According to the Commodity Market Analysis System of the Business Society, the mixed xylene market rose first and then declined in September. On September 28th, the benchmark price of mixed xylene was 8490 yuan/ton, an increase of 0.47% from 8450 yuan/ton at the beginning of the month; Compared to the monthly high of 8720 yuan/ton, it has decreased by 2.64%.

The arbitrage space between Asia and the United States narrowed in the second half of the month, and the xylene market negotiated a decrease in prices

In late September, the demand for mixed blending in North America decreased, and the flow rate of a large amount of aromatic hydrocarbons from Japan, South Korea, and other regions slowed down, easing the tight supply pattern of aromatic hydrocarbons within Asia in the short term. The price of xylene in Asia slightly decreased, weakening the support for domestic prices. As of September 27, the price of isomeric grade toluene in Asia was between $1022 and $1023 per ton, slightly higher than the high point of $1004 to $1005 per ton at the beginning of the month and slightly lower than the high point of $1037 to $1038 per ton in the middle of the month.

Domestic inventory has slightly increased, but it is still at a low level. There is still support for the supply of xylene

The inventory of mixed xylene remains low and the supply of goods remains relatively tight, providing support for the mixed xylene market. It is understood that as of late September, the inventory of xylene in East China was around 21000 tons; There are 10000 tons of waste in the mixed xylene warehouse in South China.

Strong cost support for xylene due to significant increase in crude oil

In the first half of the month, international crude oil futures surged, and WTI reached the $90 level for the first time this year. The main reason is that the expectation of supply tightening has overshadowed concerns about slowing economic growth and increasing US inventory. In the second half of the month, international crude oil prices slightly declined, and the Federal Reserve decided to maintain interest rates unchanged as expected by the market. However, the attitude was hawkish, and it is expected that there will still be a possibility of interest rate hikes within the year. Energy demand expectations will be suppressed, and oil prices will be under pressure. The EIA data at the end of the month was significantly positive, stimulating another surge in crude oil prices. Against the backdrop of reduced production, crude oil continued to be destocked and inventories remained at extremely low levels. Overall, the high international crude oil prices in September showed strong cost support for xylene.

PX starts to stabilize xylene and obtain just needed support

In September, the supply of paraxylene was relatively normal, with a domestic PX operating rate of over 70%. During the maintenance of some paraxylene units, there was little change in spot supply. The operating rate of paraxylene units in Asia was around 70%, and there was little change in PX supply in Asia. The price trend of the domestic paraxylene market has increased.

Weak demand for phthalic anhydride and weak support for xylene

In September, the prices of mixed xylene and phthalic anhydride fluctuated and rose, supported by the industrial chain, and the prices of adjacent benzene continued to rise. But with the high price of crude oil falling back, the price of mixed xylene fluctuated and fell in late October, while plasticizer companies started at a low level, and the demand for phthalic anhydride was weak. As a result, the high price of phthalic anhydride in late October fell back.

Jinjiu’s demand for refined oil is improving, forming support for xylene in the domestic mixed blending market

In September, the diesel market price slightly increased, and the high temperature weather in China gradually subsided. The workload of outdoor infrastructure projects and other industries gradually increased. In addition, with the end of the fishing season, diesel demand increased, supporting the domestic diesel market. Foreign demand for diesel in Europe and America remained strong. As the weather turned cold and winter approached in the Northern Hemisphere, the peak season for heating oil demand began, and diesel export profits were considerable in the near future, The enthusiasm for diesel exports remains strong, providing strong support for the diesel market. Overall, the price trend in the domestic diesel market is rising.

On the one hand, domestic gasoline in September was strongly supported by the cost of crude oil, and on the other hand, it entered the peak season of consumption in Jinjiu. With the arrival of the Mid Autumn and National Day holidays, downstream merchants have increased their replenishment mentality, and refinery inventory has remained low. Most manufacturers may stock up in advance, which is a combination of positive factors. The domestic gasoline market is operating at a high level.

Future forecast: In the short term, supported by international crude oil and naphtha costs, domestic supply will still be tight, but downstream demand will weaken after a significant increase in prices. It is expected that mixed xylene will operate at a high level in the future. After the holiday, attention should be paid to the international crude oil price trend. If crude oil prices rise again, xylene prices will rise again supported by costs.

