[Market Overview]
International crude oil prices fell sharply this week, dragging down sentiment across the plastics market. As of June 25, the plastics industry index settled at 7,763 points, down 116 points (1.47%) from the previous session.
Key Market Data:
- PE (Polyethylene): PE index at 8,206, down 146 points. HDPE 7,831 (-154), LDPE 9,056 (-143), LLDPE 7,560 (-136). Futures decline and inventory pressure weighed on spot prices for linear and low-density grades.
- PP (Polypropylene): PP index at 8,503, down 232 points — the steepest decline among major grades. Downstream plastic woven bag and BOPP sectors reported sluggish order books, with traders mostly offering discounts to clear inventory.
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): PVC index at 4,555, up 11 points, holding relatively firm in the broad downtrend. Northwest plant maintenance provided local supply support, nudging low-end offers slightly higher.
- ABS/PS: ABS index 9,595 (-83), PS index 9,697 (flat). Easing styrene costs weakened downstream buy-in.
[Crude Oil Markets]
WTI crude futures settled at $70.34/barrel, down $2.87; Brent crude closed at $73.74/barrel, down $3.34. Weakening global growth expectations and a stronger US dollar pressured commodities broadly, with crude weakness transmitting down the petrochemical chain.
[Outlook]
In the near term, if crude continues to weaken, cost support will erode further, keeping PE and PP under pressure. PVC may hold up relatively better, supported by northwest maintenance schedules and acetylene costs. Monitor month-end petrochemical plant turnarounds and downstream restocking pace.
[Technology Update]
In 2026, PVC injection foam agent technology continues to advance. Microencapsulated balanced exothermic-endothermic foam agents have reduced surface silver-streak defect rates from 0.03% to below 0.006%, dramatically cutting waste in construction materials and auto parts applications.
Sources: Sinopec JLC, Longzhong Plastics, SCI99 | June 27, 2026
