With China still shut for the Golden Week holiday, Southeast Asian polyolefin markets started to soften on Monday as buyers held back pending clearer direction from China after the break, while the gradual arrival of previously procured parcels eased immediate needs.
The divergence has left larger pipe manufacturers relatively better supported, while profiles, smaller pipe converters and soft-product manufacturers continue to operate under significant pressure.
Saudi Aramco raised its LPG contract prices for a third consecutive month in October, as elevated freight costs, a constrained US-to-Asia arbitrage and lingering supply disruption in Saudi Arabia tightened the regional supply balance ahead of the winter heating season.