Plastribution’s Polymer Price Know-How: June 2025

Plastribution’s June Polymer Price Know-How reports a shift in market dynamics, with deflationary feedstock pressures beginning to ease. While crude oil prices continue to slide, monomers such as ethylene and propylene have stabilised, suggesting a potential turning point. Polymer prices have largely rolled over, with supply remaining adequate and demand still subdued. As the summer slowdown approaches, converters are keeping pressure on prices, while ongoing uncertainty around trade deals and weak consumer confidence continue to weigh on the outlook.

Deflationary feedstock pressures are starting to dissipate and may be a signal towards the future price direction of polymers. Despite a further fall in crude oil prices, finally C2 ethylene and C3 propylene prices rolled over, although SM (Styrene Monomer) trended in the opposite direction to benzene and butadiene also recorded a sizable reduction.

In terms of polyethylene and polypropylene, it is too early to fully assess the implications of this change of direction and much will now depend upon the supply-demand balance for the polymers themselves and for now, supply still appears to be quite adequate. Polystyrene prices are expected to drop in proportion with the fall in SM (Styrene Monomer), although the premium of HIPS over GPPS is expected to remain in place despite the fall in butadiene prices.

No doubt, many converters will reference the upcoming holiday season as a further justification to maintain downward pressure on prices, and at this point, it appears unlikely that there will be any significant increase in demand until the end of the summer.

Poor demand for engineering polymers continues to put downward pressure on prices. At this stage, consumers’ concerns about tariffs, counter-tariffs, and broader geo-political issues are diminishing confidence, and so demand for consumer durables such as cars and white goods is severely hampered.

Further announcements by polymer producers contemplating the sale of European manufacturing assets further reflect the poor economics of manufacturing polymers in this region, which will potentially result in a greater dependence on imports for this in an increasingly uncertain world.

Monomer Price Movement

Exchange Rates

€- 1.19
$- 1.34
€/$- 1.13

Polyolefins

June has started with some relative stability after a few months of uncertainty surrounding potential tariffs and sharp movements in monomers. Both monomers, C2 Ethylene and C3 Propylene, have rolled over into June, and the early consensus is for polymer prices to follow along the lines.

There is some downward pressure as demand continues to be poor, and whilst not as widely available as it was, there is good availability in the market.

We may see some changes in the coming months as there are some expectations of global shipping issues. It has been reported that USA orders placed now cannot be shipped until August at the earliest due to a shortage of containers and space on vessels. This may lead to restricted availability in the medium term when these effects are felt in August / September.

We could also see some pre-buying depending on how the trade talks between the USA and potential partners progress. The deal with the UK is not finalised and the EU are facing pressure to reach some agreement or face a resumption of tariffs on the 9th of July.

Styrenics

Contract EU Styrene falls again.

Styrene Monomer has fallen by €47/T, settling at €1409/T.

For June, EU GPPS and HIPS reduced by €50/T and EU ABS followed. Non-flame retardant Import ABS Rollover. FR ABS facing increases due to FR Shortage.

GPPS/HIPS/ABS supply chains are still running at reduced rates, no doubt triggered by low demand. Converters and distributors are also running inventory at very low levels due to financial pressures. Therefore, any adjustments in polymer prices are likely to be passed on immediately.

Engineering Polymers

The UK market for engineering polymers remains depressed with low demand and excess availability/stocks. This is despite European producers cutting production. Imports from Asia continue to be high. There were renewed efforts to try to push any increases through; however, with weak demand, most polymers reduced in price.

The May benzene contract settled at €585/t, a reduction of €84/t from April, whilst June sees a slight increase of €26/t settling at €611/t.

Sustainable Polymers

Recycled Polyolefins have largely seen a rollover in June, in line with the price movements of Prime. Demand is not great but is improving slightly over recent months. Unfortunately, we have seen some recyclers go into administration this year, and this has affected availability.

Recycled LDPE / LLDPE

Recycled LDPE / LLDPE is rolling over in June in line with Prime prices. Some talk of increasing demand as converters plan for EPR implementation.

Recycled PP

Recycled PP has seen around a rollover in June. Demand for natural recycled PP for consumer goods is still quite strong, and prices are staying high. Industrial grades are under some pressure as demand from key sectors is still weak.

Recycled HDPE

Recycled HDPE has mostly rolled over in June, and some slight improvement in demand has seen some efforts at increasing prices, but these have largely been resisted as availability is typically good. Natural grades are seeing higher demand and continue to command a strong premium over Prime grades.