The phthalic anhydride market fluctuated and fell in April

According to the Commodity Market Analysis System of Shengyi Society, as of April 29th, the price of phthalic anhydride in neighboring countries was 7150 yuan/ton, a fluctuating decrease of 3.81% compared to the price of 7433.33 yuan/ton on April 1st. At the end of March, multiple phthalic anhydride manufacturers stopped for maintenance, and the operating load of phthalic anhydride manufacturers decreased to about 50%. The supply of phthalic anhydride decreased, and the price of phthalic anhydride rose sharply. With the slow recovery of equipment operation in phthalic anhydride enterprises in April, the price of phthalic anhydride fluctuated and fell. In the middle and late stages, downstream centralized procurement supported the demand for phthalic anhydride, and the price of phthalic anhydride stopped falling and stabilized. The price of Nafthalic anhydride is stabilizing strongly, supported by the cost of phthalic anhydride. The upward support for phthalic anhydride prices still exists, and the price of phthalic anhydride has stopped falling and stabilized.
Supply side: resumption of work and increased supply
The phthalic anhydride units that were shut down for maintenance in March resumed gradually in April, and the capacity utilization rate of the domestic phthalic anhydride industry increased. The capacity utilization rate of the naphthalene phthalic anhydride industry remained stable; The utilization rate of production capacity in the domestic phthalic anhydride industry is slowly recovering. The overall supply of phthalic anhydride has increased.
Demand side: DOP market is fluctuating and falling
According to the Commodity Market Analysis System of Shengyi Society, as of April 29th, the DOP price was 8166.66 yuan/ton, a fluctuating decrease of 1.47% from the April 1st DOP price of 8288.75 yuan/ton. The operating rate of plasticizer DOP enterprises has dropped to about 50%, the production of plasticizer DOP has decreased, raw material prices have fallen, the cost of plasticizer DOP has decreased, and the demand for cost reduction has weakened. As a result, plasticizer prices fluctuated and fell in April. The demand for phthalic anhydride is weak, and there is still downward pressure on phthalic anhydride prices.
Future forecast
According to the data analyst of Shengyi Society’s phthalic anhydride products, in terms of supply, phthalic anhydride manufacturers are slowly resuming production, and the supply of phthalic anhydride is increasing; In terms of demand, the operating load of DOP manufacturers is stabilizing at a low level, while the demand for phthalic anhydride is weak. In the future, with strong supply and weak demand, it is expected that the price of phthalic anhydride will fluctuate and stabilize.

At the beginning of April, due to the decline in raw material prices, the company’s profits rebounded, and the enthusiasm for production was high, with sufficient inventory. Overall, the operating rate of the domestic hydrogen fluoride market reached 59.2% in April, an increase of 4.1% compared to March, and the production of 175600 tons increased by 7.0% month on month. However, at the end of April, due to high prices and sufficient inventory in the downstream refrigerant industry, stocking was not active and mainly relied on on-demand procurement, resulting in a decline in market prices by the end of the month. At present, the bidding price for the hydrogen fluoride market in May has been implemented, with a delivery price of 11300-11400 yuan/ton in Jiangsu and Zhejiang regions, and a price reduction of 450-550 yuan/ton compared to April. According to the analysis system of Shengyi Society, as of April 28th, the benchmark price of hydrofluoric acid in Shengyi Society was 11883.33 yuan/ton, a decrease of -2.99% compared to the beginning of this month (11933.33 yuan/ton).

