BARCELONA (ICIS)—European polyethylene (PE) markets face growing pressure from cheaper imports, highlighting the impact of rising overcapacity driven by China and the US.
- Plants in Europe operating at technical minimum levels
- Minimal stocks held amid plentiful supply
- Demand poor across most end uses, packaging stronger
- Europe will see more PE imports as global overcapacity grows
- More polymer plant closures are likely in Europe and other high-cost regions
- US has more to lose from trade war as it is a major exporter of PE to China
- Trade flows could change dramatically if tariff walls go up
- Supply/demand imbalance may take up to nine years to correct
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