LyondellBasell says polyethylene margins are about 50% above 2025 levels

LyondellBasell, one of the largest polyethylene producers in North America, reported its third-quarter 2026 results on 30 October. The headline for pipe makers is resin: the company said integrated polyethylene margins across the industry ended the quarter roughly 50% above 2025 levels, helped by price gains in September.

The numbers

LyondellBasell made net income of $758 million in the quarter, against a loss of $890 million a year earlier, with diluted earnings of $2.32 a share. EBITDA was $1.42 billion and revenue was $8.50 billion, down from $9.18 billion in the second quarter. Stock Titan's summary of the release also notes $1.7 billion of operating cash flow.

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In its outlook, the company said domestic and export demand for polyethylene is strong and that polymer prices improved through the end of the quarter. It also said customer buying had been affected by inventory levels and price swings.

North America

The picture in the Americas was more mixed. Profit in the company's Olefins & Polyolefins Americas segment fell from the second quarter because of lower polymer and olefin prices, before September's rises. A turnaround at its Clinton site finished on time and under budget. For the fourth quarter, LyondellBasell expects to run its North American olefins and polyolefins assets at 85%, partly because of planned maintenance at a polypropylene plant. It also flagged continuing supply uncertainty, particularly from the Middle East.

The company is also still reshaping its portfolio. It completed the sale of certain European olefins and polyolefins assets in May 2026, is closing a polypropylene plant in Brindisi, Italy, and is pressing on with a cash improvement plan launched in April 2025 to cut global fixed costs. Management says its continued strong EBITDA margin reflects the resilience of its global, cost-advantaged portfolio.

"We continue to prioritize safety, reliability and cost discipline" Peter Vanacker, Chief Executive Officer, LyondellBasell

The bigger picture

Resin is the biggest input cost for HDPE pipe, so producer margins matter. Other parts of the chain are seeing the same pressure. This week Orbia said it raised prices at its Dura-Line conduit business to offset higher raw material costs. Last month we reported recycled HDPE prices rising too. Pipe makers going into 2027 budget season face firm virgin resin, strong export pull on US polyethylene, and municipal customers that may have less federal money to spend.

What it means for hiring

When resin is firm, purchasing and commercial roles matter more. In our view, pipe producers will value resin buyers and pricing managers who can protect margin without losing volume.
Tighter margins tend to push plants towards scrap reduction and efficiency. We expect steady demand for process engineers and continuous improvement leads in extrusion.
Sales teams may face more price conversations with distributors and utilities. Regional sales managers who can explain resin-driven increases without damaging the relationship are a strong hire.

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