The most actively traded PP and LLDPE contracts for May 2025 delivery on the Dalian Commodity Exchange remained largely unchanged from the previous session, defying softer trends in regional equity markets. Traders exhibited caution, balancing disappointing consumer spending data against the government’s pledges to increase direct fiscal support in 2025.
Despite sluggish futures trading on the Dalian Commodity Exchange during the morning session, Shenhua successfully sold most of its available auction volume. The slight discounts offered on coal-based homo-PP cargoes supported the satisfactory transaction results
Market participants attributed the price cuts to year-end destocking activities and the stronger US dollar, which has pressured commodities priced in the currency. However, the softer import offers also present local traders with an attractive opportunity to restock
Meanwhile, the domestic PVC market in China has shown signs of stabilization after seven consecutive weeks of declines. This recovery has been attributed to rebounding futures prices on the Dalian Commodity Exchange and heightened optimism around the government’s promises to boost local consumption in 2025.
Over the course of the week, the two petrochemical giants offloaded 70,000 tons, equivalent to 10.3% of their total inventory. This marks a smaller drawdown compared to the previous week, when inventories fell by 100,000 tons, or 14% - highlighting a moderated sales pace.