Morning Briefing - 14 Jan. 2026
CommoPlast
Morning Briefing
14 January 2026
Brent: $65.47 (+ $1.60)
WTI: $61.15 (+ $1.65)
Naphtha CFR Japan: + $3
Ethylene CFR NEA: Stable
Ethylene CFR SEA: Stable
Propylene FOB Korea: + $5
Propylene CFR China: Stable
*Data represent closing prices of the previous trading day
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Pakistan extended anti-dumping duties on PVC imports through 2028
The National Tariff Commission (NTC) of Pakistan has officially concluded its second sunset review of anti-dumping measures on suspension-grade polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin, electing to maintain existing duties on imports from mainland China, South Korea, Thailand, and Taiwan for an additional three-year period.
The investigation was initiated in June 2025 following a petition from Engro Polymer and Chemicals Limited, Pakistan’s sole domestic producer of PVC resin. The Commission’s findings highlighted that without these trade barriers, the local industry would likely face increased import volumes, price undercutting, and a significant decline in capacity utilisation and profitability.
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Malaysian LDPE film Market Softens Unexpectedly Despite Firmer Regional Cues
The Malaysian LDPE film market saw an unexpected pullback after a major domestic producer agreed to a steep MYR 250/ton reduction on monthly cargoes, defying steady local demand and a strengthening regional price environment. The move caught market participants off guard, particularly as sentiment across neighbouring markets had turned increasingly firm.
Buyers moved swiftly to secure volumes at the lower levels, citing concerns that the recent rebound in China could soon transmit to the Malaysian market and limit near-term buying opportunities. The price concession was widely viewed as a tactical move rather than a shift in underlying fundamentals, with most participants expecting firmer pricing to re-emerge once the discounted parcels are absorbed.
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