Linear Low-Density Polyethene (LLDPE) Price Trend Analysis 2026: Market Insights, Historical Prices, Supply Demand Analysis, Latest News & Price Drivers

Asia

In the first half of 2025, the Chinese LLDPE market moved on a predominantly weak trajectory. The start of the year saw heavy supply pressure from newly commissioned plants and the restart of earlier shutdown units, which quickly built-up inventories. Downstream demand was seasonally soft, particularly from the agricultural film sector, and the packaging industry provided only limited support.

Sellers reduced quotations to move stock, while weaker crude oil prices further dampened sentiment. Through the second quarter, prices continued to slide as supply remained ample and new orders from end users stayed muted. April and May were marked by limited follow-through in buying, while June offered a short-lived lift when crude oil strengthened and several petrochemical facilities entered maintenance. The improvement proved temporary, as demand remained insufficient to sustain gains, leaving the market at subdued levels by mid-year.

In Thailand, the LLDPE price curve trended lower as the months progressed. The prices were about 1010 USD/MT (CFR) in January and around 950 USD/MT in June. The early part of the year showed relative firmness, with moderate upward movements supported by steady trading. However, this momentum did not last into the second quarter. Demand from packaging and film applications slowed, and sentiment weakened in line with broader Asian conditions. By the end of the period, the Thailand market mirrored the regional softness, with values easing from earlier highs.

Europe

The European LLDPE market experienced a gradual downward movement over the half-year. The prices were about 1073 USD/MT (FOB NWE) in January and around 998 USD/MT in June. Prices opened with stability, supported by seasonal consumption, but the absence of meaningful supply disruptions meant that ample availability steadily weighed on the market.

Demand from packaging and industrial sectors remained modest, and as the quarter advanced, lower buying interest pressed values further. The trend was relatively consistent, lacking the brief volatility seen in Asia, and moved progressively lower across the first and second quarters.

North America

North America showed a narrower range of movement compared to Asia and Europe. Supply conditions were stable, with operating rates holding steady and no significant new capacity additions. Demand stayed cautious, with downstream users maintaining conservative procurement strategies. The balance between supply and demand prevented sharp swings, but overall direction tilted slightly lower, reflecting weaker export opportunities and subdued global sentiment.