China Chemical News — The Vinyl Environmental Council (VEC), an association of Japan’s polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin manufacturers, recently released data showing Japan’s total PVC resin shipments reached 102,411 metric tons in June, a year-on-year drop of 5.1%. Exports, which account for 40% to 50% of total shipments, are recovering sluggishly.
Global PVC resin market prices remain depressed amid falling raw material costs and weak overall demand. Hiroshi Yokota, Chairman of VEC, voiced concerns over the downward price trend. “Current transaction prices stand at roughly $800 per metric ton, and the market outlook is bleak,” he said. Earlier, PVC prices in Asia hovered around $1,100 per metric ton amid supply procurement jitters stemming from tensions in the Middle East.
Japan’s June PVC output totaled 82,157 metric tons, sliding 19.9% year on year. Chairman Yokota clarified that stabilized supply of ethylene — the core feedstock for PVC — rules out raw material shortages as the driver of lower production. Routine maintenance work launched in May by Shin-Etsu Chemical, Japan’s leading PVC producer, also weighed on output figures.
Domestic PVC inventories stood at 138,588 metric tons in June, falling 10.1% month-on-month. “Steady domestic shipments have effectively drawn down stockpiles,” Yokota commented. He added that inventory levels and facility operating rates likely hit bottom between April and June.
Post time: Jul-31-2026