U.S. benchmark and international crude benchmarks both fell as investors took profits following prior gains on the announcement of sweeping new U.S. sanctions targeting Iran. The 'Operation Economic Outcast' campaign imposes global sanctions with no exemption for China, creating uncertainty around Iranian oil flows. Prices remain volatile as markets assess whether the sanctions will successfully isolate Iran's energy sector or be circumvented.
Trinseo has restarted the sale of its 50% stake in the Americas Styrenics joint venture with Chevron Phillips Chemical, which produces styrene and polystyrene, following Trinseo's bankruptcy declaration earlier this year. The ownership uncertainty at one of the key styrene and polystyrene production platforms introduces supply risk for those commodity chemicals, likely supporting firmer pricing as market participants assess potential output disruptions.
Asia
Asian LLDPE (F18010) markets started Q2 on a firm note as Middle Eastern supply disruptions, expensive naphtha and concerns over imported resin availability strengthened producer offers. This support faded quickly as regional plants restarted, domestic production increased and alternative cargoes became available. Chinese converters remained cautious, particularly across film and packaging applications, while inventories accumulated after earlier precautionary buying. Southeast Asian import markets also weakened as competitive offers increased despite lingering logistics risks. By May and June, demand weakness had become the dominant factor, with buyers delaying purchases in anticipation of further reductions. Softer ethylene costs reinforced the downward movement and reduced producers’ ability to maintain early-quarter levels.
Europe
In Q2’26, LLDPE (F18010) prices in Europe witnessed a fluctuating trend. European LLDPE (F18010) markets rose in the start of the quarter as a sudden escalation in ethylene, energy and imported feedstock costs created significant pressure on polyethylene producers. However, the market reversed through May and June as buyers who had stocked heavily earlier shifted to hand-to-mouth procurement. Stretch-film demand remained particularly weak, while operating rates at downstream converters fell and purchasing activity slowed. Falling ethylene costs further accelerated the correction, causing the quarter to end substantially weaker than its April peak.
North America
The North American LLDPE trend was similar to its counterparts during the quarter. Increased global export demand along with disruption in the Middle East caused prices to rise early in the quarter. By late April, however, export buying weakened and inventories held by overseas customers became excessive. Competition from Asian material increased, while domestic ethylene values softened as monomer availability improved and derivative demand slowed. Lower export activity, cautious converter purchasing and reduced feedstock support kept the market under sustained pressure through June.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, LLDPE (F18010) prices are expected to remain soft to broadly stable as comfortable supply and cautious film-sector demand outweigh the risk of renewed feedstock volatility.
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Asia
The Asian LLDPE market followed a fluctuating trend during Q1 2026, with prices rising in January, softening in February, and rebounding strongly in March. In China, prices were approximately RMB 6.72/kg (Spot) in January and around RMB 8.23/kg in March, reflecting an increase of about 23.84% over the quarter. January gains were supported by firm cost conditions and expectations of tighter imports. In February, the market weakened due to the Lunar New Year holiday, reduced downstream operating rates, weak procurement activity, and inventory accumulation. In March, prices rose again as plant maintenance, delayed imports, and stronger cost pressure tightened supply. Post-holiday restocking and the seasonal recovery in packaging and agricultural film demand also supported the market. In Thailand, prices were approximately THB 25.68/kg (CFR) in January and around THB 30.79/kg in March, representing an increase of about 16.46%. The rise was mainly driven by higher import costs, constrained regional supply, and logistics disruptions affecting cargo arrivals.
Europe
In the first quarter of 2026, the market for LLDPE in Europe saw an upward trend. While prices were close to EUR 0.78/kg (FOB NWE) in January, they reached EUR 0.88/kg in March, indicating a rise of approximately 11.54%. The market experienced an uptrend amid higher energy and raw material costs and also due to low supply as a result of transport disruption and lower imports, even as weak industry demand and prudent buying kept price growth steady.
North America
In Q1 2026, the LLDPE market in North America stayed strong and consistent with the overall cost-based market trends witnessed globally. Higher production costs and the global supply concerns underpinned the market, whereas domestic supply and packaging & industrial demand maintained market stability. Buyers remained cautious and focused on short-term purchasing.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, LLDPE prices are expected to remain volatile at elevated levels, supported by cost pressures and constrained supply, while demand recovery will determine further movement.
LLDPE (F18010) refers to a grade of Linear Low-Density Polyethylene, a thermoplastic polymer characterized by its unique molecular structure composed of linear chains with short branches. This structure imparts flexibility, toughness, and puncture resistance to the material, making it highly suitable for various applications.
LLDPE F18010 is commonly utilized in packaging films, agricultural films, geomembranes, and rotational molding applications. Its excellent tensile strength, impact resistance, and ability to withstand environmental stress cracking make it a preferred choice in industries such as packaging, agriculture, construction, and automotive. LLDPE F18010 offers cost-effective solutions for flexible packaging and provides enhanced performance in demanding environments.
(C2H4) n
Packaging, Agriculture, Construction, Automotives, Consumer goods, Electricals, Healthcare, Textile
Polyethylene F18010
LyondellBasell, NIOC, Formosa EQUATE, PTT, RelianceÂ, Mitsubishi, Hanwha
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.
Our Price Analysis Methodology
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The study offers a detailed cost analysis of m-LLDPE Production via Low-pressure Polymerisation. In addition, the report incorporates the manufacturing process with detailed process and material flow, operating costs along with financial expenses and depreciation charges.
This report provides the cost structure of LLDPE by the copolymerization process. The process involves polymerization via two techniques: solution polymerization and gas-phase polymerization.
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