Spring, 2026
In an environment where you can’t control the macro market, you have to control your execution. Rely on Network’s insights to help you make sense of the latest market data and shifting packaging landscape.
MARKET INTELLIGENCE
- Polyethylene Resin
Strait of Hormuz disruptions are affecting ~50% of global ethylene & PE capacity. Dow announced $0.30/lb in April and $0.20/lb in May — a cumulative ~100% increase from pre-conflict levels. Exxon and NOVA followed with matching April hikes. PPI for plastics & resins hit 329.5 in April, signaling sustained upward pressure. Buyers should expect continued volatility through Q3 as Middle East tensions persist.
- Ocean Freight — Asia to US
Transpacific Eastbound spot rates sit at ~$3,800/FEU (USEC) and ~$2,800/FEU (USWC). Carriers have implemented 10–15% blank sailings to support mid-May GRIs, with capacity deployment at 82% — the tightest since post-CNY. US inbound volume fell 8.3% YoY in March to 1.97M TEUs. Further GRIs and Peak Season Surcharges are expected into June.
- Polyethylene Resin
- Ocean Freight — Asia to US
Strait of Hormuz disruptions are affecting ~50% of global ethylene & PE capacity. Dow announced $0.30/lb in April and $0.20/lb in May — a cumulative ~100% increase from pre-conflict levels. Exxon and NOVA followed with matching April hikes. PPI for plastics & resins hit 329.5 in April, signaling sustained upward pressure. Buyers should expect continued volatility through Q3 as Middle East tensions persist.
Transpacific Eastbound spot rates sit at ~$3,800/FEU (USEC) and ~$2,800/FEU (USWC). Carriers have implemented 10–15% blank sailings to support mid-May GRIs, with capacity deployment at 82% — the tightest since post-CNY. US inbound volume fell 8.3% YoY in March to 1.97M TEUs. Further GRIs and Peak Season Surcharges are expected into June.
- Corrugated & Containerboard
Pricing remains generally stable, but a second wave of containerboard price increases has been announced for June — led by Smurfit Westrock with competitors following. PPI for corrugated shipping containers at 425.2 (April). Linerboard markets remain volatile due to freight disruptions, energy costs, and tight recovered-paper supply.
- Stretch Film
Lead times remain stable, but resin cost increases are creating upward pricing pressure. Downgauge and rationalization opportunities exist for high-volume users. Suppliers maintaining inventory discipline — proactive contract positioning recommended before Q3 resets.
- Corrugated & Containerboard
- Stretch Film
Pricing remains generally stable, but a second wave of containerboard price increases has been announced for June — led by Smurfit Westrock with competitors following. PPI for corrugated shipping containers at 425.2 (April). Linerboard markets remain volatile due to freight disruptions, energy costs, and tight recovered-paper supply.
Lead times remain stable, but resin cost increases are creating upward pricing pressure. Downgauge and rationalization opportunities exist for high-volume users. Suppliers maintaining inventory discipline — proactive contract positioning recommended before Q3 resets.
- Stable
- Monitoring
- Elevated Pressure
STRATEGIC ADVISORY
- What Procurement Teams Should Watch
- Common Themes Across Multi-Site Organizations
- Decentralized purchasing activity
- Non-contracted spend exposed to price spikes
- SKU proliferation driving cost inefficiency
- Inconsistent forecasting & lead-time planning
- Limited plant-level spend visibility
- Contract compliance and supplier adherence to terms
- Supplier lead-time movement & capacity signals
- Stretch-film downgauge & rationalization savings
- Inconsistent forecasting & lead-time planning
- June containerboard price increase pass-throughs
- Transpacific rate trajectory into peak season
