This week, LDPE spot prices increased, while contract prices were left unchanged in the European region.
In the spot markets, LDPE prices were assessed at the Euro 1195-1205/mt FD Northwest Europe mark, week on week up Euro (+10/mt). An industry source in Europe informed a Polymerupdate team member, "In the European Low density polyethylene (LDPE) markets, participants were eagerly focused on the upcoming upstream ethylene contract price settlement in July. Naphtha changes towards the month-end elicited divergent opinions from market players with forecasts differing from a possible rise to a decline in prices.”
The source added, “LDPE specialty grade avails were limited, with market players impeded in their quest to secure extra volumes either through contract or spot transactions. Trading activity had generally slowed down over the past week with most participants exercising caution and awaiting settlement of the monomer contract price for June.”
In the contract markets, General Purpose LDPE grade prices were assessed at the Euro 1810-1815/mt FD NWE Germany and FD NWE Italy levels, both steady from last week. LDPE General Purpose grade prices were assessed at the Euro 1810-1815/mt FD NWE France levels, stable from the previous week. Meanwhile, LDPE grade prices were assessed at the GBP 1530-1535/mt FD NWE UK levels, a week on week gain of GBP (+5/mt).
FCA Antwerp LDPE General Purpose film prices were assessed at the Euro 1180-1200/mt levels, a rise of Euro (+20/mt) from last week.
Ethylene spot prices on Thursday were assessed at the Euro 730-740/mt FD North West Europe levels, unchanged from the previous week.
European ethylene feedstock contract price for June 2024 settled at the Euro 1220/MT FD North West Europe levels. This price represents a drop of Euro 30/mt from its May 2024 settlement levels.