On the raw material side, the market prices of fluorite and sulfuric acid both declined in April. The current situation of the game in the domestic fluorite industry still exists. Overall, the operating rate of enterprises has not changed much. Upstream mining is tight, backward mines will continue to be eliminated, and new mines will be added. Mineral investigation work is still difficult. In addition, national departments need to rectify fluorite mines, and fluorite mining enterprises are facing increasingly strict safety and environmental protection requirements. The difficulty of operating fluorite mines has increased, and the shortage of raw materials has limited the operation of fluorite enterprises. The supply of fluorite sources is still tight. However, as the temperature rises, northern enterprises gradually start operating, and the supply of fluorite enterprises on site has increased. In April, the fluorite market situation declined, and the cost pressure on anhydrous hydrogen fluoride production enterprises has eased to some extent. According to the analysis system of Shengyi Society, as of April 28th, the benchmark price of Shengyi Society’s fluorite was 3712.50 yuan/ton, a decrease of -1.66% compared to the beginning of this month (3775.00 yuan/ton).
Demand side: Downstream refrigerants are in the traditional peak season, but due to high raw material prices, downstream procurement is more cautious and mainly based on demand. The market trading atmosphere is average, and some companies have reduced their raw material demand due to profit losses.
Market forecast: In April, the market price of raw material fluorite sulfuric acid will decline, which will relieve cost pressure for anhydrous hydrogen fluoride enterprises, increase profits, increase production enthusiasm, and ensure sufficient inventory. However, downstream refrigerant procurement is cautious, the trading atmosphere is quiet, and demand is weak. It is expected that the market price of anhydrous hydrogen fluoride will mainly decline in May, with a downward range of around 450-550 yuan/ton. More attention should be paid to the news of leading enterprises and market supply and demand situation.

In April, the price of isooctanol fluctuated and fell before consolidating

According to the Commodity Market Analysis System of Shengyi Society, as of April 27th, the price of isooctanol was 7483.33 yuan/ton, a fluctuating decrease of 3.44% compared to the price of 7750 yuan/ton on April 1st. Plasticizer companies have low operating rates, with the operating rate of plasticizers dropping to 50%. The demand for isooctanol is weak, and the price of isooctanol is fluctuating and falling; Isooctanol enterprises have added new production capacity, and the self-sufficiency rate of isooctanol in China has increased to over 95%. The import of isooctanol has significantly decreased, and the overall market supply of isooctanol is sufficient.
Downstream plasticizer DOP prices fluctuated and fell in April
According to the Commodity Market Analysis System of Shengyi Society, as of April 27th, the DOP price was 8175.84 yuan/ton, a fluctuating decrease of 1.36% from the April 1st DOP price of 8288.75 yuan/ton. The operating rate of plasticizer DOP enterprises has dropped to about 50%, the production of plasticizer DOP has decreased, the demand for isooctanol is weak, the support for isooctanol demand has weakened, and the downward pressure of isooctanol still exists.
The self-sufficiency rate of isooctanol has increased, and the import volume has significantly decreased
Due to the new production capacity in Anhui, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang regions, China’s self-sufficiency rate of octanol will gradually increase from the second half of 2024, and by 2025, the self-sufficiency rate of octanol will reach over 95%. After China’s self-sufficiency rate of octanol increased, imported octanol was squeezed. Especially by 2025, the downstream will reduce the purchase of imported octanol and increase the domestic purchase of octanol, resulting in a significant decrease in the import quantity of octanol. The cumulative import volume of octanol in China from January to March was 45800 tons, a decrease of 40500 tons compared to the same period last year, a decrease of 46.93%. The self-sufficiency rate of isooctanol in China has increased, but the demand for isooctanol in China still exists.
Future expectations
According to the data analyst of Shengyi Society’s octanol products, plasticizer companies have low operating rates, and downstream demand for isooctanol is weak; The addition of new production capacity and stable operation by isooctanol manufacturers have led to an increase in domestic isooctanol supply, resulting in an increase in domestic self-sufficiency rate and a decrease in imports. Overall, the isooctanol market supply is relatively stable. In the future, the supply of isooctanol is stable and demand is weak, and it is expected that the price of isooctanol will remain weak and consolidate at a low level.

