China's Import PP and PE Markets Face Fresh Pressure Amid Aggressive Price Cuts

China’s import PP and PE markets started the week on a weaker footing as suppliers introduced substantial price reductions in an effort to attract buyers. Although prices remain above levels seen before the Middle East conflict, the latest corrections have significantly narrowed the gap, bringing the market much closer to pre-rally territory.

The sharp decline in offers has done little to revive buying interest. Many buyers continue to delay purchases, expecting further price drops in the coming weeks. As a result, trading activity remains slow, while bearish sentiment is reinforced by lower feedstock costs, ample supply, and weak downstream demand.

In the PP segment, import homo-PP raffia and injection offers were largely reported below the $1000/ton CIF China mark, while PP block copolymer injection grades also approached similar levels. The latest offers represent significant reductions compared to the previous week, reflecting growing competition among suppliers.

The PE market followed a similar trend. Import LLDPE film and HDPE film offers dropped to around $850/ton CIF China at the lower end, while LDPE film offers fell close to $1000/ton. Sellers continued to adjust prices downward as buyers remained reluctant to commit to cargoes.

Market fundamentals also remain unsupportive. Crude oil values have weakened in recent sessions, while Asian ethylene and propylene markets extended their downward trend. Falling feedstock costs have increased expectations for additional reductions in polyolefin prices, encouraging buyers to maintain a wait-and-see approach.

Despite the ongoing price corrections, supply remains comfortable. Increased material availability from plant restarts and steady import arrivals continue to weigh on the market. At the same time, demand from major downstream sectors remains sluggish, with packaging and agricultural film industries showing little improvement.

Market participants noted that downstream consumption has yet to gain momentum, making it difficult for the market to absorb the available supply. With buyers focused on immediate requirements and sellers under pressure to secure orders, most players expect PP and PE markets to remain under downward pressure in the near term.

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