Newsroom

Central & Eastern Europe (CEE) plays a critical role in Europe’s polymer value chain. The region remains structurally import-dependent, highly sensitive to geopolitics and logistics, and increasingly exposed to sanctions risk and supply-security concerns. Against this backdrop, the planned acquisition of Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS) by MOL Group carries implications that go well beyond fuels and refining.

Simone de Faria highlights that Venezuela’s potential political transition could open opportunities across the Americas’ petrochemical sector, but new complexes there are unlikely soon due to devastated infrastructure and the long road to legal and institutional stability.

The Mercosur–EU free trade agreement, signed on January 19, 2026, is expected to significantly boost Brazilian footwear and plastics exports, increasing demand for locally produced EVA and other polymers while promoting sustainability standards. In the EVA market, Central/South American imports declined sharply in 2025, while exports grew modestly, mainly to China. LEVA and MEVA remain the dominant EVA grades used across foams, films, adhesives, and molding applications.

PE producers are pushing January price increases of up to 5.0 cpp, but early-month activity is limited as buyers resist hikes amid weak demand.

China’s EVA market stayed weak in December amid soft demand and rising supply, prompting producers to cut prices and destock. January is expected to remain pressured, with only a brief early-month lift possible from pre–Lunar New Year restocking. Overall sentiment remains bearish, with any stabilization dependent on tighter inventories and a clearer demand recovery, especially in PV applications.

North American polystyrene prices may rise slightly in January due to higher benzene and styrene costs, despite flat demand expectations. Epsilyte announced a 4.0 cpp EPS increase for January 2026, while overall market conditions remain cautious amid weak demand and ample supply.