Recently (9.15-9.22), the market for trichloromethane has continued to rise. According to data from Business Society, as of September 22, the price of trichloromethane bulk water in Shandong Province was 2787 yuan/ton, an increase of 13.78% from last Friday’s 2450 yuan/ton. The high price of raw material methanol has slightly decreased, while the high price of liquid chlorine has been consolidated, and the cost of trichloromethane continues to support; The overall inventory of trichloromethane enterprises is low, and the supply of goods in the closed market of a certain factory in the region is tight. Although downstream construction is temporarily stable, coupled with some demand support for trichloromethane from pre holiday stocking, the enterprise has a strong willingness to increase the factory price.

Recently (9.15-9.22), the domestic methane chloride production has been basically normal, with an overall production rate of around 75%.

Recently (from September 15th to September 22nd), the price of raw material methanol has risen and fallen, while the price of liquid chlorine has remained high, and the cost of trichloromethane continues to be supported. According to the Commodity Market Analysis System of the Business Society, as of September 22, the spot price of methanol was 2525 yuan/ton, a decrease of 0.36% from last Friday’s 2535 yuan/ton, and the highest point in the cycle was 2605 yuan/ton. The high price of raw material liquid chlorine has been sorted out, and as of the 22nd, the acceptance price of tank trucks was 400 yuan/ton, which continued to support trichloromethane in terms of cost.

Refrigerant R22 has been operating at a stable and high price overall, coupled with a significant increase in exports in August compared to July. In the short term, there is a strong demand for chloroform, but in 2023, the total production quota of R22 will be reduced by 19% to 181800 tons. In the medium to long term, the overall support for chloroform demand will weaken. According to customs data, the export volume of R22 in August 2023 was 9634 tons, a significant increase from 8560 tons in July.

Analysts from Business Society’s methane chloride data believe that there is still support for Chen Ben and demand in the short term, and it is expected that the trichloromethane market will continue to operate at a high level.

According to the monitoring of the Commodity Market Analysis System of the Business Society, the prices of industrial grade and battery grade lithium carbonate continued to decline this week. The average domestic mixed price of industrial grade lithium carbonate on September 21 was 175000 yuan/ton, a decrease of 7.41% compared to the average price of 189000 yuan/ton on September 17. The average domestic mixed price of battery grade lithium carbonate on September 21 was 190000 yuan/ton, a decrease of 7.32% compared to the average price of 205000 yuan/ton on September 17.

By observing market changes, it can be seen that the price of lithium carbonate continued to decline this week. In terms of supply, due to the impact of environmental inspections in the current Jiangxi region, mica mining is limited, resulting in a narrowing of profit margins for some Jiangxi lithium salt factories and the phenomenon of production stoppage and reduction. However, it is understood that the amount of lithium carbonate exported from Chile to China increased significantly in August, and it is expected that this portion of lithium salt will arrive in China in September, which will form an effective supply for the overall supply of lithium carbonate in China. In addition, some large lithium salt factories have recently released products at low prices, resulting in an increase in the flow of lithium carbonate in the market.

In terms of demand, the current market has weak supply and demand, and downstream demand expectations are relatively pessimistic, with no obvious signs of improvement in the short term. Buying demand is weak, and transactions are light. With the state of downstream bargain hunting, the focus of market transactions has shifted downward.

The lithium hydroxide market continues to decline, with the recent weak performance of the spodumene concentrate market, the decline of the lithium carbonate market, weakened cost support, insufficient follow-up of downstream demand, cautious procurement on demand, and a light trading atmosphere in the market. Transactions are mainly long-term orders, and the focus of negotiations in the lithium hydroxide market is weakening.

The downstream price of lithium iron phosphate shows a downward trend, with the overall market being weak and declining. Downstream restocking is on demand, while upstream lithium carbonate continues to decline. The weak cost support of lithium iron phosphate has led to a decrease in the price of lithium iron phosphate.

In terms of futures, on September 21, the opening price of the LC2401 contract for lithium carbonate futures on the Guangzhou Futures Exchange was 153600 yuan/ton, with the latest price of 159950 yuan/ton, a daily increase of 2.53%, with 220000 transactions and 66110 positions.

