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ColombiaBy Q1 2025, the UHMWPE (Compression Moulding RAM Extrusion Grade) market in Thailand saw a modest recovery, with prices increasing slightly to $1366/MT FOB Laem Chabang, a 0.3% rise from Q4 2024. This minor upturn was driven by a gradual pickup in demand from the aerospace and high-performance engineering sectors. Market participants remained optimistic about long-term growth, expecting steady consumption patterns across various applications. While global trade remained uncertain, the overall sentiment in the UHMWPE industry pointed toward a balanced and sustainable pricing trend in the near future.
In Q4 2024, UHMWPE (Compression Moulding RAM Extrusion Grade) prices in Thailand further stabilized, reaching $1362/MT FOB Laem Chabang, a 1.9% dip from Q3. The market saw improved inventory levels, allowing buyers to secure materials at more competitive rates. While the industrial and medical sectors continued to support demand, global economic uncertainty led to more cautious purchasing behaviour, preventing any significant price rebounds. Additionally, enhanced supply chain efficiency and better shipping availability helped maintain market stability.
The Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (Compression Moulding RAM Extrusion Grade) market in Q3 2024, witnessed a slight stabilization, with prices averaging at $1389/MT FOB Laem Chabang, a 4.3% dip from Q2 2024. This decline was largely attributed to moderate demand fluctuations in key industries such as medical devices, automotive, and defence applications. Additionally, an increase in global production levels contributed to a more balanced supply chain, preventing any sharp price hikes. Logistics challenges, including shipping delays and container shortages, continued to impact market sentiment, but the overall demand outlook remained steady.
In Q2 2024, the UHMWPE (Compression Moulding RAM Extrusion Grade) market faced a slight dip in prices, with Thailand reporting $1452/MT FOB Laem Chabang, reflecting a minor decline of 4.77% from Q1. This negative trend was attributed to a decrease in demand for UHMWPE in specific applications, such as construction and textiles, amid market saturation. A slowdown in certain end-use sectors, coupled with higher production capacities, added to the pressure. Additionally, a reduction in international trade due to global uncertainties and fluctuating economic conditions, especially in Asia, contributed to the lower demand and softening prices.
In Q1 2024, the global Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (Compression Moulding RAM Extrusion Grade) market experienced a bullish trend, driven by increasing demand from sectors like automotive, medical, and industrial applications. Rising costs of Ethylene feedstock contributed to price hikes. In Thailand, prices in Q1 were reported at $1385/MT FOB Laem Chabang, showing a slight increase of 6.8% compared to the previous quarter. The growth in demand for lightweight and durable materials, especially in high-performance applications, fuelled this upward trend. Additionally, the resurgence in industrial activities and strong demand from packaging sectors during the Lunar New Year boosted the market, leading to higher production and distribution volumes.
In Q1 2025, UHMWPE (Compression Moulding RAM Extrusion Grade) prices in India slipped to $1453/MT Ex-Mumbai, down 4.00% from the previous quarter. The price drop was primarily driven by weak procurement from the industrial machinery and medical sectors, with many buyers adopting a wait-and-watch approach amid ongoing inventory adjustments. Imported cargoes from Thailand continued arriving in stable volumes, keeping supply balanced and reducing the likelihood of upward pressure. Additionally, the absence of significant cost support from upstream polyethylene or additive markets meant converters could negotiate lower rates for fresh contracts.
During Q4 2024, prices fell to $1513/MT Ex-Mumbai, reflecting an 8.06% decline compared to Q3. This sharper drop was influenced by subdued end-user demand, particularly in segments such as high-performance filtration and ballistic-grade applications, which typically see year-end slowdowns. Availability of competitively priced cargoes from Thailand further pressured local distributors to offer markdowns to maintain volume sales. The bearish outlook was reinforced by ample inventories across trading hubs and moderate resin buying interest from downstream processors.
In Q3 2024, prices corrected modestly to $1646/MT Ex-Mumbai, a 2.41% dip from Q2 levels. Market sentiment weakened due to slower offtake from wear-resistant component manufacturers, who had overstocked in the prior quarter. Despite a tight shipping schedule from Thailand, demand-side constraints outweighed supply concerns, especially in non-critical applications. Buyers took a conservative approach, expecting further price correction and delaying restocking decisions accordingly.
