[Key Data]
As of July 16, 2026 close:
- WTI Crude Aug 2026: $79.6/bbl, +$0.26 (+0.33%) vs prior session
- Brent Crude Sep 2026: $84.95/bbl, +$0.22 (+0.26%) vs prior session
- NYMEX Natural Gas Aug: $2.924/MMBtu (+0.69%)
- China Plastic Price Index (daily): 882.3 (-0.23%)
- USD/CNY central rate: 6.7909
[Market Dynamics]
PE (Polyethylene): With reduced maintenance losses and new capacity release in July, domestic supply is expected to increase. LLDPE film resin prices stabilized and declined, futures traded weak, market sentiment cautious, suppliers focused on destocking.
PP (Polypropylene): Plastic woven packaging raw material prices showed mixed movement; PP grain prices edged down while PP powder prices continued to rise. Futures sustained weakness, downstream factory purchasing enthusiasm subdued, market turnover light. Near-term PP prices expected to remain weak.
PVC: Fundamentals maintain weak balance; supply pressure remains significant in July. Ethylene-based plant operating rates are the key market focus.
[Industry Highlights]
1. 2026 H1 BOPP Industry Recap: Geopolitical tensions drove up costs, domestic BOPP prices hit highest levels since 2023. In late February, Middle East tensions escalated sharply, Hormuz Strait shipping disrupted, international crude oil surged, directly pushing PP and other feedstock prices higher.
2. Recycled Plastics: Recycled plastics market remains active with steadily improving waste plastic recycling rates and stronger policy support.
3. Agricultural Film: Rising raw material costs squeezed agricultural film margins; off-season demand continues at low levels with insufficient new orders.
[Outlook]
Sci99 analysts believe: Middle East geopolitical situation remains the key factor for H2 2026 plastics market. Cost support from upstream and weak terminal demand are in tug-of-war. Short-term plastics market expected to consolidate weak; watch downstream restocking pace and plant operating rate changes.
Source: Sci99, Longzhong, MySteel Updated: July 17, 2026
