Spot US LLDPE increases to highest pricing in 31 months on low supply

New York — The spot US linear low density polyethylene butene export price increased week on week Jan. 20 to the highest pricing in 31 months, based on tight supply and little availability for export markets, sources said.

S&P Global Platts assessed US spot export LLDPE butene up $55 on the week at $1,157-$1,179/mt (52.50-53.50 cents/lb) FAS Houston basis, with rail car pricing discussed at 50 cents/lb.

The previous high for US LLDPE butene was June 19, 2018, with pricing assessed at the same level.

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

A year ago, US LLDPE butene was assessed at $750/mt midpoint (34 cents/lb) FAS Houston. The assessment has risen about 55.7%, or $418, since.

US LLDPE butene has been increasing since Nov. 11, 2020, when the grade was assessed at $893/mt. It has increased to a $1,168/mt midpoint, up $275, or 30.8%, since that date.