Asia Linear Low Density Polyethylene

摘要

Asian butene-grade linear low density polyethylene prices were stable this week on prevailing discussions, with the CFR Far East Asia marker assessed at $1,060/mt Wednesday. But low stocks in China were spurring buyer inquiries and supporting domestic prices, leaving some traders to expect a short-term price rise. Buyers did not procured much in December to keep year-end stocks low. Most producers were heard to be running at high rates and interested in selling PE as the last profitable petrochemical standing. A number of traders with Middle East surplus cargoes were still interested in placing product in Africa. Although ethylene and polyethylene were at similar price levels, integrated producers said feedstock costs varied between companies -based on different formulas of regional spot prices and freight costs. PE units with dedicated pipelines to cracker operators can get discounts from prevailing spot prices as the cracker operators often do not have the option to resell the cargoes elsewhere, since the ethylene market is thinly traded.