Inquire Now

News

New Challenge: Injection Molding Industry Faces Raw Material Price Storm

In 2026, the global injection molding industry is facing a serious cost crisis. Due to conflict in the Middle East, prices of key raw materials like polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) have risen sharply, putting heavy pressure on downstream factories.

 

The price increases are huge. By March 2026, the average price of daily-use injection-grade PP in China reached 9,180 yuan per ton, up 5.03%. Some companies said PE prices jumped from 6,200 yuan per ton before the Spring Festival to 9,800 yuan per ton — an increase of over 50%. In Europe, PP prices rose by as much as 1,200 euros per ton compared with February, almost double.

 

Cost pressure is spreading fast through the supply chain. For injection molders, raw materials usually make up about 50% of operating costs. Every 10% to 15% price increase quickly cuts into profits. But price increases for finished products come more slowly, and injection molding companies have little bargaining power. As a result, most factories are running at low rates. The average operating rate of China's daily-use injection-grade PP factories is only about 49%, far below normal.

 

To deal with this, the industry is looking for solutions. Some leading companies are using recycled plastics as a cost buffer, because their prices are less tied to oil prices. At the same time, all-electric injection molding machines and AI systems can save 30% to 50% energy, helping companies cut operating costs.

 

In the short term, raw material prices will likely stay high and unstable. A real recovery for the injection molding industry still depends on easing geopolitical tensions and raw material prices returning to normal levels.


Leave A Message
  • Could I have your name?

  • How could I contact you more convenient?

  • Could you tell me the kind of support you hope to get?

Top