Price Reports April 2026

The following information is provided by Plastics Information Europe.  For more than 35 years, PIE has been an invaluable source of information for European plastics industry decision makers - a quick, yet in-depth look at the development of plastics markets and polymer prices. Available online 24/7 and as a printed newsletter twice a month. To read entire versions of the following reports, go to www.pieweb.com and sign up for a 48-hour free trial!

Articles: April 2026
Standards Thermoplastics Engineering thermoplastics Polyurethane Feedstocks	Composites/GRP Standard Recyclate Engineering Recyclate

 

 

  Standard thermoplastics April: Middle East turmoil fuels polymer surge / Feedstock spikes trigger record hikes / Converters hit by third cost shock / Demand falters as material substitution looms

PE: Polyethylene prices have reached unprecedented levels of volatility. Following the sharp rise in ethylene costs (up EUR 450/t), suppliers implemented further substantial increases, driven by the massive upheavals stemming from the Middle East conflict. In combination with the already painful increases for converters in March, PE is now on average EUR 1,000–1,200/t more expensive than in February. Advance purchasing by converters added further momentum to the price surge. Before the end of April, however, buying activity eased off, particularly as customers of the processors had reached their financial limits and scaled back orders. Overall availability of PE was nevertheless adequate, allowing producers to fulfil contractual obligations. However, the limited availability of the key feedstock ethylene did have a dampening effect on PE output. The upward price trend is expected to continue in May, as the ethylene contract is likely to continue its upward trend. Depending on the extent of the increase, the C2 reference could reach a new all-time high. For converters and their customers, the latest development marks the third major cost shock in recent years after the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Given the high volatility, there are major considerations in some markets – including packaging and piping – to replace plastics with other materials.

PP: With the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the price of oil and naphtha continued to rise in March. It therefore came as little surprise when the propylene contract was fixed at a record premium of EUR 465/t at the beginning of April. Many suppliers in Europe were struggling with their plants, and there was also insufficient propylene available to increase PP production rates. In order to protect themselves from further price shocks, some customers brought forward their orders, meaning processors recorded increased demand at the beginning of the month. The result: a price explosion for all polypropylene materials. Compared with February, prices rose by up to EUR 1,200/t – almost doubling for contract business. Processors were forced to pass these costs on to their customers directly, which stifled the increase in demand almost immediately. Food and pharmaceutical packaging stood out, keeping volumes more or less stable. The automotive sector had tough discussions about passing on costs. In the construction industry, projects are being cancelled because the high prices are no longer sustainable – especially as other raw materials and construction materials have also surged in price. The outlook for May: prices are expected to rise further. Propylene could once again see a three-digit mark-up, and with the current tight supply, PP producers will likely demand additional percentage points. There is also currently a lack of competition from overseas. Although their prices are lower, deliveries are not being offered until the beginning of June. Until then, demand will likely continue to decline, as end customers of processors respond to this price shock by holding back on purchases as much as possible. Discussions with the PIE price panel indicated considerations of switching from PP to engineering thermoplastics. The argument is that the price gap has become very small, while significantly better product properties can be achieved.

PVC: The European PVC market experienced a significant imbalance in April. Rarely have such ambitious price demands on the part of producers met with such resolute resistance by converters. In the wake of the EUR 450/t increase in the ethylene contract, many suppliers attempted to impose hikes of a similar magnitude – which would have considerably boosted their margins and thus prompted criticism from the market. Despite intense negotiations and what, in some cases, were aggressive counteroffers, the producers did in fact manage to secure notable price increases. The key factor here was the tight supply situation, which greatly limited customers’ scope for manoeuvre. The development in demand, however, was deceptive. While converters are now recording more incoming orders, these are predominantly advance purchases aimed at hedging against further price increases. No sign of a sustained pickup in demand has emerged so far – especially not from the construction industry, which remains weak. The change in strategy regarding contracts, which is emerging everywhere, is striking. Quarterly contracts are increasingly being terminated and replaced by monthly price negotiations. In this highly volatile climate, producers want to be able to pass on cost increases more rapidly and directly instead of being bound by a contract for several months at a time. This trend is also evident among additive suppliers in some cases. The price rally is set to lose pace somewhat in May, since the ethylene contract should no longer rise so sharply and the supply situation should ease somewhat. Despite this, PVC prices can be expected to increase over the coming month.

