Polyethylene (LDPE)
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is a flexible, transparent polymer widely used in packaging films, shrink wrap, carrier bags, and wire coating. It is produced via high-pressure free-radical polymerization of ethylene. LDPE commands a premium over LLDPE in applications requiring clarity and gloss.
- Film Grade
- Extrusion Coating
- Injection Molding
- Tubular/Autoclave
- CIF
- CFR
- FOB
Polyethylene (LDPE), in brief.
- Common origins
- Saudi Arabia
- Qatar
- United States
- South Korea
- Germany
- Common destinations
- China
- India
- Turkey
- Vietnam
- Indonesia
- Grades and specifications
- Film Grade
- Extrusion Coating
- Injection Molding
- Tubular/Autoclave
- Incoterms
- CIF
- CFR
- FOB
- Unit of measure
- Metric Tons
What moves Polyethylene (LDPE) pricing
LDPE prices off ICIS, Argus, and Platts regional benchmarks (CFR China, FD Northwest Europe, FAS Houston). Naphtha-based European production economics versus US ethane-cracker advantage drives transatlantic flow direction. Chinese capacity additions (Hengli, Wanhua, Shenghong) have shifted Asia from net importer toward self-sufficiency. End-use is film packaging, agricultural film, and coatings.
How Polyethylene (LDPE) cargoes are priced and settled
Cargoes 500-5,000 tonnes per parcel, 25-kg bags or supersacks. Pricing CFR destination plus or minus a grade differential. Monthly contracts dominate; spot trade fills the balance. Letter of credit standard.
Polyethylene (LDPE) specifications and dispute practice
Specs: melt flow index (MFI 0.3-7 g/10min by application), density (0.915-0.925 g/cc for LDPE), additives package. Disputes turn on resin processability: gel count, fish-eyes, and inconsistent MFI causing converter line issues.
Where Polyethylene (LDPE) comes from and where it goes
Top exporters: US (ethane crackers in Texas, Louisiana, ExxonMobil, Dow, Sasol/Lyondell), Saudi Arabia (SABIC), Iran (sanctions-restricted), Qatar, Singapore, South Korea. Top importers: China (despite expansion still a net importer of LDPE specifically), Türkiye, Vietnam, India, Brazil.
Who trades Polyethylene (LDPE)?
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Related market pages.
- Polyethylene (HDPE)High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is a versatile thermoplastic used for pipes, bottles, containers, geomembranes, and film. Its high strength-to-density ratio makes it ideal for blow molding and injection molding applications. Middle Eastern producers benefit from competitive ethane feedstock costs.
- Polypropylene (PP)Polypropylene is the world's second most produced plastic, used in packaging, automotive parts, textiles (nonwovens), and consumer goods. It offers excellent chemical resistance, a high melting point, and low density. Homo-polymer and co-polymer grades serve different application requirements.
- PVC ResinPolyvinyl Chloride (PVC) resin is the third most produced plastic globally, used extensively in construction (pipes, fittings, profiles, flooring), medical devices, and wire insulation. Suspension PVC (S-PVC) is the dominant grade, accounting for over 80% of production. PVC requires plasticizers for flexible applications.
- PET ResinPolyethylene Terephthalate (PET) resin is widely used for beverage bottles, food packaging, and polyester fiber. Bottle-grade PET is produced by solid-state polymerization to achieve the required intrinsic viscosity (IV). Recyclability makes PET a key polymer in the circular economy, with rPET commanding premiums.
- PolystyrenePolystyrene (PS) is a versatile plastic available in general purpose (GPPS, crystal clear) and high impact (HIPS, opaque, toughened) grades. It is used in food packaging, disposable cutlery, insulation foam (EPS), and electronics housings. Styrene monomer pricing drives PS production economics.
- ABS ResinAcrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is an engineering thermoplastic combining the strength of acrylonitrile, the toughness of butadiene rubber, and the processability of styrene. It is used in automotive interiors, electronics housings (monitors, keyboards), LEGO bricks, and 3D printing filaments.
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