Global Spot Polymer Prices Fall WoW, Continuing Their Slide From 3Q24; Western Methanol Prices Reach New YTD Highs!

Companies Mentioned: Dow, LyondellBasell, ExxonMobil, Chevron Phillips Chemical, Braskem, Pinnacle Polymers, Invista, Enterprise, Formosa, Westlake, Occidental, Shin-Etsu, Methanex, Celanese, Nutrien, CF Industries, LSB Industries
Commodities Mentioned: Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polyvinyl Chloride, Polystyrene, Ethylene, Propylene, Ethane, Propane, Methanol, Naphtha, Crude Oil, Ammonia, Natural Gas, Corn, Soybeans

Polymer Market Trends: Global spot polymer prices broadly declined in the first week of December. US spot PE prices outpaced declines in Europe and Asia WoW despite rising USGC ethane and ethylene prices WoW.
Chemical Market Trends: US spot ethylene prices reflect the greatest strength WoW, while spot US PGP and NW Europe Butadiene saw the largest drops. Western methanol prices rose further compared to Asia WoW.
Feedstock Market Trends: Global chemical feedstocks mostly declined WoW, following Brent Crude oil and global natural gas prices lower. USGC spot ethane prices were a global outlier, reflecting higher prices WoW.
Agriculture Market Trends: Ammonia prices mostly rose last week, while global natural gas prices retreated, implying global profit gains WoW. US ammonia producers saw a greater profit boost than Europe and Asia.

Exhibit 1 – Chart of the Day: Most Western spot polymer prices are lower than three months ago relative to Asia.