EN · RU · Methodology

IME vs OTC polymers: why both prices matter

On the Iranian polymer market, the same grade (for example LLDPE 209, HDPE F7000, PP Z30S, PVC S65) often prints on the IME exchange and in parallel on the OTC / secondary market. The gap between them — the spread — is a practical input for traders and plant buyers outside Iran.

IME (Iran Mercantile Exchange)

Official trade statistics (session reports). Useful as a published exchange level after the report is out. ICPI converts deal prices to USD/t for comparison across weeks and grades.

OTC / secondary market

Offers and deals outside the exchange session — often closer to “what you can buy or sell today” in channels and local wholesale venues. Packaging, payment terms, and timing can differ from IME; always check grade comparability before treating the spread as arbitrage.

How to read the spread

Negative (OTC < IME) — secondary is cheaper than the exchange on that date/grade.
Positive (OTC > IME) — secondary is richer; verify date alignment and grade match.
Missing side — do not invent a spread; wait for both venues or note “IME only / OTC only”.

Formula used on the public sample table: (OTC − IME) / IME.

USD/t and FX

Source lists are in Iranian rials. ICPI converts using the market IRR exchange rate, not Central Bank of Iran (CBI) official rates. Unit of display: USD per tonne unless a record card says otherwise. Full rules: methodology (EN).

What ICPI adds

Both venues in one filterable screen.
Grade normalisation across Persian/Latin source spellings.
History, charts, and Excel — beyond a delayed public teaser.

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Кратко по-русски

Одна марка часто торгуется на бирже IME и по внебиржевой цене. Спред — рабочий ориентир. В витрине ICPI цены в USD/t по рыночному курсу IRR (не ЦБ). Актуальная база — после регистрации; подробности — методология.