Hexene markets extended a firm tone into February as downstream demand and restocking outpaced steady upstream economics. After a soft start in January, activity picked up mid-month on packaging and e-commerce film orders, with producers rebuilding inventories that supported January to early February momentum. Participants noted tighter spot availability for 1-hexene amid active intake for LLDPE and HDPE film production, while ample ethylene supply and stable energy costs limited further upside. Near-term sentiment remained firm, with the balance toward restocking and adequate feedstock shaping direction. Downstream activity was the rally driver, with robust demand for LLDPE/HDPE film, stretch wrap and protective films contributing to tighter physical availability and input costs for producers. Despite ongoing domestic supply discipline and broad co-monomer options like 1-butene and 1-octene, the market benefited from ethylene streams and controlled costs. The outlook remains cautiously firm, supported by packaging demand and export flows, including Latin America and Southeast Asia, though seasonality and substitutes may cap a rally.
