For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In United States, the Plastic Drum Price Index rose quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025, driven by increased input costs.
• Plastic Drum production costs increased as Consumer Price Index rose 3% (September 2025) and Producer Price Index rose 2.6% (August 2025).
• Plastic Drum demand outlook was mixed; industrial production increased modestly by 0.1% in September 2025.
• Robust retail sales, up 5.42% in September 2025, indirectly supported Plastic Drum demand for packaged goods.
• Consumer confidence declined to 94.2 in September 2025, signaling potential future slowdown in spending.
• A low unemployment rate of 4.3% in September 2025 indicated a healthy economy, generally bullish for demand.
• Resilient polyethylene demand in packaging sectors throughout Q3 2025 supported Plastic Drum usage.
• Favorable ethane feedstock costs benefited North American Plastic Drum producers during Q3 2025.
• Chemical manufacturers accelerated destocking of raw materials and finished goods in Q3 2025.
Why did the price of Plastic Drum change in September 2025 in North America?
• Increased input and raw material costs for chemical manufacturers in Q3 2025 pressured Plastic Drum prices.
• The Consumer Price Index rose 3% in September 2025, increasing production expenses.
• The Producer Price Index increased 2.6% in August 2025, reflecting rising costs for manufacturers.
APAC
• In China, the Plastic Drum Price Index fell quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025, driven by lower input costs and polymer oversupply.
• Plastic Drum production costs declined due to significant drops in naphtha feedstock in late August 2025.
• Polymer markets, including HDPE, experienced oversupply in Q3 2025, impacting Plastic Drum pricing.
• China's Manufacturing Index was contracting in September 2025, indicating weaker industrial demand for drums.
• Industrial production expanded 6.5% year-on-year in September 2025, providing some support for demand.
• Consumer Price Index decreased -0.3% year-on-year in September 2025, reflecting weak consumer demand.
• Retail sales increased 3% year-on-year in September 2025, indirectly boosting demand for packaged goods.
• The Plastic Drum Price Forecast remains stable to fall, influenced by persistent oversupply and moderated demand.
Why did the price of Plastic Drum change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Naphtha feedstock costs dropped significantly in late August 2025, reducing Plastic Drum production expenses.
• Producer Price Index declined by 2.3% in September 2025, reflecting lower industrial input costs.
• Oversupply in polymer markets, particularly HDPE, in Q3 2025 exerted downward pressure on Plastic Drum prices.
Europe
• Germany's Plastic Drum Price Index remained stable to slightly fell in Q3 2025, influenced by lower producer prices and contracting manufacturing.
• Plastic Drum production costs faced downward pressure from a 1.7% decline in producer prices in September 2025.
• Naphtha feedstock costs trended upward in Q3 2025, partially offsetting Plastic Drum production cost reductions.
• Plastic Drum demand was bearish due to a 1% decline in industrial production in September 2025 and contracting manufacturing.
• Retail sales increased 0.2% in September 2025, offering slight support to Plastic Drum demand in consumer-related sectors.
• Elevated ethylene inventories in Germany during Q3 2025 suggested ample supply, contributing to a stable Plastic Drum Index.
• Stable 6.3% unemployment in September 2025 indicated cautious consumer spending, indirectly dampening Plastic Drum demand.
• E-commerce demand for packaging continued to rise in Q3 2025, providing a positive signal for Plastic Drum applications.
Why did the price of Plastic Drum change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Producer prices fell 1.7% in September 2025, reducing Plastic Drum manufacturing costs due to lower energy.
• Industrial production declined 1% in September 2025, signaling weaker demand for Plastic Drums.
• Consumer Price Index rose 2.4% in September 2025, increasing operational costs for Plastic Drum producers and end-users.
