Chemical Updates

Asian Polyethylene: Markets show mixed sentiment amid supply concerns / China PE trade stays muted despite peak season / LDPE prices rise on limited availability in SE Asia

Aug 29, 2026

The Asian polyethylene markets showed mixed sentiment in the week to Aug. 26 as upstream volatility continued to keep participants cautious. In China, sources noted muted trade despite the onset of the typical peak season in September, resulting in bearish sentiment toward domestic market activity during the week. However, lower supply of low-density polyethylene supported higher offers, with the East China domestic marker assessed 275 yuan/metric ton higher over the same period at 10,775 yuan/ mt ex-works, reflecting discussions and deals at 10,650-10,900 yuan/mt. Other polyethylene grades, such as high- density polyethylene and linear low-density polyethylene, continued to see sluggish demand in the domestic market. Some traders noted that several producers continued to offer polyethylene for export as domestic prices failed to gain traction despite higher feedstock ethylene costs. In...

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