Lithium carbonate analysts from Business Society believe that the marginal cost line of lithium salt plants has repeatedly broken through, and many lithium salt plants have started to reduce and shut down production. This will alleviate the supply of lithium carbonate in the future, but the rebound in downstream demand is still less than expected. The phenomenon of strong upstream and downstream gaming will continue, and it is expected that lithium carbonate prices may remain weak in the short term.

According to data monitored by Business Society, as of September 20th, the average price of domestic industrial grade premium cyclohexane was 7033.33 yuan/ton, which is stable compared to the same period last week. The overall market supply and demand are balanced, and shipments are currently slow.

This week, the market price of cyclohexane has been operating in a narrow range, with the mainstream price around 7033.33 yuan/ton. Compared to the same period last week, the price has remained stable, with mainstream manufacturers maintaining a quotation range of around 7000 yuan/ton and a stable operating rate. Downstream demand procurement is the main focus, and the negotiation atmosphere is flat.

Chemical Index: On September 18th, the chemical index stood at 969 points, an increase of 2 points compared to yesterday, a decrease of 30.79% from the highest point in the cycle of 1400 points (2021-10-23), and an increase of 62.04% from the lowest point of 598 points on April 8th, 2020. (Note: The cycle refers to the period from December 1st, 2011 to the present).

Cyclohexane analysts from Business Society believe that in the short term, the stable operation of the cyclohexane market is the main trend, with a narrow range leaning towards strength.

Price trend

According to the Commodity Market Analysis System of the Business Society, the prices of cryolite in Henan have been running smoothly recently. On September 18th, the average market price in Henan was 7850 yuan/ton, which is the same as the average price of 7850 yuan/ton on September 11th, with a year-on-year increase of 2.28%.

quotations analysis

The price trend of cryolite remains stable, and the manufacturer’s quotation is firm. The upstream price of cryolite has increased, the production cost of cryolite has increased, and the market mentality is bullish. However, the downstream is relatively resistant to high priced cryolite, and demand is sluggish. The market trading atmosphere is average, and the market is sluggish. cryolite manufacturers maintain rational inventory, actively ship, and the market mentality is wait-and-see operation. As of September 18th, the factory quotation for cryolite in Shandong region is 7000-8600 yuan/ton; The factory quotation for cryolite in Henan region is between 7200-8900 yuan/ton.

The upstream fluorite market has significantly increased, with an average market price of 3350.00 yuan/ton on September 18, an increase of 4.89% compared to the price of 3193.75 yuan/ton on September 11. Upstream mining is tight, and companies are facing increasingly strict safety and environmental requirements. It is difficult for fluorite flotation companies to start operations, and fluorite spot prices are very tight. As a result, fluorite market prices continue to rise.

The downstream aluminum market fluctuated in a narrow range, with aluminum prices around 19560.00 yuan/ton on September 18, an increase of 0.51% compared to the price of 19460.00 yuan/ton on September 11. At present, the production capacity of electrolytic aluminum is operating at a high level, with good macro benefits and strong supply and demand, resulting in high aluminum ingot prices. However, recently, aluminum ingots have started to accumulate inventory, with aluminum prices mainly fluctuating.

Future Market Forecast

Cryolite enterprises have no inventory pressure, manufacturers are actively shipping, downstream demand is weak, and market follow-up is insufficient. Although raw material prices have increased, the support for cryolite is not as strong as downstream resistance to high priced cryolite. Manufacturers are cautious, and cryolite operates smoothly. Considering the cost impact, it is expected that the cryolite market will slightly increase in the future. Specific attention will be paid to changes in manufacturers’ inventory and downstream acceptance.

Zinc prices fluctuate and rise this week

According to the Commodity Market Analysis System of the Business Society, as of September 18th, the zinc price was 22062 yuan/ton, an increase of 1.88% compared to the fluctuating zinc price of 21654 yuan/ton on September 11th. The economic data in August saw marginal improvement, macroeconomic recovery, market confidence improvement and recovery, and the zinc market was positive. This week, zinc prices fluctuated and rose.

