Polyethylene prices caught between off-season demand and high costs

Source: Mysteel May 12, 2026 17:11

The polyethylene market is currently in a contradictory state. On the demand side, the traditional off-season has set in, with downstream operating rates remaining low and orders declining. On the cost side, prices stay elevated, supported by geopolitical premiums in international crude oil.

The polyethylene market is currently in a contradictory state. On the demand side, the traditional off-season has set in, with downstream operating rates remaining low and orders declining. On the cost side, prices stay elevated, supported by geopolitical premiums in international crude oil. Thus, the PE market has fallen