Weekly Dynamics of Modified PC/ABS Equipment: Formula Production Scheduling Adjustments, Regional Supply Divergence

This week, the overall operating load of domestic industrial-grade modified PC/ABS production enterprises is 45.1%, a decrease of 1.7 percentage points compared to the previous period. The products are primarily flame-retardant and high-heat-resistant electronic-grade modified alloy materials. There is a clear differentiation in orders from downstream sectors such as home appliance shells and structural components for new energy vehicles. Production enterprises are flexibly adjusting additive formulations and product scheduling structures based on long-term demand from downstream clients. Key planned maintenance in the industry focuses on the main production area in East China: the 120,000-ton/year flame-retardant modified PC/ABS production line in Wuxi, Jiangsu, has been undergoing a major equipment overhaul since July 3 for 13 days, upgrading the alloy blending and twin-screw extrusion complete system, resulting in an effective capacity loss of 1,920 tons this week; the 67,000-ton/year glass fiber-reinforced modified PC/ABS facility in Jiaxing, Zhejiang is undergoing a single-line shutdown for maintenance and replacement of screw components, with the overall production load in the plant dropping to 54%.

A sudden malfunction on-site caused regional supply disruptions: The automated additive feeding and conveying system at the 49,000-ton/year high-flow modified PC/ABS production line in Zhongshan, Guangdong, malfunctioned on July 7, leading to a three-day shutdown for repairs. On July 9, the line resumed operation at a low load of 65%, which directly resulted in a short-term tightening of the supply of modified materials specifically for new energy housings in South China. The downstream demand for long-term contracts supported some facilities to increase production: The load of the 62,000-ton/year automotive-grade weather-resistant modified PC/ABS production facility in Shanghai was raised from 55% to 76%, with the company prioritizing the production of halogen-free flame-retardant and high-impact specialized specifications. Small and medium-sized modified enterprises generally controlled the production of general grades to avoid risks associated with price fluctuations of upstream PC and ABS raw materials, while strictly managing finished product inventory.

Overseas plants and domestic new capacity progress: PC/ABS modified production enterprises in the Southeast Asian Malay Archipelago are constrained by relatively high upstream raw material procurement costs, with average operating rates maintained at 52%-60%. Imports of industrial-grade modified materials to China are limited to a narrow range of specifications. Mainstream modified alloy plants in Taiwan, China are operating steadily at full capacity, and cross-border arriving cargo prices have been edging up. This week, Changzhou’s newly built 78,000-ton/year high-end integrated PC/ABS modification project completed production pilot runs, optimized heat-resistant modification formulations, and is expected to officially commence production in September, releasing capacity. Industry maintenance this week involves a total capacity of 453,000 tons. Domestic spot markets show significant regional divergence: electronic-grade modified materials in East China are relatively tight, while general-purpose grades in South China are adequately supplied. In the short term, ex-factory prices across the industry are expected to remain range-bound with narrow fluctuations.