Prices Up for PE, PP, Down for PS, PVC

Higher prices are likely for PE and PP through this first quarter, driven by higher exports, tightly managed supplier inventories, and, in the case of PP, higher priced monomer due to supply shortages. In contrast, flat to lower prices are likelier for PS and PVC, driven by slowed seasonal demand, lower export activity, and growing supplier inventories. That’s the outlook from resin purchasing consultants at Resin Technology, Inc. (RTi) in Fort Worth, Texas.

 

PE PRICES FLAT TO HIGHER

Polyethylene prices remained flat last month, following full implementation of the November 4¢/lb hike. A delay of last month’s 5¢ increase was being negotiated in mid-December.

Spot ethylene monomer prices in mid-December dropped by 5.25¢ to 46¢/lb, spurred by slowed demand and improved supply. By that time, the cash cost to produce ethylene was 5¢/lb lower than the peak in the first half, while PE prices were 13¢/lb higher (not counting the pending December 5¢ hike).

Suppliers’ inventories within the last month were lower for HDPE but rose for LDPE and LLDPE. Overall operating rates dropped to 87%. Total production dropped about 20% and sales also dropped, while exports rose, even in Asia. Average days of inventory remained at 29 days.

Outlook & Suggested Action Strategies

30-60 Day: The primary focus is to further delay the 5¢ price increase. While it may seem difficult or unrealistic to look for a price concession, if you don’t push back, suppliers will continue to maintain their upward pricing momentum. Market tradition is to go lean by year’s end, creating a “buy position” in January. But that could support the pending price increase. Other possible market drivers to watch are exports and planned or unplanned cracker shutdowns that could affect ethylene supplies.

 

PP PRICES UP

Polypropylene prices were moving up last month by 3¢/lb. Spot-market PP had already begun to rise above contract prices, driven by limited supplies and the expectation of a new round of price increases this month. Suppliers have brought production back into line with current domestic demand levels. With a little help from export business, inventories are much better balanced, as is evidenced by tight resin availability in secondary markets.

December propylene monomer contract prices settled 3¢ higher at 60.5¢/lb. Spot prices were trading higher at 66.5¢/lb, and January contracts were expected to move up 5¢ to 8¢. The market continued to be plagued by several supply outages of steam crackers and refineries. When the new Petrologistics PDH unit begins to produce propylene at capacity, it will be able to balance out the shortages.

Outlook & Suggested Action Strategies

30-60 Day: Further price increases are possible with the continuation of monomer shortages and/or an increase in demand. Buy as needed.

 

PS HIKE HALTED?

Polystyrene prices moved up 3¢ to 4¢/lb in November, as had been expected. Dec. 1 increases of 4¢ on PS and 5¢ on EPS did not appear to have full support, with buyers citing slowed seasonal demand and suppliers’ large margins, and were under negotiation at press time. Since August, suppliers implemented 9¢ of the total 13¢ of increases they sought.

December benzene contract prices dropped by 14¢ to $3.28/gal, but spot prices increased to around $3.57/gal last month, due to high oil prices and refinery production problems. Ethylene spot prices continued to drop. October contracts for styrene monomer moved up 2¢ to 3¢ as had been expected, and November contract prices were expected to settle up another 4¢ to 5¢ to a range of 62-63.5¢/lb, driven primarily by stronger exports.

Outlook & Suggested Action Strategies

30-60 Day: The December price increase did not appear to have much momentum, as it was not supported by feedstock costs. Buy only as needed. Anticipate HIPS prices to remain at a higher than normal premium over GPPS well into the new year. Styrenic product pricing in general is expected to be flat to lower through at least the first quarter.

 

PVC PRICES FLAT FOR NOW

PVC prices moved up 3¢/lb by the end of November, but a 3¢ increase for Dec. 1 was delayed to this month. Key drivers include falling ethylene spot prices, slowing domestic demand for the winter season after an already tough year, and weaker exports.

Overall demand for PVC was up 1% for the year. Domestic demand dropped more than 2% (and is expected to decrease further in this first quarter), but exports rose 6%. However, exports to China have been falling off lately with the seasonal drop-off in construction demand and are expected to drop further. While Latin America continues to be a steady export outlet, the overall pace is expected to be lower.

Outlook & Suggested Action Strategies

30-60 Day: Expect growing prospects for lower-cost material through the first quarter. Suppliers will aim to limit oversupply, but inventories are expected to grow as domestic and export demand decline this quarter. Start-up of the Formosa plant expansion over the next couple of months will add 240 million lb of capacity in North America. Look for price-reduction opportunities, barring any significant feedstock or resin production outages.