In the third week of April, LLDPE prices showed mixed trends in the global market. In Asia, especially in China, prices dropped because trading activity was slow, putting pressure on the market. In contrast, prices in Europe and the US stayed steady since supply and demand were in balance. The demand from downstream industries remained weak in both regions.

Key Takeaways:

• LLDPE prices showed mixed trends globally as prices fell in Asia while remaining stable in Europe and the U.S.
• Asian market saw price drop due to weakened by low trading activity.
• European LLDPE prices stayed steady despite falling Ethylene costs.
• Outlook for Europe remains sluggish due to uncertainty from changing U.S. trade policies.
• The U.S. LLDPE market also remained stable as buyers were cautious, purchasing only as needed.

LLDPE prices declined slightly in the Asian market this week, with Film Extrusion grade in China easing by 1% as of the week ending April 18, 2025. Trading activity remained subdued, especially across Southeast Asia, as buyers continued to act cautiously amid global economic uncertainty and shifting trade flows following China’s high tariffs on U.S. goods.

The recent increase in U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports has led to a wave of canceled orders from American buyers, putting significant pressure on China’s resin industry. Many manufacturers have reported sudden stops in U.S.-bound shipments, leading to excess inventory of LLDPE and cash flow challenges.

With supply becoming more available and demand staying low, LLDPE prices softened. The market sentiment remains weak, and attention is now on whether the Chinese government will step in with support measures to help exporters navigate the ongoing trade disruptions.

European LLDPE prices remained stable this week as of April 18, 2025. Despite a drop in the cost of raw material Ethylene, prices didn’t shift much due to tight supply. Limited imports helped keep the market balanced. However, demand from key sectors like packaging and construction stayed weak.

ChemAnalyst expects the European LLDPE market to continue facing a sluggish outlook. Uncertainty caused by shifting U.S. trade policies could affect regional trade, although future price trends may depend on changes in feedstock costs and local demand conditions.

Similarly, the U.S. LLDPE market remained steady this week, as supply and demand were fairly balanced. Companies across the supply chain are being cautious, only buying what they need to keep inventories low and reduce risk. Most domestic buyers are focused on short-term needs, while resellers are using the spot market to cover any supply gaps. With Europe cutting back on U.S. resin imports due to the threat of a 25% tariff, U.S. sellers are now focusing more on the local market. Buyers in Latin America and Asia are taking advantage of this by offering lower prices, knowing the U.S. has fewer export options.