High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) markets across Europe and Asia recorded upward price movements in the final week of June 2025, fuelled by rising feedstock costs and tightening regional supply, despite seasonally weak demand.
In the last week of June 2025, HDPE prices in both Europe and Asia went up steadily. This was mainly because the costs of key raw materials like ethylene and naphtha increased. At the same time, several production plants were under maintenance, which reduced the overall supply. Even though demand was not very strong due to the summer season, the limited availability of material kept prices firm. The HDPE market remained stable, mostly driven by rising costs rather than stronger buying interest.
Key Takeaways:
In Europe, HDPE Film Grade prices in Germany rose by 1% as producers faced increasing costs for raw materials like ethylene and naphtha. These cost hikes were fuelled by global geopolitical tensions, which have been affecting crude oil and petrochemical supply chains. In response, many European producers temporarily froze new orders and began offering their existing stock at higher prices to safeguard margins.
However, the demand side did not show much strength. Many plastic converters across the region had already started reducing output or scheduling longer-than-usual summer shutdowns, leading to a relatively quiet market despite rising prices.
In Asia, HDPE prices followed a similar path. In China, HDPE Injection Moulding prices increased by 1% EXW Jiangsu, backed by climbing ethylene prices and tighter availability. Several plants in the region are under maintenance, reducing supply and supporting firmer HDPE pricing.
Although it is typically a slow season for agricultural film, producers still raised their offers due to lower stock levels. Buyers, while still cautious due to trade uncertainties—especially with the U.S.—started to quietly restock in preparation for the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival. This added some stability to trading volumes, even if aggressive buying wasn’t seen.
As per ChemAnalyst, HDPE prices in both Europe and Asia are expected to remain on an upward path in July. Rising feedstock prices, limited plant output, and tighter availability of imports could continue to support the market. That said, for a more sustained recovery, a stronger demand push after the holiday season and more clarity on global trade and geopolitical risks will be needed. Without these, the HDPE market may remain firm but cautious, with prices reacting more to supply than to consumption.
