This week, LDPE prices increased in the European region.
An industry source in Europe informed a Polymerupdate team member, "Trading activity in the European Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) market surged as participants awaited February offers and expected higher upstream ethylene costs due to firmer naphtha prices. All polyethylene grades saw limited domestic supply, with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) specifically experiencing noticeable shortages as a result of production problems at some local plant sites. Additionally, import availability was constrained by high US prices. A weaker euro, increased import expenses, rising crude prices, and improving demand combined to contribute to the overall price increase. Furthermore, persistent production issues further limited the availability of material in the region.”
In the spot markets, LDPE prices were assessed at the Euro 1185-1195/mt FD Northwest Europe mark, a week on week gain of Euro (+10/mt).
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In the contract markets, General Purpose LDPE grade prices were assessed at the Euro 1850-1855/mt FD NWE Germany and FD NWE Italy levels, both higher by Euro (+10/mt) from last week. LDPE General Purpose grade prices were assessed at the Euro 1850-1855/mt FD NWE France levels, a week on week rise of Euro (+10/mt). Meanwhile, LDPE grade prices were assessed at the GBP 1550-1555/mt FD NWE UK levels, a fall of GBP (-5/mt) from last week.
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FCA Antwerp LDPE General Purpose film prices were assessed at the Euro 1170-1190/mt levels, a rise of Euro (+10/mt) from the previous week.
Ethylene spot prices on Thursday were assessed at the Euro 900-910/mt FD North West Europe levels, up Euro (+10/mt) week on week.
European ethylene contract price for January 2025 settled at the Euro 1205/MT FD North West Europe levels. This price represents a rollover from its December 2024 settlement levels.