Spot US HDPE blowmolding, film, injection hit highest pricing in over 29 months

Houston — The spot US high density polyethylene blowmolding export price increased on the week Jan. 20 to the highest pricing in over 29 months, based on lack of availability, sources said.

US high-density polyethylene blowmolding spot export pricing was assessed $11 higher on the week at $1,213-$1,235/mt (55-56 cents/lb) FAS Houston with railcar pricing talked at or above 52 cents/lb, by sources.

The FAS assessment includes an additional 3 cents/lb to cover packaging and transportation costs.

The previous high for US HDPE blowmolding was Aug. 13, 2018, with pricing assessed at the same level.

The US HDPE blowmolding assessment has risen about 60.8%, or $464/mt from a year earlier, when it was assessed at $761/mt mid-point (34.5 cents/lb) FAS Houston.

US HDPE blowmolding has been increasing since Dec. 7, 2020, when the grade was assessed at $981/mt. The grade has since increased $243/mt, or 24.8%, to $1,224/mt mid-point.

In general, sources said there was no blowmolding available for exports at this time and pinpointing an exact price has become difficult with the little to no offers available in the market right now.

Separately, HDPE film increased $100/mt at $1,257-$1,279/mt (57-58 cents/lb) FAS Houston and HDPE injection was $55/mt higher at $1,157-$1,179/mt (52.5-53.5 cents/lb) FAS Houston.

HDPE film has reached its highest pricing in 29 months, as well, according to Platts data.

The US HDPE film was last higher on Aug. 15, 2018, at $1,279-$1,301/mt (58-59 cents/lb) FAS Houston basis.

US HDPE film price has risen 72%, or $540/mt, from a year earlier, when it was assessed at $750/mt mid-point (34 cents/lb) FAS Houston.

Similarly to HDPE blowmolding, film has steadily increased since Dec. 2, 2020, when HDPE film was assessed at $893/mt and has increased to $1,268 mid-point, up $387, or 44.5% since that date.

Meanwhile, HDPE injection hit a 31-month high with the previous high on June 20, 2018, assessed at the same level.

A year ago, US HDPE injection was assessed at $739/mt mid-point (33.5 cents/lb) FAS Houston and has risen 58%, or $429, since.

The price hike for HDPE has been attributed to very limited volume and tight production, sources said.

US PE grades have all hit multi-year highs on the week as PE faces tight availability for exports and continued strong demand.