Styrenics: The meteoric rise in the styrene reference (up EUR 469/t) was followed by astronomical premiums for styrenics in April, ranging from EUR 520/t to EUR 650/t. The price increases were most pronounced for EPS. The reason for the huge price surges, which were higher than ever before, was the disruption to global supply chains caused by the conflict in the Middle East. This massive increase in costs poses serious problems for processors, as they can only pass on the price increases with a delay – and often only partially, if at all. Against this sullen backdrop, further consolidation in the plastics industry is not out of the question. The upward trend in prices is set to continue in May, albeit not with nearly the same momentum as in April. However, producers will very likely want to factor in the latest increase in the styrene reference (up EUR 55/t) in May.

PET: The precarious situation in the Strait of Hormuz continued to dominate developments in the European PET market in April 2026. Due to the highly uncertain outlook for future supply, buyers remained desperately on the hunt for volumes despite persistently weak end markets. European producers attempted to run their plants at full capacity, as far as the availability of feedstock would allow. However, as stocks had already been depleted in March, production was only sufficient to keep operations running on a “day-to-day” basis. Imports of both PX and PET came back into focus following a prolonged period of restraint on the part of buyers – who had actually intended to focus more strategically on domestic supply this year. As prices skyrocketed, the European market became very attractive from the perspective of exporting countries. Nevertheless, the volumes were nowhere near sufficient to satisfy the anxious buyers. The result was price increases running into triple figures. The underlying shortage situation is unlikely to change much in May. Further significant increases are therefore to be expected, albeit perhaps not quite as sharp as in April.

 

 

For more than 35 years, PIE has been an invaluable source of information for European plastics industry decision makers - a quick, yet in-depth look at the development of plastics markets and polymer prices. Available online 24/7 and as a printed newsletter twice a month. To read the entire report, go to www.ki.de and sign up for a 48-hour free trial!

 

 

 

 

  Engineering thermoplastics April: Sellers’ market drives prices higher / Converters under risk of running out of money / Difficulties expected to continue in May

The strength of the sellers’ market drove prices sharply higher last month despite weak demand. With PMMA, in particular, many calls for increases reached four-digit levels. Despite low import volumes and ongoing production cutbacks across Europe, contractual commitments were largely met – although sometimes with minor delays and only at the lower end of the agreed volume range.

However, available material was insufficient to satisfy larger orders aimed at stock-building. In addition, many converters, faced with an increasingly precarious financial position, were forced to adjust their purchasing strategy. As a result, they bought only what they needed in the short term and were extremely price-conscious. For many smaller converters, credit lines are largely exhausted. They are barely able to absorb price increases and are often unable to finance the volumes they actually require. A liquidity crisis now looms over the segment.

 

 

An improvement is not in sight. In May, producers are again expected to push through further substantial price increases. The extent of these rises depends above all on the arrival of imports. As in April, converters are likely to limit purchases to essential volumes only, and in some cases only when end-customers accept higher prices.

 

 

 

 

 Polyurethane feedstocks April: Sector develops into pure seller's market / Massive mark-ups / Demand was, is, and remains weak

The polyurethane segment experienced massive increases across all types. In a pure seller’s market, producers were able to push through price increases in the medium to high three-digit euro range without any major problems or any real discussion. Those who bought early last month – and therefore at favourable prices – were now forced to pay even higher increases, with no means to shield themselves from the skyrocketing prices.

While utilisation rates at many plants remained reduced, contracts for isocyanates were fulfilled at all times. For polyols, meanwhile, converters were faced with allocations despite the weak demand situation. Nevertheless, some stocked up on more material than required as they expect costs to continue to rise significantly in the coming month.

The conflict in the Middle East is not over yet. As long as this uncertainty persists, prices will rise significantly. The supply situation remains tense and could become even more so as a result of maintenance work. No major increases in demand are expected due to the economic situation. In addition to all of this, the high prices are clearly preventing end customers from adopting a less cautious approach to purchasing.

