Polymer prices – Slightly rising LDPE, HDPE and PPH prices in December
A smaller price increase is expected for some narrowly available polymers – LDPE, HDPE BM, PPH IM – while a rollover is expected for other polyolefin grades and a price decrease for PVC. The unexpectedly tight year-end supply of European-made polyolefin grades also makes January supplies uncertain. Converters are trying to ensure a smooth start in January. Although most will only start production around 12 January, availability and deliveries in early 2026 have become uncertain.
The price of LDPE began to rise at the beginning of last week, and even on Friday of the week before that, with some manufacturers raising prices by up to 100 euros compared to their prices at the beginning of November. The price increase is characteristic of all of Central Europe. HDPE markets continue to be affected by the withdrawal of HIP-Petrohemija from regular trade and the shrinking production of MOL. This has led to a very limited supply of certain products and grades, particularly in central and southern Europe. Sanctions against Russian-owned companies have reduced the supply of polypropylene homopolymer in this region. Tight polyolefin supply will continue to characterize the region in the first half of 2026. In the Nordic region, there is also availability in Poland, the Baltic States and the Czech Republic, with only relative shortages of certain grades. However, converters are more open to substitution. This greater openness is also reflected in the use of imported products. Some Baltic plastic converters believe that if cheap Far Eastern and North American imports are constantly available, it makes no sense to use European grades, which are sometimes 100-150 or even 200 euros more expensive. Substitution will also occur in the central region if there is a permanent shortage of some Central European grades used here. Not only can imported products gain market share, but European manufacturers without significant market share can also strengthen their positions.
Due to the short month of December and dwindling transportation options, there are only two weeks left in December. Therefore, polymer manufacturers are trying to announce their December prices quickly. They will probably publish their December polyolefin and PVC prices as early as Monday. Now, December volumes depend on good pricing. Demand is likely to be brisk, partly due to volume and safety purchases due to the bonus. In the case of polystyrene, the price announcement will be on Tuesday at the earliest, but we do not expect strong demand or even a price change.
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