According to the Commodity Market Analysis System of the Business Society, the domestic cyclohexanone market fluctuated and declined in May. From May 1st to 30th, the average market price of cyclohexanone in China dropped from 9510 yuan/ton to 9325 yuan/ton, a decrease of 1.75%, with a maximum amplitude of 2.20% and a year-on-year decrease of 20.79%.

At the beginning of the month, the raw material pure benzene was operating in a weak position, with weak cost support and average downstream demand. However, the supply of market goods increased, industry competition intensified, and the focus of the cyclohexanone market fell. In mid month, the raw material pure benzene fell weakly, with a lack of cost support, weak downstream demand, strong resistance to high prices, and a large supply of goods in the market. Manufacturers offered to sell at a profit, resulting in a decrease in transaction volume. In the latter half of the month, the raw material pure benzene fell weakly, with a lack of cost support, weak downstream demand, high market commodity circulation, poor shipments, and a lower transaction focus.

On the cost side, the domestic pure benzene market was operating at a low level in May. As of May 30th, the benchmark price of pure benzene for Shangshang Society was 6572.17 yuan/ton, a decrease of -11.59% compared to the beginning of this month (7433.83 yuan/ton). The overall demand atmosphere is weak, with downstream consumption of raw material inventory being the main factor, making it difficult for the pure benzene market to change the downward trend. The cost side of cyclohexanone is bearish.

On the supply side, the operating rate of cyclohexanone industry units remains around 60%, with a slight increase in supply. The short-term supply of cyclohexanone was slightly bearish.

On the demand side, the domestic caprolactam market in May was dominated by the high level. As of May 30, the benchmark price of caprolactam in the business community was 12580.00 yuan/ton, a decrease of -0.81% compared with the beginning of this month (12683.33 yuan/ton). At present, caprolactam market supply is relatively stable, and supply and demand are relatively balanced. Downstream demand performance is insufficient, and procurement is more cautious, maintaining a wait-and-see attitude. The demand side of cyclohexanone is favorable and has a positive impact.

In the future market forecast, pure benzene may continue to experience weak volatility and weak cost support. The supply of goods has increased, and cyclohexanone analysts from Business Society predict that the domestic cyclohexanone market will operate in a weak manner in the short term.

1、 Price trend

According to the monitoring of the commodity market analysis system of the business community, the domestic market price of isopropanol fell in May. On May 1st, the average price of isopropanol was 7110 yuan/ton, and on May 29th, it was 6790 yuan/ton. During the month, the price increased by 4.5%.

2、 Market analysis

In May, the price of domestic isopropanol market fell. The isopropanol market has been sluggish this month, with cautious trading on the sidelines. Upstream acetone and propylene fell one after another, cost support weakened, the focus of negotiation fell, and market prices fell. As of now, the majority of quotations for isopropanol in the Shandong region are around 6600-6800 yuan/ton; The majority of prices for isopropanol in the Jiangsu and Zhejiang regions are around 6800-7400 yuan/ton.

In terms of raw material acetone, according to the monitoring of the commodity market analysis system of the business community, the market price of acetone fell this month. On May 1st, the average price of acetone was 6587.5 yuan/ton, while on May 29th, the average price was 5895 yuan/ton. During the month, the price decreased by 10.51%. In May, due to difficulties in improving the demand side of domestic acetone, the intention of holders to sell at a profit margin was clear, and the offer continued to decline. Factories followed suit, while downstream factories were more wait-and-see, hindering procurement progress. Terminals continued to pay attention to the improvement of demand.

In terms of raw propylene, according to the monitoring of the commodity market analysis system of the business community, the domestic propylene (Shandong) market price fell in May. The market was 7052.6/ton at the beginning of May. The average price on May 29 was 6438.25/ton, down 8.71% month on month. Propylene analysts from the Chemical Branch of the Business Society believe that due to the sluggish demand market for propylene, there has been a significant increase in upstream inventory. In order to stimulate sales, factories have continued to reduce prices and inventory, but the demand increase is limited. Downstream procurement is cautious and there is a strong wait-and-see atmosphere. It is expected that there will be no significant improvement in downstream demand in the short term, and the propylene market will maintain a weak trend.

3、 Future Market Forecast

The isopropanol analyst from the Chemical Branch of the Business Cooperative believes that the domestic isopropanol market price fell this month. The acetone market price continued to decline, the propylene (Shandong) market price fell, the isopropanol market trading atmosphere was light, traders and downstream users were more wait-and-see, actual orders were cautious, market confidence was insufficient, and the focus shifted downward. It is expected that the isopropanol market will operate weakly and steadily in the short term.

According to monitoring data from Business Society, as of May 26, 2023, the factory price of domestically produced industrial grade dimethyl carbonate was set at 4600 yuan/ton, a decrease of 166 yuan/ton or 3.50% compared to May 1, 2023 (reference price of dimethyl carbonate at 4766 yuan/ton).

