Core Viewpoint - Ethylene glycol futures prices are experiencing a volatile consolidation phase, influenced by increased supply from new projects and declining industry profits [1][2][8] Supply - Ethylene glycol comprehensive capacity utilization rate is at 66.55%, down 0.9 percentage points week-on-week; total production is 404,600 tons, a decrease of 1.33% [2] - The production capacity of coal-based ethylene glycol is at 65.96%, down 2.47% week-on-week, while oil-integrated facilities show a slight increase in utilization [2] - Overall, supply remains relatively ample, with expectations of slight production growth as some coal chemical facilities resume operations [2][8] Inventory - As of September 15, the port inventory of ethylene glycol in East China is 395,600 tons, an increase of 32,400 tons from the previous week [4] Demand - Domestic polyester industry weekly production is 1,546,800 tons, a slight increase of 0.74% week-on-week, with an average capacity utilization rate of 87.9% [5] - Demand in the weaving sector shows a slight recovery, with average order days increasing to 14.55 days, although large orders remain scarce [7] Cost Factors - OPEC+ plans to increase production, but geopolitical risks and seasonal declines in oil consumption are putting pressure on international oil prices [1] - The cost structure for ethylene glycol is expected to continue to decline due to falling prices of crude oil and coal [8] Market Outlook - Short-term expectations indicate a decrease in domestic ethylene glycol production with a potential increase in imports, maintaining stable overall supply [8] - The weak price trend for ethylene glycol is likely to persist, with forecasts suggesting continued downward pressure [8]