Tight Spot Supply Lifts Turkey’s Domestic PE Market

Turkey’s domestic polyethylene (PE) market has continued to strengthen in recent weeks as limited spot availability and rising demand for ready-stock material pushed prices higher. Distributors, having reduced inventories during the prolonged market downturn, are now holding firmer positions amid restricted supply, stronger import price expectations, and successive domestic price increases from local producer Petkim.

A key factor supporting the market is the growing preference for immediately available local cargoes over imported shipments that require longer delivery times. While downstream demand has not shown a significant recovery, many buyers have chosen to secure prompt material instead of waiting for overseas arrivals, helping tighten local availability and strengthen sellers' negotiating power.

Since the market began recovering in mid-July, domestic LLDPE C4 film and HDPE film prices have climbed by around 13%, equivalent to nearly $180/ton. LDPE film has also recorded a solid increase of approximately 10%, or about $130/ton, over the same period.

Market sentiment has been further supported by Petkim’s continued upward price revisions. Over the past three weeks, the producer has raised LDPE prices by a cumulative $150/ton and HDPE prices by $220/ton. The latest increases, announced this week, followed strong buying interest, particularly for prompt deliveries, as customers rushed to secure available volumes.

Attention is now shifting toward August import offers. Suppliers from the Middle East are expected to seek higher prices after reducing inventories through strong sales in late July. At the same time, US-origin PE offers have moved upward over recent weeks, while European LDPE prices have also strengthened, providing additional support to the Turkish market.

Although crude oil prices softened at the beginning of the week and Europe is entering its summer holiday period, suppliers have largely maintained firm pricing ideas. Market participants believe that restricted availability and higher replacement costs are currently playing a greater role in shaping prices than short-term movements in the energy market.

Stay ahead of market trends with the Credco app. For any queries, please reach out via WhatsApp at +91 8448083211.