Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) prices down adjust in Europe

Despite stronger ethylene and VCM feedstock values, PVC prices drifted lower in the European region this week.

An industry source in Europe informed a Polymerupdate team member, “Notwithstanding a global pricing uplift, European PVC prices were pressured lower owing to weak domestic consumption activity which has reduced the possibility of an improvement in market sentiments in August. Macroeconomic conditions like Inflationary pressures have emerged as a core factor in adversely affecting the end user demand outlook. Buyers reportedly remained on the sidelines even though limited cargo volumes shipped from key producing countries like the US enhanced the prospects of balancing skewed market fundamentals.”

In the spot markets, FD North West Europe PVC prices were assessed at the Euro 875-885/mt levels, a fall of Euro (-10/mt) from the previous week.

In the contract markets, PVC suspension grade prices were assessed at the Euro 1195-1200/mt FD NWE Germany and FD NWE France levels, both week on week dropped by Euro (-20/mt). PVC suspension grade prices were assessed at the Euro 1205-1210/mt FD NWE Italy levels, down Euro (-20/mt) from last week. Meanwhile, PVC prices were assessed at the GBP 1030-1035/mt FD NWE UK levels, week on week lower by GBP (-15/mt).

Ethylene spot prices on Thursday were assessed at the Euro 575-585/mt FD North West Europe levels, a week on week rise of Euro (+5/mt).

Feedstock ethylene contract price for August 2023 settled at the Euro 1120/MT FD North West Europe levels. This price represents a rollover from its July 2023 settlement levels.

Meanwhile, feedstock EDC prices were assessed at the USD 255-265/mt FOB North West Europe levels, unchanged week on week. Meanwhile, VCM prices were assessed at the USD 725-735/mt FOB North West Europe levels, sharply higher by USD (+40/mt) from last week.