(ICIS) -- Asia's polyolefin markets are likely to remain turbulent in the first quarter of the year despite recent price hikes, as feedstock costs are fluctuating and future demand remains uncertain, market players said on Monday. Producers told ICIS they were also concerned about the rapid rise in crude oil and naphtha prices, which have put margins under pressure.
Nonetheless, polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) prices rose by $10-50/tonne (┬8-39/tonne) last week in China, as traders returned to the market after the New Year holidays.
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) film-grade prices were higher at $1,230-1,280/tonne CFR (cost & freight) China, while linear low-density PE (LLDPE) values were at around $1,330-1,380/tonne CFR China and low-density PE (LDPE) were at $1,680-1,740/tonne CFR China, ICIS data showed.