长安期货侯荃宇：聚乙烯市场情绪降温 节前波动幅度有限

Core Viewpoint - The polyethylene (PE) futures market has experienced a cooling sentiment, with prices under pressure and a weekly decline of 2.88%, closing at 6812 points, influenced by weakening crude oil prices and a supply-demand imbalance as the Chinese New Year approaches [5][23]. Supply Side - The supply side has seen a slight decrease in the number of shutdowns, with a total of approximately 370,000 tons of production capacity affected by maintenance. The operating rate for the PE industry is at 85.91%, an increase of 0.56% week-on-week, while weekly production reached 712,400 tons, up by 0.64% [8][26]. - China remains a net importer of PE, with a decrease in foreign offers and low purchasing intentions from importers. The cumulative PE export volume is 503,800 tons, a year-on-year increase of 9,510 tons, while imports have decreased to 5,446,300 tons, down by 237,700 tons year-on-year [10][28]. Demand Side - Demand is entering a seasonal lull as the Chinese New Year approaches, with downstream factories shutting down, leading to a decrease in overall operating rates to 33.73%, down by 4.03% [11][29]. - In the agricultural film sector, the operating rate is at 30.18%, down by 4.38%, while the PE packaging film sector is at 38.82%, down by 3.25%. The PE pipe sector has an operating rate of 23.67%, down by 4.16% [13][31]. Inventory - Domestic PE inventory has shown a significant accumulation in production enterprises, with a total inventory of 379,700 tons, an increase of 56,700 tons week-on-week. Trade inventories have slightly decreased to 23,200 tons [14][32]. Cost Side - The cost side remains uncertain due to geopolitical factors affecting crude oil prices. The upcoming negotiations between the U.S. and Iran may influence oil prices, but current trends show limited support for PE costs. The volatility in propylene and methanol futures prices has also decreased [16][34]. Summary - In the short term, the PE market is expected to lean towards a supply strong and demand weak scenario, with high production rates and accumulating inventories. The market sentiment is cautious due to the upcoming holiday and potential geopolitical risks, suggesting a recommendation for reduced positions ahead of the holiday [19][37].