SunSirs: Building Materials Industries Bulk Commodity Intelligence (April 9, 2026)

Macroeconomics

1. [Shipping] The Strait of Hormuz has been closed once again. According to data from maritime traffic tracking systems, the oil tanker *Aurora*—originally bound for the exit of the Strait of Hormuz—abruptly altered its course near the coast of the Musandam Peninsula; after executing a 180-degree turn, it headed back into the depths of the Persian Gulf. Reports indicate that Iran halted tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz following an Israeli attack on Lebanon.

2. [RBI Interest Rates] The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) maintained its benchmark repo rate at 5.25%, in line with market expectations.

3. [RBNZ Interest Rates] On April 8 (local time), the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ)—the country's central bank—announced that it would keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 2.25%, consistent with market expectations.

Building Materials

1. [Wood Pulp] Recently, Brazil’s Suzano initiated a scheduled annual comprehensive maintenance shutdown at its facility in Três Lagoas. Maintenance work for Mill No. 1 is scheduled to take place from April 5 to April 14, while maintenance for Mill No. 2 will be conducted from April 15 to May 4. The combined annual production capacity of these two production lines totals 3.25 million tons.

2. [Wastepaper] On April 8, 2026: Zhejiang Pinghu Rongcheng Paper announced an increase of 15 RMB/ton in its waste paper procurement price; following this adjustment, the ex-works price (excluding VAT) stands at 1,625 RMB/ton.

Zhejiang Jiaxing Jingxing Paper announced an increase of 20 RMB/ton in its wastepaper procurement price; following this adjustment, the ex-works price (excluding VAT) stands at 1,590 RMB/ton.

SunSirs has been continuously tracking price data for over 200 commodities for nearly 20 years, please contact support@sunsirs.com for subscription.