 

 

For more than 35 years, PIE has been an invaluable source of information for European plastics industry decision makers - a quick, yet in-depth look at the development of plastics markets and polymer prices. Available online 24/7 and as a printed newsletter twice a month. To read the entire report, go to www.ki.de and sign up for a 48-hour free trial!

 

 

  Composites/GRP April: Price rises continue for all grades; triple-digit hikes in some cases / Converters reluctant to purchase

The war in the Middle East has definitively turned what was a buyer’s market into a seller’s market. Producers succeeded in securing most of the price increases they had demanded across all grades. Exceptions, such as for direct and assembled roving, proved the rule. 

On the supply side, several speciality products had become scarce and were no longer available. This was due both to the curtailed production in Europe and to the absence of import volumes. The shortage of additives also forced a number of producers to cut back their production.  

Substantial price increases have already been announced for the coming month as well. Producers will only have difficulty in pushing through these hikes if the inflow of imports increases significantly. The converters’ precarious financial situation, however, means they have to remain cautious and will only purchase what is absolutely necessary. At the moment, sheer economic necessity is taking precedence over strategic sourcing decisions.

 

 

For more than 35 years, PIE has been an invaluable source of information for European plastics industry decision makers - a quick, yet in-depth look at the development of plastics markets and polymer prices. Available online 24/7 and as a printed newsletter twice a month. To read the entire report, go to www.ki.de and sign up for a 48-hour free trial!

      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Standard recyclate April: Rising prices for virgin material are prompting processors to turn to recyclates / Prices catch up with primary material / Upward trend continues

Primary material is becoming increasingly scarce and thus became significantly more expensive. As a result, more and more processors are trying to switch to recyclates as a cost-effective and readily available alternative. Demand for secondary plastics is growing – and is now driving up recyclate prices. Suppliers have been able to pass on higher costs for bottle scrap and additional surcharges with relative ease. Whether on the Iberian Peninsula, in the DACH or Benelux countries, or in Central Europe, prices trended upwards – especially for speciality grades.

The gap between virgin and recycled material is likely to narrow in the coming months. The current increase in virgin material prices is also likely to feed through into the cost of PIR grades, making input materials more expensive. What’s more, greater reliance on regranulate is pushing up demand for bale goods, which in turn is driving up prices.

Once again, PET plays a special role: after a slow and hesitant start to the year, signs of tightness in the virgin material market are now emerging. This is likely to boost demand for recyclates even further.

 

 

For more than 35 years, PIE has been an invaluable source of information for European plastics industry decision makers - a quick, yet in-depth look at the development of plastics markets and polymer prices. Available online 24/7 and as a printed newsletter twice a month. To read the entire report, go to www.ki.de and sign up for a 48-hour free trial!

 

 

 

 Engineering recyclate April: Prices surge / Securing material takes priority over price / Further increases expected in May

The first signs of material shortages – albeit so far largely perceived rather than fully tangible – have sent recyclate prices sharply higher across all grades. Processors were actively seeking granulate, with price becoming a secondary consideration. Recyclers were better able to pass on increases in base material costs than before, which also helped them to improve their margins.

However, limited availability of base material and dwindling stocks of additives and other aggregates restricted recyclers’ ability to increase output. Processors across the board were searching for material and sample volumes.

The market is likely to remain turbulent in May. Uncertainty is now so pronounced that a clear link between order intake and purchasing activity is no longer evident, making demand appear highly speculative. This is expected to drive up prices. The ongoing difficulty in procuring base materials and additives might limit the output of recyclers somewhat. Despite financing challenges, processors are expected to continue prioritising securing volumes – keeping demand at a solid level.

 

 

For more than 35 years, PIE has been an invaluable source of information for European plastics industry decision makers - a quick, yet in-depth look at the development of plastics markets and polymer prices. Available online 24/7 and as a printed newsletter twice a month. To read the entire report, go to www.ki.de and sign up for a 48-hour free trial!