Further price hike on Thailand and Qatar's PE to China

Major maker from Thailand has imposed $10-20/ton increases on its LDPE film and HDPE film offers, to $1270/ton and $1420/ton respectively, both on a CFR China, LC at sight term.

Chinese players are facing firm stance from the maker as allocation is very limited this week. "There are no offers for LLDPE film due to the on-going plant issues," a trader added. There have not been any deals reported at the time this alert is published and import HDPE film above the $1400/ton threshold is yet to gain any support from the local trader sector.

On the other hand, a major producer from Qatar has also lifted LDPE film offers by as much as $20/ton to $1250/ton, LC 60 days basis.

Buyers are cautiously proceeding with the orders, though many are requesting for discounts on deals. "Weakening US dollars makes it more economical for Chinese buyers to buy import at the moment. There are concern that the current firming trend might soon loose momentum ahead of the long Lunar New Year holiday, and yet, we have yet to identify any significant force, which could possibly anchor the market from further advancement," another source added.