1、 Price trend

According to the Commodity Market Analysis System of Shengyi Society, the price of pure benzene has continued to decline this week. On Monday, the price of pure benzene was 6385.33 yuan/ton, and on Friday, it was 6152 yuan/ton, with a price drop of 3.65% during the week.
2、 Market analysis
Pure benzene: The price of pure benzene has continued to decline this week. The domestic pure benzene market lacks buying momentum, and the trading atmosphere on the exchange is still mainly focused on filling short positions. Downstream product profits have declined, operating loads have decreased, and there is insufficient demand for pure benzene. The demand for purchasing gas is average, and the price of local refineries in Shandong has been lowered to stimulate short supply and purchase of goods at low prices.
This week, the price of Sinopec has remained stable at 6200 yuan/ton.
Downstream aspects
3、 Future forecast
Crude oil futures: On April 24th, international crude oil futures rose. The settlement price of the main contract for WTI crude oil futures in the United States was $62.79 per barrel, an increase of $0.52 or 0.8%. The settlement price of the main Brent crude oil futures contract was $66.55 per barrel, an increase of $0.43 or 0.7%.
On April 24th, FOB Korea fell by $12 to $723 per ton, CFR China fell by $12 to $739 per ton, FOB Rotterdam fell by $5 to $670 per ton, and FOB Gulf fell by 2 cents to $251 per gallon.
Overall forecast: The pure benzene market is still weak in the short term, and we are waiting to see the cost and demand news. Continue to monitor the trends of crude oil and external markets, as well as the impact of changes in pure benzene and downstream equipment dynamics and demand on the price of pure benzene.

This week, the phthalic anhydride market fluctuated and fell

According to the Commodity Market Analysis System of Shengyi Society, as of April 14th, the price of phthalic anhydride in neighboring countries was 7216.67 yuan/ton, a fluctuating decrease of 2.91% compared to the price of 7433.33 yuan/ton on April 7th. The equipment load of phthalic anhydride manufacturers is slowly recovering, and the supply of phthalic anhydride is increasing; The price of naphthalene phthalic anhydride has risen, supported by the cost of phthalic anhydride. The support for the price increase of phthalic anhydride has increased, and the price of phthalic anhydride has stopped falling and risen.
Supply side: resumption of work and increased supply
The early maintenance equipment has been gradually restored, and the capacity utilization rate of the domestic phthalic anhydride industry has increased. The capacity utilization rate of the naphthalene phthalic anhydride industry has remained stable; The utilization rate of production capacity in the domestic phthalic anhydride industry is slowly recovering. The overall supply of phthalic anhydride has increased.
Demand side: DOP market situation stops falling and rises
According to the Commodity Market Analysis System of Shengyi Society, as of April 21st, the DOP price was 8159.16 yuan/ton, which fluctuated and stabilized compared to the DOP price of 8159.16 yuan/ton on April 14th; Compared to April 17th, the DOP price of 8142.50 yuan/ton fluctuated and rose by 0.20%. The production of plasticizer DOP enterprises has stabilized at a low level, and the output of plasticizer DOP has remained stable. This week, there has been an increase in inquiries for phthalic anhydride orders, and the demand for phthalic anhydride has remained stable. As a result, the downward pressure on phthalic anhydride prices has weakened.
Future forecast
According to the data analyst of Shengyi Society’s phthalic anhydride products, in terms of supply, phthalic anhydride manufacturers are slowly resuming production, and the supply of phthalic anhydride is increasing; In terms of demand, the operating load of DOP manufacturers is temporarily stable at a low level, while the demand for phthalic anhydride is stabilizing. In the future, with weak supply and demand, it is expected that the price of phthalic anhydride will fluctuate and stabilize.

This week (4.14-18), domestic liquid ammonia rose, according to the Commodity Market Analysis System of Shengyi Society, the weekly increase of liquid ammonia in Shandong region was 0.73%. The main reason is that, against the backdrop of stable downstream demand, some equipment maintenance has not yet resumed, and the supply pressure has slightly eased. At present, the mainstream price of liquid ammonia in Shandong region is between 2600-2800 yuan/ton.

