[Recycled ABS Weekly Review] Costs Provide Mild Support, While Off-Season Demand Weighs on a Weak Market

This week, the domestic recycled ABS market as a whole.Remain in a stalemate with a slight weakening trendThe slight support from the cost side is difficult to offset the bearish impact of weak off-season demand. Market trading remains sluggish, and the price center has edged lower. This week, mainstream recycled ABS off-white pellets and black crushed material prices have slightly declined. In major production areas such as Hebei and Wen’an, mainstream quotes for recycled ABS off-white pellets are 7,100-7,200 yuan/ton, down by about 100 yuan/ton compared with last week. Quotes for black semi-new blister sheet crushed material remain stable at 4,400 yuan/ton, with the overall decline being limited.

In terms of costs and plant operations, upstream styrene monomer prices edged up slightly this week, providing some cost support for the recycled ABS market and limiting room for a significant price decline. Recycled ABS producers maintained stable operating rates, with no large-scale maintenance shutdowns or production suspensions. Industry operating rates remained steady, and the supply of recycled pellets and crushed materials in the market was ample, with no signs of tight availability.

On the supply-demand and transaction side, the off-season demand pattern is evident. Downstream sectors such as home appliances, toys, and auto parts are facing insufficient end-user orders. End-user enterprises’ inventories remain within a reasonable range, and purchasing willingness is weak, with procurement maintained throughout on a just-in-need, hand-to-mouth basis and no demand for concentrated restocking. This week, market inquiries were sluggish, firm transactions were sparse, and most deals were small orders concluded through price negotiation. Overall market trading volume remained at a low level, while the price spread between virgin and recycled materials stayed stable, leaving no obvious arbitrage opportunity.

In terms of market sentiment and futures, market participants remained cautious and slightly bearish. Upstream producers faced manageable sales pressure, while downstream companies showed a clear tendency to bargain aggressively, and a strong wait-and-see atmosphere prevailed in the market. This week, ABS futures fluctuated slightly, with overall muted performance and limited guidance for the spot market. Looking ahead, styrene cost support is expected to remain limited in the short term, while the off-season pattern in end-user demand continues. The recycled ABS market is therefore expected to remain weak and rangebound next week, with prices likely to make only narrow adjustments and little chance of a clear trend.

(The data in this article is compiled from publicly available information and is for market reference only. It does not constitute any investment or trading advice.)