The Northeast Asian ethylene market recorded its first decline in ten weeks as concerns over limited supply conditions eased following recent startups in China, while weak downstream demand persisted. Spot market activity remained muted as participants focused on 2025 term contract negotiations.
Despite a lackluster trading session in the futures market on the Dalian Commodity Exchange, auction results concluded with a stronger performance compared to the previous session, particularly for homo-PP, which was supported by a CNY 150/ton discount.
Market sentiment in Indonesia has been subdued, with most buyers having completed their replenishment activities ahead of the holiday season. Despite this, the sudden price hikes have raised concerns among market participants. Industry sources suggest that further depreciation of the Rupiah could compel buyers to re-enter the market.
The Shenhua auction platform concluded on a satisfactory note, though its overall performance was constrained by a persistent weakening trend, particularly in the homo-PP futures market. Market sentiment has been notably dampened by the anticipated commissioning of several new plants
Market activity has been buoyed by robust trading in the prior week as large-scale buyers moved swiftly to secure February shipments at prevailing low prices. Anticipation of gradually warmer weather following the Lunar New Year holiday had fuelled expectations