Polymer & Film Market Update: Middle East Disruption March 2026
The global polymer and flexible packaging supply chain has entered a period of heightened volatility following the escalation of events in the Middle East. Disruption to energy markets and international shipping routes is now having a direct and indirect impact on polymer availability, film supply, logistics, and pricing.
Suppliers across the value chain are reporting:
- Restricted availability on certain grades and film types.
- Shorter quote validity and rapidly changing prices.
- Delays to order confirmations while replenishment routes remain uncertain.
At present, the most significant exposure is within polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and PP‑based films such as OPP/BOPP, although knock‑on effects are also being seen across other polymer families.
Roberts Mart is actively working with suppliers and customers to protect continuity of supply wherever possible and will continue to provide updates as the situation develops.
What Is Driving the Current Disruption
Direct Effects: Supply and Logistics
Events in the Middle East are impacting global energy and petrochemical markets. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a route accounting for approximately 20% of the world’s oil movements, has been severely disrupted. As a result, energy prices and polymer feedstock costs are reacting, with immediate knock‑on effects for polymer supply, logistics, and pricing.
The Middle East is a key supplier to the UK and Europe for many standard polymers, including HDPE and PP. Supply of numerous grades is expected to be severely restricted in the coming months, driven not only by production interruptions but, more critically, by continued disruption to shipping routes.
Indirect Effects: Feedstocks and Global Production
Further pressure is coming from upstream raw materials. Spot prices for Naphtha & Ethylene have all increased significantly. Virtually all polymers rely directly or indirectly on oil and gas, meaning cost pressure is being felt across the entire polymer spectrum.
There is already disruption to production in Southeast Asia and China, where many crackers depend on naphtha sourced from the Middle East. In addition, multiple Force Majeures have been declared across Europe and Asia, further tightening supply and increasing uncertainty.
Material‑Specific Market Overview
Polyethylene (PE – LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE)
Availability
- Supply of certain PE grades, particularly LDPE, is tightening.
- Some producers have temporarily restricted or closed order books.
- Lead times and confirmation windows are becoming less predictable.
Pricing
- Price movements are occurring more frequently.
- Suppliers are indicating that further increases are highly likely while existing supply routes remain uncertain.
- Price offers are increasingly time‑limited, in some cases valid only on the day of issue.
Polypropylene (PP)
Availability
- PP is one of the most exposed polymers due to reliance on Middle Eastern feedstocks and shipping routes.
- Several major producers have restricted availability or closed order books.
- Replacement supply is limited and competitive.
Pricing
- PP pricing is moving rapidly in line with feedstock costs and availability.
- Week‑on‑week changes are being observed, making longer‑term price stability difficult.
OPP / BOPP and Other PP‑Based Films
OPP and BOPP films are directly linked to polypropylene markets and are therefore experiencing similar volatility.
In addition to resin‑related pressure, we are also seeing disruption at the finished and semi‑finished film level, particularly on films sourced internationally.
Recent supplier communications indicate:
- Availability of certain film types may change at short notice.
- Alternative suppliers are being actively assessed in parallel to protect continuity of supply.
- Some outstanding film orders are being reviewed or re‑routed where viable alternatives can be secured.
This reflects broader market disruption rather than isolated supplier issues.
PCR (Recycled content Polymers)
Demand for PCR materials remains strong, particularly where customers are working toward sustainability or compliance targets.
However:
- Availability can vary significantly by type and timing.
- Early engagement is essential to secure suitable material.
- Lead times may differ from virgin equivalents.
Roberts Mart continues to support customers in evaluating PCR options where appropriate.
How Roberts Mart Is Responding
Roberts Mart is actively managing the situation by:
- Maintaining close, daily dialogue with multiple resin and film suppliers.
- Securing material early wherever possible to protect production schedules.
- Actively assessing alternative suppliers and grades where appropriate.
- Communicating transparently with customers as market conditions change.
