Flat To Higher Pricing For Polyolefins, PS, PVC And PET
In mid-first-quarter 2020, prices of polyethylene, polystyrene and PVC were up, while polypropylene and PET had potential to move up a bit as well. In most cases, prices had bottomed out and were more on par with global prices. Domestic demand going into second quarter was not fully clear, though there was cause for optimism, despite significant uncertainties. To what extent would domestic resin pricing be affected by the coronavirus outbreak in China, a major importer of U.S.-made PE and PVC. Yet another uncertainty was the potential impact of the Feb. 12 fire at ExxonMobil’s major refinery in Baton Rouge, La.
