US BOPP film buyers moved higher into mid-March as restocking ahead of the spring packaging run and Gulf Coast inventories supported buying interest. March activity saw buyers top up positions of seasonal demand from food and consumer packaging, with delays amplifying supply urgency. Despite higher conversion costs and geopolitical freight risk, producers pushed through surcharges, reinforcing cost pressure. The market shifted from cautious February gains into a clearer upward trajectory as converters balanced limited spot availability with steady downstream demand. Demand remained strongest in flexible packaging and packaging converters, where food and consumer packaging requirements supported firm offtake; recycled-content trials remained small with no measurable impact on prime-grade demand. Labels and e-commerce wrapping sustained moderate demand, while industrial film markets provided additional pull. The USA consumption split remains roughly 60% domestic to 40% imports, and onshore inventory coverage tightened, amplifying restocking flows. Outlook points to continued upside, supported by restocking momentum and freight risk, though import recovery could moderate momentum.