Marginal improvement in economic data for August

Under the stimulus of a package of stable growth policies, the economic data in August saw a marginal improvement. The total retail sales of consumer goods increased by 4.6% year-on-year, an increase of 2.1 percentage points compared to the previous month, and the market expected 3.5%; The added value of industries above designated size increased by 4.5% year-on-year, an increase of 0.8 percentage points compared to the previous month, and the market expects it to be 4.2%. The growth rate of retail sales of goods has significantly increased, and residents’ consumer confidence has increased. The retail sales of goods increased by 3.7% year-on-year in August, an increase of 2.7 percentage points compared to the previous month. Promotional policies and events such as car shows have boosted demand for cars, with retail sales increasing by 1.1% year-on-year (-1.5%). The acceleration of housing completion has led to an improvement in post real estate cycle consumption, with furniture increasing by 4.8% year-on-year (previous value of 0.1%) and household appliances and audio equipment decreasing by 2.9% year-on-year (previous value of -5.5%). Under policy stimulus, macroeconomic growth and expected rebound in demand for zinc are favorable for the zinc market.

Future Market Forecast

According to data analysts from Business Society, the implementation of policies has led to a comprehensive recovery in domestic macroeconomic data, with a growth rate exceeding expectations, and an expected rebound in demand in the zinc market. Overall, macroeconomic benefits have stimulated both supply and demand in the zinc market, and it is expected that zinc prices will fluctuate and rise in the future.

1、 Price trend

According to the monitoring of the Commodity Market Analysis System of the Business Society, the market price of yellow phosphorus in Yungui decreased this week. The average price of yellow phosphorus at the beginning of the week was 26400 yuan/ton, and the average price at the weekend was 25933.33 yuan/ton. The price decreased during the week by 1.54%.

2、 Market analysis

This week, the market price of Yungui yellow phosphorus was lowered. The overall market trading situation of yellow phosphorus is average, and downstream purchases are priced at a low price, which is relatively resistant to high-end prices. The focus of market transactions has shifted downwards. Upstream phosphate rock prices have risen, putting pressure on costs, and there is little likelihood that manufacturers will continue to offer profits. At present, in the upstream and downstream markets, many manufacturers are selling at high prices and not buying at low prices. There are many downstream inquiries, and the actual order is cautious and hesitant, mainly on demand. As of now, the market quotation for yellow phosphorus is around 26000 yuan/ton, and the actual transaction is subject to negotiation.

In terms of phosphate ore, the domestic phosphate ore market has been on the rise this week. At the beginning of the week, the average price of phosphate rock was 938 yuan/ton, while at the weekend, the average price was 962 yuan/ton. During the week, the price increased by 2.56%. At present, the overall trading atmosphere in the phosphorus ore market is mild, and the rebound in downstream demand has boosted market confidence. The phosphorus ore data analyst at the Business Society believes that in the short term, the domestic phosphorus ore market will mostly operate stronger, and the specific trend still needs to pay more attention to changes in supply and demand news.

In terms of coke, the market price of coke in Shandong Port is temporarily stable, with a quasi first level outbound price of around 2150-2200 yuan/ton and a first level outbound price of 2250-2300 yuan/ton. The port market is currently operating steadily, with a slight increase in inventory between the two ports and a slight improvement in trading atmosphere. In terms of shipping cost, it will be 190 yuan/ton from Xiaoyi to Rizhao Port on the 11th, and 180 yuan/ton from Jiexiu to Rizhao Port.

In terms of phosphoric acid, the market price of phosphoric acid has increased this week. At the beginning of the week, the average price of phosphoric acid was 7060 yuan/ton, while at the weekend, the average price was 7120 yuan/ton. During the week, the price increased by 0.85%. It is expected that in the near future, the price of phosphoric acid will remain stable and wait-and-see oriented.

3、 Future Market Forecast

Yellow phosphorus analysts from the Chemical Branch of the Business Society believe that the current increase in upstream phosphate rock prices and the stabilization of coke prices are putting pressure on costs. Downstream enterprises are more wait-and-see and cautious in actual orders. The upstream and downstream games have resulted in a relatively stagnant market. It is expected that the yellow phosphorus market will temporarily stabilize its consolidation and operation in the short term, and we will pay attention to changes in the news.