From the supply side, this week, the supply has been basically stable, and the supply pressure has slightly eased. The recovery of the operating rate of the main production areas in the north is limited. Some devices are still under maintenance this week, resulting in a decrease in supply. In addition, there is not much supply pressure in Hebei, Anhui, and the two lakes regions. During the week, sporadic price increases were the main trend, while prices stabilized over the weekend, with manufacturers raising prices within 50 yuan/ton this week. The market shows a basic balance between supply and demand.
From the demand side, there is not much improvement in downstream demand, with a decrease in the operating rate of compound fertilizers and a sustained demand for urea; In terms of agriculture, the dry weather in the southwest region has slightly delayed the demand for agricultural procurement, coupled with the decline in industrial demand, leading to a decrease in urea prices. According to the commodity analysis system of Shengyi Society, urea prices fell by 2.34% this week, and the terminal receiving capacity is not high, so many purchases are made at low prices.
Market forecast:
Business analysts believe that the slight increase in liquid ammonia prices this week is mainly due to favorable conditions from the supply side. However, with the expectation of resuming work on northern maintenance facilities next week, the supply side is facing pressure, and there is a risk of a correction in liquid ammonia prices.

According to the Commodity Market Analysis System of Shengyi Society, from April 7th to 11th, the domestic ethanol price rose from 5262 yuan/ton to 5270 yuan/ton, an increase of 0.14% during the cycle and a year-on-year decrease of 12.17%. The market price of edible ethanol fluctuates weakly, and there is not much inventory pressure on the supply side of the alcohol market. With the continuous strong operation of raw material corn prices, there is a significant cost loss. Poor support on the demand side, with rigid demand transactions being the main focus.
In terms of cost, corn prices have remained firm, and traders’ intention to sell at low prices is slightly average. The market’s purchasing and sales activity is not high. The cost support for ethanol remains strong.

On the supply side, the supply side is running steadily, and some units in East China, Shandong, South China, and other regions are still in a shutdown state. The restart time is yet to be determined. There are unlikely to be major favorable factors in the supply of ethanol.
On the demand side, from the demand side, Baijiu consumption support is limited; The operating rates of downstream methyl ethyl carbonate and ethyl acetate do not change significantly, and their consumption of ethanol remains stable; Other downstream chemical industries are accompanied by regular procurement, with a focus on stocking up for essential needs, resulting in limited demand boost. The short-term demand for ethanol has a moderate impact.
In the future forecast, there will be little inventory pressure on the supply side of the alcohol market, and with the continuous strong operation of raw material corn prices, there will be significant cost losses. Poor support on the demand side, with rigid demand transactions being the main focus. Business Society’s ethanol analyst predicts that the domestic ethanol market will consolidate and operate in the short term.

1、 Price trend

According to the Commodity Market Analysis System of Shengyi Society, as of March 31st, the reference average price of the domestic urea market was 1997 yuan/ton, which is 5.55% higher than the reference average price of 1892 yuan/ton on March 1st.
2、 Market analysis
Supply and demand situation
This month, the domestic urea market price trend is dominant. The domestic urea market prices fell in the first half of this month. Downstream on-demand procurement, market transaction atmosphere is flat, and new order follow-up is limited. In mid to late this month, domestic urea prices began to continue to rise. The urea market has seen positive transactions, with active shipments from enterprises and reduced inventory levels. The downstream operating rate has increased, and the new order volume has also increased. Agricultural demand remains stable, while industrial demand has significantly increased.
market conditions
As of March 31st, the ex factory price of urea in Shandong region is around 1915-1950 yuan/ton, in Hebei region it is around 1920-1960 yuan/ton, in Henan region it is around 1950-1980 yuan/ton, and in Liaoning region it is around 1940-1970 yuan/ton.
3、 Future forecast
Business Society’s urea analyst believes that the urea market trend has been strong and rising recently. At present, the transaction volume in the urea market is improving, and the cautious mentality of downstream replenishment has increased after continuous increases. It is expected that in the short term, the domestic urea market price will remain stagnant and operate mainly.

1、 Price trend
According to the Commodity Market Analysis System of Shengyi Society, the average price of ammonium sulfate in the domestic market was 930 yuan/ton on March 28th, and 980 yuan/ton on March 1st. The market price of ammonium sulfate has dropped by 5.10% this month.