In Q2 2024, UHMWPE (Compression Moulding RAM Extrusion Grade) prices in India climbed to $1687/MT Ex-Mumbai, up 5.66% from Q1. The increase was supported by rebound in demand from specialty packaging and defence-related applications, with downstream converters ramping up output in anticipation of mid-year tenders. Some delays in Thai shipments due to port congestion added short-term supply tightness, further contributing to bullish pricing. However, the momentum was tempered towards the end of the quarter as inventories caught up and import flow normalized.
In Q1 2024, the market opened on a firmer note, with prices at $1596/MT Ex-Mumbai, reflecting a 3.09% rise from Q4 2023. Early-year restocking and improved off-take from medical device manufacturers and food-grade liner producers contributed to the uptrend. Imports from Thailand remained steady, and healthy order books across technical-grade applications sustained optimism during the first quarter.
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Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) is a versatile thermoplastic polymer known for its exceptional toughness, high abrasion resistance, and low coefficient of friction. With a molecular weight ranging between 3.5 to 7.5 million g/mol, UHMWPE offers superior impact strength and durability, making it ideal for demanding applications. It is chemically inert, resistant to moisture, and maintains its properties across a wide temperature range. These qualities make UHMWPE a preferred material in industries such as medical (for joint implants), industrial (for wear strips and liners), marine (for dock fenders), and textiles (for high-strength fibres). It also meets FDA and USDA standards, making it safe for food processing applications.
Packaging Type
Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
| Properties | Test Method | Specification |
| Average molecular weight (cal) | Margolies equation | 5.8-7.8 x106 g/mol
|
| Intrinsic Viscosity | ISO 1628-3 | 23.1- 28.3 dl/g |
| Average Particle Size | Laser Scattering | 130 microns |
| Bulk Density | ISO 60 | ≥0.40 |
| Density | ISO 1183 | 0.92-0.93 |
| Yellow Index | ASTM D1925 | <2 |
| Tensile Strength at Break | ISO 527 | ≥35 |
| Tensile Strength at yield | ISO 527 | ≥21 |
Applications
Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) is a highly durable and versatile polymer used in a wide range of applications due to its superior abrasion resistance, impact strength, and low friction. In the medical industry, it is widely utilized in joint replacements and surgical implants due to its biocompatibility and wear resistance. In industrial settings, UHMWPE is used for conveyor belts, wear strips, and machine parts that require high durability and low friction. It is also popular in the production of high-strength ropes, cables, and ballistic protection gear such as bulletproof vests. Additionally, UHMWPE is employed in the food and beverage industry for FDA-approved processing equipment and conveyor systems, as well as in marine and offshore applications like dock fenders and marine bearings, due to its resistance to water and chemicals. Its versatility and strength make it a valuable material in automotive, aerospace, and defence industries as well.
The pricing of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) is influenced by several factors, including the cost of feedstocks such as ethylene and other raw materials, fluctuations in global oil prices, and the production capabilities of manufacturers. Additionally, demand from key industries like medical, automotive, and industrial applications can significantly impact prices. Supply chain disruptions, environmental regulations, and geopolitical events also play a critical role in shaping the UHMWPE market pricing.
End-use applications significantly influence the pricing of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) by driving demand in specific sectors. Industries such as medical (for implants and surgical devices), industrial (for wear-resistant parts), and defence (for protective equipment) create distinct demand patterns. When demand surges in these applications, it can lead to price increases due to higher competition for limited supply. Conversely, downturns in demand from these sectors can lead to price stabilization or decreases.
Yes, emerging market trends are likely to impact the pricing of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) in the future. For instance, the growing emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly materials may lead to increased demand for recycled UHMWPE or bio-based alternatives, potentially affecting traditional pricing structures. Additionally, innovations in manufacturing processes that enhance efficiency could lead to lower production costs. We should keep an eye on these trends and consider them when developing sourcing strategies to ensure they remain competitive in the evolving market landscape.
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