Lead: US-Iran negotiations remain deadlocked, international oil prices rise for three consecutive days, WTI breaks through $102/barrel. Plastic raw materials market shows mixed movements.
I. Crude Oil Market: Geopolitical Risks Push Oil Prices Up
As of May 12 closing: WTI June 2026 settled at $102.18/barrel (+4.19%); Brent July 2026 settled at $107.77/barrel (+3.42%). The US-Iran negotiation deadlock persists, global oil supply disruption concerns continue, pushing prices up for three consecutive trading sessions.
II. Key Plastic Raw Materials Markets
1. PVC Paste Resin: Prices Weakened
On May 12, domestic PVC paste prices adjusted downward. East China large plate averaged 6,750 yuan/ton (-125); Guangdong large plate averaged 6,850 yuan/ton (-125). Supply-side: ethylene method rates slightly increased, some calcium carbide units resumed. Demand-side: glove factory orders acceptable, but large plate downstream orders weak. Survey shows 60% of insiders expect further decline.
2. TDI Market: Downtrend Continues
TDI market continued its downward trend. East China Shanghai-origin TDI80/20 at 16,000-16,300 yuan/ton, down 300-350 yuan. Multiple plants under maintenance in May-June. Supply tightening but demand remains sluggish. Short-term stabilization expected.
3. Rigid Foam Polyether: Cost Support Lacking
Rigid foam polyether slightly declined. North China 4110 at 9,900-10,600 yuan/ton (-200); East China at 10,000-10,800 yuan/ton (-150). Propylene oxide market weak, cost support insufficient. 70% of insiders expect further decline of ~300 yuan/ton today.
III. Macro Economy
April industrial production improved; first four months foreign trade up 14.9% YoY. Among 109 chemical products monitored, 29 rose and 68 fell.
IV. Outlook
High crude oil prices will support petrochemical costs short-term, but the supply-strong demand-weak pattern in plastic raw materials continues. Focus on downstream demand recovery and international oil price movements.
Source: Sci99.com | Date: May 13, 2026
