Low-Density Polyethylene in China Rises 6.1% to USD 1,810/tonne
Chinese low-density polyethylene prices reached USD 1,810/tonne on 2026-10-01, up 34.1% over the quarter, as supply disruptions tightened the regional market.
Low-density polyethylene in China was quoted at USD 1,810/tonne as of 2026-10-01, up 1.2% on the week from USD 1,788/tonne on 2026-09-24 and up 6.1% on the month from USD 1,706/tonne on 2026-09-01. Over the quarter the price has risen 34.1% from USD 1,349/tonne on 2026-07-03, and over the year it is up 34.3% from USD 1,348/tonne on 2025-10-01.
According to ChemAnalyst, CNOOC and Shell Petrochemicals suspended production at its Huizhou complex, tightening regional supply. ChemNet reported that Zhejiang and Yulong Petrochemical delayed restarts of 900,000 tons of annual PE capacity. ChemAnalyst also reported that BASF Zhanjiang declared force majeure on feedstock ethylene from September 9 to 20.
On the cost side, ChemAnalyst reported that Saudi Arabia's East-West Pipeline outage following drone strikes increased global crude oil costs, raising feedstock values for producers.
ChinaTexnet reported on 2026-09-23 that petrochemical plants switched EVA production units to LDPE to maximise profit margins, affecting the balance of supply between the two polymers. The 52-week high stands at USD 1,831/tonne on 2026-09-18, and the 52-week low at USD 1,186/tonne on 2025-12-24.