PTA：供需预期转弱但低加工费下成本支撑偏强

Market Overview - On July 9, PTA futures experienced a slight increase, with the spot market showing general trading activity primarily driven by traders, while some polyester factories made offers. The spot basis quickly weakened but stabilized afterward, with transactions occurring in the range of 4720 to 4770, and some higher at 09+60. The mainstream spot basis was at 09+36 [1] Cost Analysis - As of July 9, the PTA spot processing fee was around 159 yuan/ton, while the TA2509 market processing fee was 314 yuan/ton [2] Supply and Demand Dynamics - Supply: Last week, PTA operating rates rose to 78.2%, an increase of 0.5% - Demand: The polyester comprehensive operating rate continued to decline to 90.2%, a decrease of 1.2%. On July 9, the price of polyester filament saw a localized decrease, with overall sales remaining weak. The recent decline in filament prices, coupled with the off-season and hot weather, has led to subdued sales and an increase in fabric inventory. There is a high probability that filament prices will continue to trend downward, with filament factory inventories increasing. Attention should be paid to the production cuts by filament enterprises and adjustments in filament price levels [3] Market Outlook - In July, the maintenance of PTA facilities is moderate, and there is an expectation for the commissioning of the PTA facility at Sanfangxiang (600370). There is a strong expectation of production cuts in downstream polyester factories and continued weak terminal demand, leading to a weakening of PTA supply and demand expectations. The PTA basis has further weakened recently. In terms of absolute prices, short-term oil prices are expected to trend strong, and the supply-demand outlook for raw material PX is tight, combined with PTA processing fees compressed to very low levels, providing strong short-term cost support for PTA. However, with signs of accelerated negative feedback at the terminal, the rebound in PTA absolute prices remains limited. The strategy suggests that TA will oscillate in the range of 4600-4900, with a short position favored below 4700; the focus will be on rolling short positions in TA9-1 [4]