Plastics Market Weekly: PVC Prices Rise Amid Cost Support and Demand Tug-of-War
August 3, 2026 — This week, China's plastics market showed an overall oscillating consolidation trend, with PVC prices seeing regional increases, while PE and PP markets maintained narrow fluctuations.
PVC Market: Regional Price Increases
Domestic PVC mainstream transaction prices saw significant adjustments. North China rose 60-100 yuan/ton, East China increased 100 yuan/ton, South China gained 100-110 yuan/ton, Northeast China added 50 yuan/ton, Central China rose 50 yuan/ton, and Southwest China increased 50 yuan/ton. Upstream PVC manufacturers continued to raise ex-factory prices, with adjustments mostly in the 50-100 yuan/ton range.
As of July 30, the daily average price of PVC powder (SG-5) fell 60 yuan/ton to 4,525 yuan/ton, with futures main contract closing at 4,467 yuan/ton. Supply-side pressure marginally increased, with cost support weakening combined with supply-demand pressure, extending the weak performance of the PVC powder market.
PE/PP Market: Oscillating Consolidation
In the PE market, linear futures oscillated lower, with cautious market sentiment dominating. Merchants shipped goods at market prices, with overall quotes showing narrow oscillation. LLDPE mainstream quotes ranged 7,980-8,050 yuan/ton, LDPE quotes at 9,700-9,950 yuan/ton.
In the PP market, futures showed minor consolidation, with downstream buyers mostly in a wait-and-see mode, taking goods as needed. Transaction performance was flat. Drawing-grade PP mainstream quotes ranged 7,140-7,520 yuan/ton.
Crude Oil and Cost Side
On international crude oil, WTI stood at $84.67/barrel, Brent at $90.12/barrel. Geopolitical situations continued to cause disturbances, with domestic bulk commodities in resonance. Plastics markets were largely cost-driven. Naphtha prices reported at $569.50/ton, providing some cost support for downstream petrochemical products.
Recycled Plastics Market
The recycled high-pressure market saw slow trading pace with mostly stable prices. Shanghai washed wrapping film and flat film grade A mainstream transactions were at 3,400-3,500 yuan/ton; Shandong EVA pellets mainstream at 5,050-5,300 yuan/ton; Hebei high-pressure white transparent grade A pellets mainstream at 5,800-6,000 yuan/ton.
Market Outlook
In the short term, raw material prices may weaken slightly from highs, but bottom support remains. Demand is still in seasonal off-peak, supply shows an upward trend. Focus on downstream stocking demand and unit maintenance dynamics. Expect plastics market to continue oscillating pattern.
Data sources: SCI99, Sumibuy
