High-density polyethylene (HDPE) prices quote mixed in Europe

This week, HDPE prices displayed a mixed undertone in the European region.

In the spot markets, HDPE injection grade prices were assessed at the Euro 1095-1105/mt FD North West Europe levels, while HDPE film grade prices were assessed at the Euro 1105-1115/mt FD North West Europe levels, both sharply lower by (-60/mt) from last week. Meanwhile, HDPE BM grade prices were assessed at the Euro 1085-1095/mt FD North West Europe levels, sharply declining by Euro (-70/mt) from the previous week. A European industry source while requesting to remain unidentified informed a Polymerupdate team member, “European HDPE market sentiments were largely depressed with buying activity from end-user industries slowing down significantly. Consumers were seen persistently countering sharp price hikes from producers who tried to justify the hike citing an increase in the European ethylene contract price for October 2023. An influx of import cargoes from the US and the Middle East which are being offered at competitive rates in the region further exacerbated the supply overhang in the region.”

In the contract markets, HDPE film grade prices were assessed at the Euro 1535-1540/mt FD NWE Germany and FD NWE Italy levels, both week on week up Euro (+10/mt). HDPE film grade prices were assessed at the Euro 1535-1540/mt FD NWE France levels, up by Euro (+10/mt) from last week. Meanwhile, HDPE film grade prices were assessed at the GBP 1330-1335/mt FD NWE UK levels, a gain of GBP (+15/mt) from the previous week.

In the contract markets, HDPE BM grade prices were assessed at the Euro 1510-1515/mt FD NWE Germany and FD NWE Italy levels, both trending higher by Euro (+10/mt) from the previous week. HDPE BM grade prices were assessed at the Euro 1510-1515/mt FD NWE France levels, a week on week gain of Euro (+10/mt). Meanwhile, HDPE BM grade prices were assessed at the GBP 1305-1310/mt FD NWE UK levels, up GBP (+10/mt) from last week.

In the contract markets, HDPE injection grade prices were assessed at the Euro 1465-1470/mt FD NWE Germany and FD NWE Italy levels, both week on week gained by Euro (+10/mt). HDPE injection grade prices were assessed at the Euro 1465-1470/mt FD NWE France levels, up Euro (+10/mt) from the previous week. Meanwhile, HDPE injection grade prices were assessed at the GBP 1270-1275/mt FD NWE UK levels, a rise of GBP (+15/mt) from last week.

The source added,” HDPE contract prices trended higher mainly in line with stronger feedstock ethylene contract prices for the month of October 2023.”

FCA Antwerp HDPE film prices were assessed at the Euro 1090-1130/mt levels, a week on week plunge of Euro (-60/mt). FCA Antwerp HDPE injection prices were assessed at the Euro 1080-1110/mt levels, a sharp decline of Euro (-50/mt), while FCA Antwerp HDPE BM prices were assessed at the Euro 1070-1100/mt levels, plunged by Euro (-70/mt) from the previous week.

Ethylene spot prices on Thursday were assessed at the Euro 765-775/mt FD North West Europe levels, a week on week decline of Euro (-25/mt).

Feedstock ethylene contract price for October 2023 settled at the Euro 1260/MT FD North West Europe levels. This price represents a sharp gain of Euro 65/mt from its September 2023 settlement levels.