The naphtha shortage caused by the Middle East conflict has affected all industries in South Korea, hitting the plastic products industry hardest. Garbage bags and plastic containers are in tight supply, leading to a rush to buy special garbage bags in many areas, with major supermarkets and convenience stores imposing purchase restrictions.
Sales data: E-Mart’s garbage bag sales surged 287% year-on-year (22nd-29th); Lotte Mart’s rose 140% year-on-year (23rd-28th); GS Convenience Store’s special and food-specific garbage bags jumped 278% month-on-month (22nd-26th).


On Wednesday, the silicone market seemed calm but was volatile. Prices were stable temporarily, but supported by strong pre-sales and high costs, manufacturers insisted on price stability. Spot transaction prices rose, and some monomer factories suspended quotations, tightening supply further.


As of March 31: DMC rose 300 yuan/ton locally, approaching 15,000 yuan/ton; Luxi D4 rose 100 yuan/ton to 14,300 yuan/ton; 107 rubber hit 15,300 yuan/ton. Driven by "buying up", mid-downstream enterprises stocked up earlier, with major inventories enough for April production. Most are digesting inventory now; pre-sale orders of monomer factories are scheduled to mid-late April, keeping spot tight short-term.