Southeast Asian PVC Prices Rise as Chinese and US Suppliers Increase Offers

Southeast Asia’s imported PVC market has entered another phase of price increases, led by Chinese suppliers and followed by sellers from the United States. Chinese ethylene-based PVC offers have risen by $20–25/ton this week, while US-origin material has recorded a sharper increase, with offers reaching $840/ton CIF Vietnam by midweek.

The latest price movements indicate improving seller confidence after a period of hesitation. Higher production costs and tighter availability in China are providing support, although downstream demand has not recovered broadly.

Meanwhile, a major Taiwanese PVC producer has yet to announce its November offers, leaving buyers without an important regional pricing benchmark as other suppliers continue to raise quotations. The delay follows the producer’s unexpected second increase for October earlier this month, despite widespread resistance from buyers. With Chinese and US offers moving higher, market participants are watching whether the Taiwanese producer will follow the upward trend or take a more cautious approach in its next announcement.

Chinese suppliers raise offers amid higher costs and supply constraints

Chinese suppliers increased their offers for ethylene-based PVC to Southeast Asia by $20–25/ton this week. Higher feedstock costs and reduced production rates have strengthened sellers’ pricing positions.

The increases reflect a broader recovery in China’s PVC market, where domestic and export prices have risen for a second consecutive week. Weekly average export prices for Chinese ethylene-based K67 climbed by $20–50/ton from the previous week, reaching their highest levels in approximately six months.

Rising energy and feedstock costs, production cutbacks and logistical challenges have contributed to the gains. Brent crude futures remained above $110/bbl during the week, while stronger PVC futures also supported market sentiment.

On the supply side, some Chinese producers have reportedly lowered operating rates as margins deteriorated. Rail transport disruptions have also restricted shipments from Northwest China to eastern markets.

These factors have limited Chinese exporters’ ability to maintain highly competitive offers, even though domestic demand remains relatively weak.

In Vietnam, some buyers have returned to the market to secure cargoes ahead of possible further increases. However, purchasing activity remains uneven, with other converters continuing to buy mainly for immediate needs because of concerns about high prices.

US-origin PVC offers climb to $840/ton CIF Vietnam

Following the increases from China, US suppliers have also adopted a firmer pricing approach, further reducing the availability of competitively priced PVC cargoes in Southeast Asia.

Around three to four weeks ago, US-origin PVC was offered at approximately $770–790/ton CIF Southeast Asia, making it an attractive alternative to material from other origins.

By the beginning of this week, the lowest reported US offer had already increased to $810/ton CIF. By midweek, confirmed offers reached $840/ton CIF Vietnam, highlighting how quickly sellers have raised their price expectations.

Taiwanese producer delays November announcement after second October increase

A major Taiwanese PVC producer has yet to release its November offers. Its monthly pricing decisions traditionally provide an important reference point for Asian import markets.

On October 16, the producer surprised regional buyers by announcing a second round of increases for October shipments. The move came despite market participants widely expecting a price reduction following the earlier loss of momentum in PVC prices.

The revised October offers reached $860/ton CIF Vietnam, $1,000/ton CIF India and $870/ton CIF China. The producer also raised its export offer to $840/ton FOB Taiwan and announced no volume discounts.

Its November pricing remains unannounced, leaving buyers and sellers waiting for a clearer indication of its next move.

The delay comes as Chinese and US suppliers have already raised their offers, upstream costs remain high and supply constraints have become more apparent in parts of China.

These conditions could support another firm pricing decision from the Taiwanese producer. However, persistently weak downstream demand and buyers’ resistance to elevated import prices may limit its ability to implement further substantial increases.

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