NTPC Green Energy tendered a water demineralisation plant for its planned 7GW green hydrogen-based chemicals hub in Andhra Pradesh. The project targets 2.5 million tonnes per year of hydrogen-based chemicals, adding substantial future green hydrogen supply and likely easing price pressure.
Renewed fighting between US and Iran has slowed shipping through the Gulf of Hormuz, disrupting supply routes. Benchmark crude prices have climbed sharply from pre-conflict levels, reflecting heightened geopolitical risk. The upward price pressure is likely to continue while tensions persist.
Asia
The Asian HDPE market recovered steadily during Q1’26 after a weaker start supported by improving packaging demand and rising feedstock costs. In China, the average price during Q1’26 was 8.17 RMB/kg (Spot, injection molding), which was 7.42 RMB/kg in January and increased further to 7.72 RMB/kg and 9.37 RMB/kg in the subsequent months. Last quarter prices were 7.62 RMB/kg, reflecting a quarter-on-quarter rise of ~7.2%, while prices increased by ~26.3% from January to March. Higher ethylene and naphtha costs, tighter operating rates, and improving downstream demand from packaging and consumer goods supported the market. India also witnessed stronger sentiment due to improving retail packaging demand and higher import replacement costs. Reuters reported that the Middle East accounted for more than 40% of global polyethylene exports, and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz sharply increased freight and resin replacement costs across Asia.
Europe
European HDPE prices remained under pressure during the early quarter due to weak manufacturing activity and cautious converter demand. However, elevated energy and feedstock costs limited deeper declines. Producers operated at reduced rates amid poor margins, while shipping disruptions linked to the Iran conflict increased import costs and tightened regional availability. Competitive pressure from lower-cost imports also continued affecting procurement activity across the European market.
North America
North American HDPE prices displayed comparatively firmer momentum during Q1’26 supported by higher ethylene costs and stable packaging demand. Domestic producers benefited from natural gas-based feedstock advantages and maintained export competitiveness. However, oversupply conditions restricted aggressive price hikes. Rising global freight costs and uncertainty surrounding Middle Eastern petrochemical trade flows also increased logistics expenses across the regional polyethylene market.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, in the near term, HDPE prices are expected to remain supported by feedstock volatility and geopolitical shipping risks, while downstream packaging and industrial demand will continue determining overall market direction.
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Asia
In Asia, HDPE prices fell steadily throughout Q4’25. In China, the market faced oversupply as production resumed from maintenance and new capacity was released. Demand from downstream industries was limited, with packaging and agricultural film sectors slowing after peak demand seasons. Buyers were cautious and focused only on essential purchases, leading suppliers to offer discounts. Overall, prices continued to trend downward as manufacturers tried to reduce inventories and cope with low buying sentiment.
Europe
In Europe, HDPE prices declined steadily during Q4’25. Weak demand from downstream industries, including packaging and construction, combined with cautious buying, put pressure on the market. Exports remained low, adding to the supply overhang. Falling virgin HDPE prices also limited any price support, making it harder for producers to maintain margins. Overall, the market sentiment was negative, and further declines happened towards the end of the quarter due to seasonal slowdowns and soft demand.
North America
In North America, HDPE markets showed moderate softening during the quarter. Supply remained sufficient as producers kept plants running at stable rates, while demand from end-use industries, including packaging and construction, slowed seasonally. Buyers held off on large purchases, anticipating lower prices, and this cautious approach contributed to gradual price drops. Overall, market activity remained subdued, with discounts used to clear inventories.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, HDPE prices are expected to remain under pressure in the short term. Seasonal slowdowns, cautious buyers, and ample supply suggests that weak trends could continue into early 2026.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is known to be a thermoplastic polymer produced from the monomer ethylene. It is often called alkathene or polythene when utilised for HDPE pipes. Since it comes with a high strength-to-density ratio, HDPE is utilised in making plastic bottles, corrosion-resistant piping, geomembranes, and plastic lumber. HDPE is generally recycled and has the number 2 as its resin identification code.
Electrical insulation, Blow moulding, Film packing, Crates and dustbins, Rope, Flexible HDPE pipes and corrugated HDPE pipe, Plastic bottles and containers
HDPE, polyethylene high-density, PEHD
Dow, INEOS Capital Limited, LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V., Reliance Industries Ltd., Mitsui Chemicals Inc., SABIC, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company (Phillips 66 Company), Exxon Mobil Corporation
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database AvailabilityYes
Customization ScopeThe report can be customized as per the requirements of the customer
Post-Sale Analyst Support360-degree analyst support after report delivery
Note: Our supplier search experts can assist your procurement teams in compiling and validating a list of suppliers indicating they have products, services, and capabilities that meet your company's needs.
Production of High Density Polyethylene via Slurry Process; via Solution Process; and via Gas Phase Process.
In the gas phase process, ethene and hydrogen are combined, and the resulting mixture is passed over a Philips catalyst in a fixed bed reactor to finally achieve polymerisation reaction and produce High Density Polyethylene grains.
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This report provides the cost structure of polyethylene furanoate production by the polymerization method.
A liquid hydrocarbon acts as diluent in this process. Ziegler-Natta is used as the catalyst which is mixed in the diluent.
The report contains the cost analysis of PET production using DMT process.
Green Ethylene Manufacturing Plant Project Report thoroughly focuses on every detail that encompasses the cost of manufacturing. Our extensive cost model meticulously covers breaking down expenses around raw materials, labour, technology, and manufacturing expenses. This enables precise cost structure optimization and helps in identifying effective strategies to reduce the overall cash cost of manufacturing.
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HDPE Prices Dropped Due to Low Demand in Asia During February 2024
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In China, HDPE Film Grade Prices are Likely to Edge Higher in the Coming Weeks Amid an Improvement in Demand
Recycled HDPE (Coloured Pellets for Blow Moulding) Import Prices in Europe Have Been Falling and Now Trading at USD 1080-1150 Per Tonne, In Line with Virgin HDPE
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