The March contract price of ethylene in Europe was agreed at EUR30 per tonne higher than the level of February. Nevertheless, some European producers of polyethylene (PE) went on a more significant increase in export prices than the increase in the price of the monomer, according to the Price Review of the ICIS-MRC.

Negotiations on the export prices of European PE for supplies to the markets of the CIS countries began as early as last week. Many negotiators state that all producers from Europe went to a significant increase in export prices for polyethylene. Prices were adjusted at least EUR30 per ton, some producers announced price increases to EUR70 per ton. As in February, most producers retain serious export restrictions in the current month.

Transactions for the March shipment of low-pressure polyethylene (HDPE) were discussed in the EUR1 180-1 240 per tonne range, FCA, whereas the month before deals were concluded in the EUR1 150-1 210 per tonne, FCA range. Negotiations on the supply of black black PE100 were conducted in the range EUR1,280-1,350 per tonne FCA, which is EUR70 per ton higher than the level of February.

For most manufacturers in Europe, export restrictions remain for several months already.

Transactions regarding the March shipments of high-pressure polyethylene (LDPE) were discussed in the range EUR1,250-1,320 per tonne, FCA, whereas the month before deals were in the range EUR1,220-1,270 per tonne, FCA. As in the case of the IPA, there are restrictions on the shipment this month for a number of manufacturers.