According to the Commodity Market Analysis System of the Business Society, the formaldehyde market in Shandong has recently declined. At the beginning of the week, the average price of formaldehyde in Shandong was 1216.67 yuan/ton, while at the end of the week, the average price of formaldehyde in Shandong was 1203.33 yuan/ton, a decrease of 1.10%. The current price has decreased by 7.44% compared to last year.

formaldehyde

Recently, the price of formaldehyde in the Shandong region has fluctuated and fallen. From the above chart, it can be seen that the formaldehyde market has been mainly rising in the past two months, and this week’s market has declined. As of September 14th, the mainstream market price in Shandong region is 1150-1260 yuan/ton. This week, the price of raw material methanol showed a downward trend, with poor cost support. The formaldehyde market had light trading volume and the market continued to decline.

Upstream methanol situation: Upstream methanol situation: The domestic methanol market continues to decline, with maintenance of two units in Chifeng Boyuan, Yulin Kaiyue, and Shandong in Inner Mongolia; Anhui Carbon Xin, Hebei Jinshi, Shaanxi Black Cat, Wangcang Hezhong, and a set of devices in Inner Mongolia have been restored. The overall recovery is greater than the loss, resulting in an increase in capacity utilization. The supply side of methanol is negatively affected. The cost is relatively weak, and netizens have broken through in pre holiday stocking in terms of supply and demand. Methanol analysts from Business Society predict that the domestic methanol market is mainly characterized by high volatility.

Recently, the methanol market has been weak and declining, with poor cost support. Downstream panel factories have had poor demand due to the impact of rainy weather. Therefore, formaldehyde analysts from the Chemical Branch of the Business Society predict that the price of formaldehyde in Shandong will mainly decline in the near future.

Summary of Ethylene Oxide Prices in September

In September, the price of ethylene oxide increased. According to data from Business News Agency, as of September 11th, the average market price of ethylene oxide in China was 6600 yuan/ton; From a regional perspective, the average market price in North China is 6500 yuan/ton, East China is 6600 yuan/ton, Central China is 6600 yuan/ton, and South China is 6600 yuan/ton.

Overview of ethylene oxide industry chain

From August to September, the prices of the main downstream polycarboxylate water reducing agent monomers remained relatively stable, while the recent price increase of ethylene oxide was mainly driven by cost factors.

 
Supply side

Previously, the price of ethylene oxide was relatively low, and some manufacturers hit the cost line, facing increasing pressure to lose money. The operating rate of manufacturers was relatively low, and some enterprises underwent equipment maintenance. In addition, some production factories may switch to producing ethylene glycol or adjust their own usage ratio to alleviate production and sales pressure. Overall, there are frequent malfunctions in the ethylene oxide plant, leading to a tightening of market supply. Since July, the cost side benefits brought by the raw material side and the macro benefits driven by the upward trend of crude oil prices in the energy and chemical sector have supported the price of ethylene oxide.

The price of ethylene oxide may continue to fluctuate strongly in September

In the short term, the cost support for ethylene oxide has strengthened, and with the transmission effect of upstream and downstream product prices, the price of ethylene oxide has improved. On the supply and demand side, under the increasing losses of ethylene oxide enterprises on the supply side, production enthusiasm is not high, external sales of enterprises are decreasing, and domestic supply is showing a tense situation. There is still room for the price of ethylene oxide to rise in the short term.

On September 12th, domestic liquid ammonia reversed last week’s upward trend and turned into a decline. According to the Commodity Market Analysis System of the Business Society, the main production area in Shandong fell by 1.70% daily, with a trading center in the range of 150 to 200 yuan/ton compared to Friday. At present, the mainstream quotation in Shandong region is between 3600-3800 yuan/ton.

On the supply side, the supply in the main production areas has increased, and some faulty enterprises have resumed operation, resulting in increased supply pressure. Since September, the import supply has only increased without decreasing, which has had an impact on the liquid ammonia market in the region. Large factories in Shandong, Hebei, Henan, Shanxi and other regions have all lowered their prices, with most of the price reductions today being at 100 yuan/ton.

On the demand side, downstream demand is relatively stable. However, due to the impact of urea testing, export pressure has increased, and market sentiment has slightly fluctuated. The current industrial demand remains strong.

Prediction: Liquid ammonia analysts from Business Society believe that the supply and demand pattern of the ammonia market will continue to shift from tightening to easing in the short term, and prices will continue to be weak in the near future.