2、 Market analysis
The market price of ammonium sulfate has continued to decline this month, with a slight increase at the end of the month. The operating rate of coking enterprises has remained stable this month, while the operating rate of their own facilities has decreased. The demand for ammonium sulfate in the domestic market is weak, and the number of new orders in the market has decreased. Downstream urgent need for replenishment, insufficient purchasing intention. The international demand for ammonium sulfate has decreased, and negative factors have increased. At the end of the month, the price of urea rose rapidly, which was favorable for the ammonium sulfate market, and the price of ammonium sulfate rebounded slightly. As of March 28th, the mainstream ex factory quotation for coking grade ammonium sulfate in Shandong region is around 860 yuan/ton. Domestic grade ammonium sulfate, the mainstream ex factory quotation in Shandong region is around 940-980 yuan/ton.
According to the K-bar chart from March 2024 to February 2025, it can be seen that the domestic ammonium sulfate cycle is characterized by ups and downs. In recent months, the price of ammonium sulfate in China has risen significantly, with the largest increase being 11.36% in February.
3、 Future forecast
An ammonium sulfate analyst from Shengyi Society believes that the recent rise in urea prices has indirectly boosted the ammonium sulfate market, resulting in a slight increase in ammonium sulfate prices. At present, spring plowing is coming to an end and market demand is weakening. Downstream procurement is mainly based on demand. It is expected that the domestic ammonium sulfate market will experience a narrow consolidation and operation in the short term.

The domestic fluorite price trend rose in March, with an average price of 3775 yuan/ton as of the end of the month, an increase of 3.14% from the beginning price of 3660 yuan/ton, and a year-on-year increase of 11.44%.

Supply side: Mining operations are limited, fluorite supply remains tight
The current situation of the game in the domestic fluorite industry still exists. Overall, the operating rate of enterprises has not changed much. Upstream mining is tight, backward mines will continue to be eliminated, and new mines will be added. Mineral investigation work is still difficult. In addition, national departments need to rectify fluorite mines, and fluorite mining enterprises are facing increasingly strict safety and environmental protection requirements. The difficulty of operating fluorite mines has increased, and the shortage of raw materials has limited the operation of fluorite enterprises. The supply of fluorite sources is still tight, and the inventory of fluorite enterprises is low. Some fluorite manufacturers are gradually recovering. However, the fluorite supply in northern regions is clearly insufficient, and the fluorite market trend in March has risen.
Demand side: Hydrofluoric acid prices rise, refrigerant market rises
In March, the domestic price of hydrofluoric acid rose, and the mainstream price of hydrofluoric acid in various regions of China was negotiated at 11700-12200 yuan/ton. The downstream hydrofluoric acid units are still shut down, and there is little change in the spot supply of hydrofluoric acid. Manufacturers mainly purchase hydrofluoric acid on demand, and the overall production of hydrofluoric acid remains at more than 50%. Fluorine enterprises maintain essential orders. In March, the market price trend of hydrofluoric acid rose, which affected the price of fluorite.
The downstream refrigerant market is on the rise, coupled with the strengthening of terminal policies in the refrigerant industry, demand is expected to achieve substantial improvement. Fluorine chemical enterprises within quota control have strong confidence in raising prices in the refrigerant market. Currently, the main trend in the foreign trade market is price increases, and upstream products are mainly purchased on demand. The trend of refrigerant market is rising, which has led to an increase in domestic fluorite market prices.
In addition to the traditional demand in the refrigerant industry, fluorite, as an important mineral raw material for modern industry, is constantly developing in emerging fields. It is also applied in strategic emerging industries such as new energy and new materials, as well as in national defense, nuclear industry and other fields, including lithium hexafluorophosphate, PVDF、 Graphite negative electrodes, photovoltaic panels, etc., have received certain support in the application of fluorite due to the demand for new energy and semiconductors.
Market forecast: In the near future, it is difficult to improve the supply of domestic fluorite mines, and some mines have stopped production to undergo safety inspections. The tight supply of fluorite mines is a major positive support for the fluorite market. In addition, the downstream refrigerant market has risen, but the acceptance of hydrofluoric acid enterprises is limited. Overall, the domestic fluorite market price fluctuated mainly in April.