Shenwan Hongyuan Securities·2025-12-28 11:14Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Positive" outlook on the petrochemical industry, highlighting a recovery in PX supply-demand dynamics and PTA profitability restoration [3][5]. Core Insights - The PX market is expected to see a tightening supply-demand balance, with a recovery in operating rates from 78% in 2023 to over 85% as downstream PTA production ramps up in 2024-2025. This is anticipated to lead to a significant improvement in market conditions [5][6]. - PTA production capacity in China is projected to increase from 46.08 million tons in 2018 to 86.02 million tons by 2024, accounting for 75% of global capacity. The report indicates that there will be no new capacity additions post-2026, leading to a collaborative reduction phase in the industry [13][19]. - The upstream oil sector is experiencing rising oil prices, with Brent crude futures closing at $60.64 per barrel, reflecting a 0.28% increase week-on-week. This is expected to support the profitability of refining companies [5][26]. - The polyester sector is showing mixed performance, with PTA profitability increasing while polyester filament profits are declining. The report emphasizes the need to monitor demand changes closely [19]. Summary by Sections PX Market - PX supply-demand is tightening, with a forecasted increase in operating rates to over 85% due to no new capacity additions and seasonal maintenance in early 2026 [5][6]. - The report notes that the PX price has risen to $878.87 per ton, a week-on-week increase of 5.61% [19]. PTA Market - PTA production capacity is expected to reach 71.14 million tons in 2024, a 13% year-on-year increase. The report anticipates a collaborative reduction phase starting in 2026 due to no new capacity additions [13][19]. - PTA prices have shifted from a downward trend to an upward trend, with current prices in East China averaging 4,936 RMB per ton, reflecting a 6.94% increase week-on-week [19]. Upstream Oil Sector - Brent crude oil prices have increased, with a weekly average price of $61.91 per barrel, indicating a positive trend for upstream oil companies [5][26]. - The report highlights a decrease in the number of active drilling rigs in the U.S., with 545 rigs reported, a decrease of 44 year-on-year, suggesting a potential impact on future oil supply [41]. Investment Recommendations - The report recommends focusing on high-quality companies in the polyester sector, such as Tongkun Co. and Wankai New Materials, as well as major refining companies like Hengli Petrochemical and Rongsheng Petrochemical due to expected improvements in profitability [19].