Core Viewpoint - The PVC market is experiencing significant challenges due to increased trade friction, weak demand, and a supply-demand imbalance, leading to price fluctuations and potential risks of further declines in the future [1][8]. Supply and Production - The spring maintenance has led to a noticeable increase in PVC maintenance, resulting in a significant drop in operating rates, which are now below 80%, with weekly production around 450,000 tons [4]. - The production pressure is temporarily alleviated due to ongoing maintenance plans, which are expected to keep operating rates at low levels [4]. Cost and Profitability - The PVC supply-demand imbalance is evident, with prices near a 10-year low, causing substantial profit compression for producers, leading to losses becoming the norm [5]. - The integrated chlor-alkali enterprises that produce PVC are facing losses, particularly in the external procurement of calcium carbide, which is around 600 yuan/ton [5]. - The profitability of PVC and caustic soda has recently turned negative, indicating that cost support may gradually become more apparent [5]. Demand Dynamics - Weak demand has become a norm for PVC, with 80% of its downstream demand linked to the real estate sector, which is currently in a weak cycle [6]. - Despite recent stimulus policies aimed at the real estate market, the impact on PVC demand remains limited, with new construction data still showing weakness [6]. Export Trends - In March, China exported 360,000 tons of PVC, a year-on-year increase of 11%, with cumulative exports from January to March reaching 970,000 tons, up 56% year-on-year [7]. - However, increasing trade friction and higher import/export tariffs are expected to complicate future PVC exports, potentially diminishing the positive impact of exports on domestic supply-demand balance [7].