聚乙烯：供给现状及展望

Core Viewpoint - The polyethylene (PE) industry in China is experiencing explosive capacity growth driven by integrated refining strategies, the rise of private refining, and foreign investment, leading to a supply-demand imbalance characterized by "overcapacity, structural imbalance, and regional concentration" [2][15]. Group 1: Domestic Polyethylene Supply Status - China's polyethylene capacity has expanded significantly, with a total capacity expected to reach 41.14 million tons per year by the end of 2025, marking a 15 percentage point increase in growth rate compared to 2024 [3][16]. - The market structure has shifted from being dominated by state-owned enterprises to a more diversified competition, with private companies accounting for 58% of new capacity in 2025 [4][17]. - The import dependency of polyethylene has decreased, with total imports dropping by 50.36 thousand tons in the first eleven months of 2025, leading to a reduction in import dependency to 28% [4][19]. Group 2: Raw Material Diversification - The raw material structure for polyethylene has evolved into a triad of oil-based, coal-based, and light hydrocarbon-based processes, with oil-based polyethylene accounting for nearly two-thirds of production [5][20]. - Coal-based polyethylene has seen rapid development since 2016, with a production capacity concentrated in coal-rich regions, benefiting from lower costs compared to oil-based processes [6][21]. - The light hydrocarbon-based route is emerging as a significant growth area, although it faces challenges due to reliance on imported feedstock [6][22]. Group 3: Regional Distribution and Structural Optimization - Polyethylene production is concentrated in four major regions: South China, North China, East China, and Northwest China, which together account for over 95% of total capacity [8][23]. - The uneven distribution of capacity has led to supply-demand mismatches, with overcapacity in the Northwest and high demand in South and East China [9][24]. - The market is transitioning to a more efficient logistics model that combines local production and consumption, moving away from traditional transportation methods [8][23]. Group 4: Future Outlook for Polyethylene Supply - The polyethylene industry is expected to continue its capacity expansion cycle from 2026 to 2030, with an anticipated addition of over 500 thousand tons in 2026 alone [10][11]. - The focus will shift from quantity to quality, with an emphasis on high-end products to fill existing supply gaps, particularly in LDPE and specialty grades [12][27]. - The maturation of the polyethylene futures market will enhance its role in stabilizing supply and guiding industry development, providing better risk management tools for companies [13][28].