Argus PE fob China price assessments

Price assessment detailsThe Argus LLDPE C4 fob China and Argus HDPE film fob China assessments are published weekly in $/t. They reflect the market value of Chinese-origin PE for export from China's main ports.

Assessment specification

Each assessment reflects spot cargoes that meet the following specification:

• Product: Chinese-origin LLDPE C4 or HDPE film
• Basis: fob China's main ports
• Timing: loading up to six weeks forward
• Minimum volume: 50t

Argus assesses the market using confirmed transactions, firm bids and offers, and other reliable information from producers, traders and buyers active in the export market.

The assessments are made directly in the export market, rather than deriving from domestic China prices or from other regional PE assessments. The methodology is openly published, so you can see exactly how each price is assessed

How the Argus PE fob China price assessments can be used

Contract pricing and indexation
The assessments are an option for indexation in physical PE contracts. Companies can use them as an outright weekly reference, or use monthly averages as the basis for an agreed adjustment. As Chinese PE exports become more established, the assessments can also support index-linked pricing for term supply, providing producers and buyers with a transparent reference linked directly to the Chinese export market.

Physical trade
Producers, traders and buyers can use the assessments as a common reference when negotiating Chinese PE cargoes, and to monitor changes in Chinese export values from week to week.

Market comparison
Market participants can compare Chinese PE export prices with other regional markets and supply origins. Combined with freight rates, fob China prices show how competitive Chinese material is in different destinations. Chinese producers can also compare fob China values with domestic prices when weighing export sales against domestic sales.

Procurement and commercial planning
Overseas buyers, particularly in southeast Asia, can track Chinese export prices to support procurement decisions and compare origins. Producers and traders can use the assessments to monitor export opportunities and adjust their sales strategy.

Why use the Argus PE fob China price assessments?

Argus is the first price reporting agency to launch dedicated fob China PE price assessments. Where domestic China and regional import assessments may only show Chinese export values indirectly, the Argus LLDPE C4 fob China and Argus HDPE film fob China assessments are taken directly from Chinese export market activity.

In Argus Global Polyethylene, the assessments sit alongside regional PE prices and news. That makes it possible to see how a move in Chinese export values relates to prices elsewhere. Our reporters speak to the export market every week, and the methodology is published for anyone to review. You can explain these prices to counterparties with confidence and use them in your contracts.