PP Prices Rise Slightly, Plant Maintenance Increases

On May 12, the average market price of polypropylene (PP) pellets was RMB 9,548 per ton, up RMB 22 per ton or 0.23% from the previous working day. Today, the mainstream transaction prices for PP raffia-grade pellets ranged between RMB 9,300 and RMB 9,500 per ton. Domestic market prices remained firm overall. Rising international crude oil prices provided stronger cost support. An increasing number of plant maintenance shutdowns continued to tighten supply, prompting traders to hold firm on prices. However, downstream factories reported limited new orders, resulting in sluggish market trading activity.

North China Market: On May 12, polypropylene (PP) prices in the Linyi market were relatively firm, with futures strengthening and spot prices following suit; transactions were negotiated on a case-by-case basis. In Shandong Province, the mainstream transaction prices for homopolymer raffia-grade material stood at RMB 9,470–9,540/ton (tax-inclusive, ex-factory); for injection-molding-grade material, at RMB 9,200–9,480/ton (tax-inclusive, ex-factory); and for fiber-grade material, at RMB 9,850–9,950/ton (tax-inclusive, ex-factory).

East China Market: On May 12, the Yuyao PP market price trended upward. Near-term spot supply remains tight, and traders are booking profits through their quotations, showing limited willingness to offer discounts in actual transactions. In the eastern region, the mainstream transaction price for raffia-grade material stands at RMB 9,530–9,650/ton (tax-inclusive, ex-factory); for injection-grade material, the mainstream transaction price is RMB 9,570–9,700/ton (tax-inclusive, ex-factory); and for fiber-grade material, the mainstream transaction price is RMB 9,400–9,570/ton (tax-inclusive, ex-factory).

South China Market: On May 12, the PP market in Xiamen remained stable with a slight rise on the trading floor but weak actual transactions. Traders' quotation changes were not significant, with actual transactions conducted through negotiation. The mainstream selling price of injection molding materials in the South China region ranged from 9,450 to 9,950 yuan/ton, ex-tax factory price. The mainstream selling price of molding materials was between 9,950 and 10,000 yuan/ton, ex-tax factory price. The mainstream selling price of fiber materials was between 9,900 and 9,950 yuan/ton, ex-tax factory price.

Market Outlook: Futures prices rose moderately in the morning session, with spot markets following the upward trend. Traders tentatively raised their offer levels, but downstream buyers showed limited acceptance of higher-priced material, resulting in thin trading activity. Polypropylene prices are expected to trade in a firm but volatile range on the next trading day, with price fluctuations of 30–100 RMB per ton.