Asian polyethylene: Offers rise on costs but weak demand limits gains / PE prices rise on high feedstock costs / Weak downstream demand limits price gains

The Asian polyethylene markets saw higher discussion levels in the week ended Oct. 28, with elevated production and logistics costs providing support while weak downstream buying limited suppliers’ ability to push prices higher. In China, prices rose as high feedstock costs continued to pressure PE producers, but buyers resisted higher offers and generally purchased only to meet immediate requirements amid subdued end-user demand and an uncertain macroeconomic environment. Downstream operating rates were reduced as processors sought to manage margins amid persistently high raw-material costs. This curbed replenishment demand and contributed to thin spot-market activity. Demand also varied by end-use segment. Agricultural film consumption received some seasonal support from autumn and winter production in northern China, while packaging film demand weakened amid fewer new orders and slower stocking activity, according to...