Core Viewpoint - The report highlights the recent trends in the PTA and short fiber chemical fiber markets, indicating fluctuations in prices and supply dynamics, influenced by crude oil prices and production activities in the industry [1] Group 1: PTA Market Dynamics - On May 12, NY crude oil futures increased by $0.93 to $61.95 per barrel, while Brent crude oil futures rose by $1.05 to $64.96 per barrel [1] - PTA futures experienced narrow fluctuations in the morning, with the spot market basis strengthening, leading to some mainstream suppliers making sales [1] - Yisheng Petrochemical raised its PTA price by $28 to $616 per ton [1] Group 2: MEG Market Trends - MEG domestic market showed strong fluctuations, with the external market also trending upwards [1] - A 360,000 tons/year MEG facility in the U.S. has restarted operations after being offline since early March [1] - From May 12 to May 18, the total arrival quantity at Zhangjiagang was approximately 43,000 tons, Taicang 7,000 tons, Ningbo 5,000 tons, and Shanghai 0 tons, with a total planned arrival of about 55,000 tons at major ports [1] Group 3: Short Fiber Market Insights - Jiangsu and Zhejiang regions saw an increase in production and sales, with average sales estimated above 50% [1] - Short fiber futures maintained an upward trend, with factory prices generally increasing by 100 yuan, although downstream transaction volumes decreased compared to the previous day [1] - Mainstream transaction prices for semi-dull 1.4D direct-spun polyester ranged from 6,450 to 6,650 yuan/ton, with variations in different regions [1] Group 4: Polyester Market Activity - The polyester chip market experienced overall weak transaction atmosphere, with mainstream transactions for semi-dull and bright chips around 5,850 to 5,900 yuan [1] - The transaction volume for polyester bottle chips was light, with orders for May to July mostly transacted at 5,900 to 6,100 yuan/ton [1]