The Chinese PE market is grappling with turmoil following an unexpected surge in local inventory levels over the weekend. Traders have been forced to adjust their spot offers in both directions in an attempt to gauge buyer interest, but these efforts have so far yielded minimal results.
Nevertheless, concerns are emerging about the sustainability of this upward trend. Opinions are that while buyers may continue to build inventories in the first half of September, enthusiasm could wane in the latter half as the National Day holiday approaches.
The Chinese homo-PP market continued its upward momentum at the start of the week, with spot offers rising by CNY50/ton, bolstered by gains on the Dalian Commodity Exchange. Market sentiment was cautiously optimistic as buying activities picked up in anticipation of the manufacturing season, sources reported.
Contrasting with the firm trend in the PP sector, the Chinese PE market softened as the weekend approached. Spot HDPE and LLDPE film offers dropped by CNY 50–100/ton compared to the previous week, intensifying concerns among traders about mounting losses.