prices hit €820/tonne FD Northwest Europe. A trader contacted by Polymerupdate said European LDPE demand is “subdued”, but prices have firmed on the basis of tighter supplies and higher ethylene prices.
Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) prices in Europe shot higher last week, with contract prices reaching €890/tonne FD Northwest Europe, and spot prices assessed at €790/tonne FD Northwest Europe. LLDPE makers across Europe were seen hiking their rates, which prompted traders to follow suit.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) held steady last week, with suspension grades flat. Producers have been heard pushing for March contract price hikes, with some angling for up to €100/tonne before settling on €50/tonne to €80/tonne. Contract prices last week were reported at €715/tonne FD Northwest Europe, as spot PVC registered at €530 to €560/tonne FD Northwest Europe.
Polystyrene (PS) contract prices firmed last week, with general-purpose contracts rising to €885/tonne FD Northwest Europe, and high-impact prices assessed at €935/tonne FD Northwest Europe. Styrene monomer (SM) contracts, which settled higher, helped drive the increase. In the spot market, general-purpose prices were assessed at €800/tonne FD Northwest Europe, while high-impact prices hit €850/tonne FD Northwest Europe. —[email protected]
