The startup of several domestic production plants has significantly increased supply, while demand remains subdued, failing to meet market expectations. Despite a moderate rise in key futures contracts on the Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange, buyers have adopted a cautious stance amid a murky short-term market outlook.
Despite the stabilization in futures, market participants remained cautious, refraining from making new purchases as they assessed the near-term outlook. Market attention is now focused on Inner Mongolia Baofeng III’s second 500,000 tons/year HDPE/LLDPE swing line
Several Middle Eastern producers have revised their PE price offers for February shipments to China, marking reductions compared to previous price lists. This shift was largely anticipated in light of mounting market pressures.
Indonesian buyers have refrained from placing large orders in recent weeks, citing sufficient inventory to last until the end of February. As a result, there are no clear signs of pre-Ramadan stockpiling activity. Buyer caution is further exacerbated by the highly volatile exchange rates.