Thailand Plastic Packaging Prices Decline on Global Oil Price Drop
Published: June 25, 2026
According to a report by Thai Chinese News on June 24, the Deputy Director-General of Thailand's Department of Internal Trade revealed that the department is closely monitoring raw material and plastic packaging product prices. In March 2026, conflicts in the Middle East caused energy price fluctuations, particularly in natural gas and crude oil prices, while raw material transportation through the Strait of Hormuz was disrupted, affecting global petrochemical and plastic pellet production.
Price Trend Review
Tracking PE, PP, and PET plastic pellet prices showed that in March 2026, prices increased by approximately 27-58% compared to February, with HDPE up 31%, PP up 50%, and PET up 58%. This led to increased costs for plastic packaging and consumer goods manufacturers.
However, the situation began to ease in May as global crude oil prices declined, transportation through the Strait of Hormuz returned to normal, and plastic pellet prices started to fall. Meanwhile, importers increased plastic pellet imports by over 39% to meet domestic demand, ensuring adequate raw material supply and easing price pressure.
Packaging Market Price Changes
The plastic packaging market shows that major products such as plastic food containers, hot and cold plastic bags, tote bags, and garbage bags are well-supplied and prices have begun to decline. As of June 17, 2026, some plastic packaging prices dropped by approximately 2-6 Thai Baht per kilogram:
- Hot and cold plastic bags: from 47 THB/kg to 42 THB/kg, down 11%
- Tote bags: from 51 THB/kg to 45 THB/kg, down 12%
- Garbage bags: from 42 THB/kg to 40 THB/kg, down 5%
Furthermore, under the Goods and Services Price Act, the Department of Internal Trade has listed plastic pellets and plastic packaging as commodities under close monitoring by the Central Committee on Goods and Services Prices, continuously tracking costs, inventory, production, imports, and sales.
Market Outlook
Local operators reported that packaging prices have gradually declined with raw material costs. A packaging operator at Saphan Di Market in Nonthaburi revealed that recent packaging product price reductions have been significant, with some products dropping 200-300 THB per box, particularly food containers and plastic cups.
The Department of Internal Trade will continue to monitor plastic pellet and packaging product prices to ensure that raw material cost reductions are reasonably reflected in end-user prices, benefiting both operators and consumers. It is expected that as global energy and plastic pellet prices gradually return to normal, plastic packaging prices will further decline.
Source: Thai Chinese News, Sci99
