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Polyolefin prices were constantly eroding last week. Due to low demand. Plastic converters expect price reductions, so they are waiting regarding purchases. The decline in price expectations is supported by the decline in oil and NAPHTHA prices. But the spot olefin monomer prices also show a downward trend. Expectations are also driven by Traders in the direction of a decrease, who mostly offer European-made polyolefins at a very affordable price. Prices are being driven down by Middle Eastern import polyethylene, especially HDPE appearing in the market. Here, too, we need to stop and assess the situation. Currently, the price range is the widest regarding HDPE. Cheap import HDPE is already available from 1,070 Euro, while the price of the most expensive ones (from a Central European producer) is well over 1,200 Euro. This large price difference carries a significant market tension. Which the polymer manufacturers are trying to reduce by individual discounts.

Despite the efforts, however, there still seem to be unsold stocks. And these are very likely to be taken over by traders. This will provide a cheap source of feedstocks also for the next month. Thus, in the case of HDPE, it is inevitable that Central European feedstock producers will make more substantial price cuts in excess of ethylene monomer price change in July compared to their prices published in early June. For other polyolefins, we rather only expect a price change of -30-60 € following monomer prices. However, it is important to note that the persistence of international political tensions may raise oil prices again. And this can reduce the price drop. However,summerholidays are already due in July. Thisin turnleads to a decrease in demand as usual.

The SM price drop seems to be stopping, at least in terms of spot prices. Currently, spot SM prices are higher than at the end of the previous month. This does not indicate a price drop from the feedstocks side. However, PS demand is also low. Demand is rather only for cheaper products. Here, too, the tension caused by the wide price range has appeared. Which means that in case of a potential SM roll-over, it may be necessary to reduce prices for European products to approach import prices.

Polyolefin grades

Typical LDPE PRICES were BETWEEN 1,050-1,120 €/t last week. The price range has narrowed, over 1,100 €/t is already difficult to sell. Supply is good, demand is poor. Buyers are counting on price cuts. The decrease in prices may be the same as the change in the monomer price. In addition to the decrease in demand, we are also expecting a narrowing supply as a result of stockpiling due to Slovnaft’s planned shutdown.

HDPE prices fell last week. Both the lowest and the highest prices fell, and the price range shifted clearly downwards. Prices are between 1,070 and 1,220 €/t. However, most sales are in the price range of €1,100-1,180 €/t. It follows that in July the bottom of the price range is likely to fall to the same extent as the monomer price change. Whereas at the top of the price range we expect a price change in excess of the monomer price decrease.

HDPE BM list prices in Central Europe were in the range of 1,070-1,220 €/t. The real trading price range was 1,100-1,1,170 €/t. Polish prices were between 1,110-1,170 €/t last week. Whereas in the rest of Central Europe pricesrangedfrom 1,120 to 1,200 €/t. In the southern region, prices were between 1,070-1,140 €/t. Probable price reduction in July.

HDPE IM prices were between 1,060-1,210 €/t in Central Europe. Demand is very low. The cheapest prices are for imports, primarily for Iranian HDPE. The increase in supply and a decrease in prices can be expected in July.

The price of HDPE FILM TYPES was between 1,100-1,240 €/t in Central Europe. Demand is very low. Buyers buy little, they are waiting for a price decrease in July.

Typical HDPE (100) prices ranged between 1,330-1,400 €/t. However, in the southern region, imports appeared at a price of 1,230-1,300 €/t.

Typical prices for LLDPE C4 were between 1,050-1,120 €/t last week, depending on type and area of use. Demand is not strong, supply is somewhat tight. Due to the weakening of the dollar, smaller price decreases may be expected in July.

The MLLDPE (C6) prices were in the range of 1,130-1,300 €/t last week. The supply is good also regarding European materials. In July, a price reduction following monomer prices can be expected.

PPH prices are still stable, demand is not bad, either, but buyers are basically waiting as regards purchases. Mainly due to caution and the actual decline in demand in the summer. Polymer manufacturers who also want to sell in the week ahead will already now be forced to cut prices. In July, we expect a 20-40 Euro price drop followingmonomerprice change.

Typical PPH RAFFIA prices were between 1,150-1,220 €/t last week. InPolandwe observed prices of 1,150-1,210 €/t. Whereas in the rest of Central Europe prices were between 1,180-1,230 €/t. Demand is as expected for the season. A 20-40 Euro price decrease is expected for July.

PPH IM prices of non-special products with medium melt index were available in Poland at a price of 1,160-1,240 €/t. In the rest of Central Europe, prices rather ranged between 1,180-1,260 €/t. Whereas prices of products with a high melt index were in the range of 1,180-1,300 €/t. Demand is as expected for the season. Buyers expect a price reduction in July. So in the week ahead, demand will be low.

Typical PRICES FOR PPC prices were between 1,250-1,360 €/t in Central Europe last week. The bottom of the price range also means European goods. Large Western European manufacturers do not wish to accumulate larger stocks during the summer holiday period. The likely fall in July prices only strengthens these aspirations on their behalf. In addition, there is still cheap Asian PPC on the market, which costs between 1,230-1,250 €/t. In July, we expect a 20-40 €/t decrease in the price following monomer prices.

PPR prices ranged between 1,280-1,390 €/t, depending on type, manufacturer, and area of application area last week. Demand in the packaging materials market is good, the summer season is pulling demand. However, the majority of buyers is reluctant to pay more than 1,300-1,330 €/t. In July, we expect a 20-40 €/t decrease in the price following monomer prices.

The table below shows the typical prices for the past week (fulltruck load20-22.5 t):

Polystyrene grades

Demand for all PS grades remains low. Market participants expectfurtherprice decrease in July. Price expectations are heavily influenced by the fact that there are lots of cheap import materials on the market. Now it is difficult to estimate the change in the SM contract price of in July, but roll-over is also a more and more likely scenario in addition to a decrease.

EPS prices were between 1,240-1,280 €/t last week. Demand is low, below expectations. The market seems to be still waiting to start.

Typical GPPS prices were in the price range between 1,090 -1,250 €/t, while HIPS prices ranged between 1,145-1,300 €/t. There are higher prices thanthat onEuropean manufacturers’ price lists, but they are not competitive on the market. Price expectations show a downward tendency. However, falling prices do not necessarily mean a recovery in demand.

ABS prices were in the price range of 1,430-1,650 € last week. It did not change over the previous week. There is an increasing number of unique price deals on the market where a discount is offered in exchange for quantity. There are many materials available. The cheapest items are through traders, both European and import products.