Polylactic Acid Prices: During the Quarter Ending December 2023

In North America, Polylactic Acid (PLA) pricing faced multifaceted influences during Q4 2023. A prevailing bearish sentiment stemmed from subdued demand in downstream sectors, notably in packaging, leading to price declines due to lingering inventory build-up throughout the year. Moreover, the region witnessed a moderate to high supply of PLA, bolstered by ample market inventories and diminished imports from Asian markets like Thailand and China. Although details are scarce, a reported plant shutdown added to the market dynamics. Notably, the United States experienced significant price shifts, with PLA prices dipping by 7.5% during the quarter to reach USD 2550/MT for Polylactic Acid Contract DEL Louisiana. This downturn was fueled by weakened demand in packaging, softened import prices, and sluggish improvements in downstream industry activity. Compared to the same period last year, PLA prices saw a 7.5% decrease, with marginal variance from the previous quarter.

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In the APAC region, Q4 2023 witnessed a similar scenario with a moderate to high PLA supply, contributing to a bearish market tone driven by declining overseas orders and freight rates. However, initiatives advocating for plastic bans and sustainable packaging materials injected optimism into downstream markets. Factors such as increased upstream storage, China's economic rebound, and elevated energy costs bolstered production expenses. South Korea saw a 1.71% depreciation in the South Korean won to USD exchange rate, affecting PLA prices. Year-on-year, PLA prices in South Korea saw an 8% decline, with a 1% increase from the previous quarter. Notably, no plant shutdowns were reported, and the quarter-ending price for Polylactic Acid CFR Busan stood at USD 3189/MT.

Across Europe, PLA prices experienced a modest uptick in Q4 2023 amidst a bullish market environment characterized by a moderate supply. Despite the festive season, steady demand persisted in the major downstream food packaging industry. Expectations of declining freight rates clashed with potential upward pressure from decreasing overseas orders and rising upstream prices during the destocking phase. Regulatory amendments by the European Parliament regarding packaging reuse targets influenced market dynamics. Belgium underwent substantial price fluctuations, with a 20% drop from the same quarter last year and a 22% decrease from the previous quarter. The price comparison between the first and second halves of the quarter showed a 12% decrease. Recent concerns over water pollution attributed to plastic packaging in Belgium spurred discussions within the EU government for immediate action, potentially impacting PLA prices. Increased demand from the packaging industry and growing investor interest in sustainable packaging solutions further propelled PLA prices. Currently, the latest Polylactic Acid price in Belgium stands at USD 2769/MT FD Antwerp.

Get Real Time Prices of Polylactic Acid: https://www.chemanalyst.com/Pricing-data/polylactic-acid-1275

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