From the data monitoring chart of the Business Society, it can be seen that since May (5.1-5.26), the overall market situation of dimethyl carbonate in China has shown a slight weak decline. In early May, after returning from the Labor Day holiday, there was little change in the supply and demand news of the domestic dimethyl acetate market, and the overall market was relatively calm. The overall market of dimethyl carbonate remained stable and consolidated. Subsequently, due to insufficient downstream demand, the on-site supply of dimethyl carbonate was under pressure. On the 8th, some factories lowered the price of dimethyl carbonate by about 200 yuan/ton, and the market continued to consolidate weakly.

In late May, the supply side of dimethyl carbonate decreased, and the supply pressure eased. The overall dimethyl carbonate market continued to consolidate and operate. However, the follow-up of downstream actual orders remains average, with cautious procurement and slow supply and demand transmission of dimethyl carbonate. On the 24th, some dimethyl carbonate factories slightly lowered the price of dimethyl carbonate again, with a reduction of about 100 yuan/ton. The overall focus of the dimethyl carbonate market has declined in a narrow range. As of May 26, the domestic market price of dimethyl carbonate is around 4400-4800 yuan/ton.

Analysis of Future Market Trends

At present, the overall trading atmosphere of dimethyl carbonate in the domestic market is average, and there is a certain wait-and-see sentiment in the market. Downstream purchases of dimethyl carbonate mainly continue to be on demand, with limited new orders. The business company’s dimethyl carbonate data analyst predicts that in the short term, the domestic dimethyl carbonate market will mainly adjust and operate within a narrow range, and the specific trend still needs to pay more attention to changes in supply and demand news.

The epoxy resin market continues to be depressed, the raw material bisphenol A continues to decline, the epoxy chloropropane continues to be depressed, and the dual raw materials are difficult to support. At present, the mainstream negotiated price in East China is 13600-13900 yuan/ton of purified water for delivery, and the negotiated price in Mount Huangshan solid epoxy resin market is 13400-13800 yuan/ton.

The market atmosphere for raw material bisphenol A is light, as downstream demand is sluggish and the weakness of raw material phenol/acetone continues. There are few inquiries on the bisphenol A market, with the main decline being negative. As of now, the mainstream negotiations in East China are between 9550 and 9650 yuan/ton, and sporadic low prices have also been heard. Market transactions are mostly small orders.

The raw material epichlorohydrin continues to be in a weak adjustment state. Currently, the market sees a lot of air pollution, but due to the weak demand situation, it is difficult to improve. Manufacturers are under great pressure to ship, and there are many intentions to sell at a discount. The price of new orders has declined. At present, the mainstream negotiation price in Shandong is 8100-8200 yuan/ton for acceptance and delivery.

In the future, the market atmosphere for epoxy resin has been relatively light in the near future, with downstream purchases maintaining small orders according to demand. Manufacturers are still under pressure to ship, while dual raw materials are difficult to support, and the industrial chain is mostly showing a downward trend upward. It is expected that short-term bearish sentiment will be the main trend on the market, and epoxy resin will undergo a narrow adjustment, continuously focusing on the demand side trend of upstream product level in the industrial chain.

Recent price trends of hydrochloric acid

According to the Commodity Analysis System of Business Society, the domestic hydrochloric acid price has temporarily stabilized this week, with an average market price of 175.00 yuan/ton. Weekend prices fell 41.67% year-on-year. On May 22, the hydrochloric acid commodity index was 46.05, unchanged from yesterday, a decrease of 66.60% from the cycle’s highest point of 137.89 points (2021-10-26), and an increase of 156.12% from the lowest point of 17.98 points on September 5, 2012. (Note: The cycle refers to the period from September 1st, 2011 to the present)

Insufficient upstream support, weakened downstream procurement

From the supply side, the domestic hydrochloric acid market price was temporarily stable this week, and the manufacturer’s inventory was average.

From the perspective of the upstream and downstream industrial chain of hydrochloric acid, the upstream liquid chlorine market is consolidating at a low level, with average cost support. The downstream polyaluminum chloride market price was adjusted at a low level, at 1781.25 yuan/ton. Weekend prices fell by 21.49% year-on-year; The market price of ammonium chloride was adjusted at a low level. The market price was 680.00 yuan/ton, and the weekend price fell 54.36% year on year. Overall, upstream support is insufficient and downstream demand is weakening.

Future Market Forecast

In late May, the market price of hydrochloric acid fell mainly due to narrow fluctuations. The upstream liquid chlorine market is consolidating at a low level, with insufficient cost support. The downstream polyaluminum chloride and ammonium chloride markets are consolidating at a low level, and downstream purchasing willingness is weak. Analysts from Business Society believe that hydrochloric acid has been experiencing a slight fluctuation and decline in recent times.

According to the Commodity Market Analysis System of the Business Society, as of May 19th, the average price quoted by domestic top grade DMF enterprises was 5350 yuan/ton, a slight decrease of 0.93% compared to the same period last week. Currently, the overall market supply and demand are balanced, and the overall market is operating in a narrow and weak range, with smooth shipments.

The trend of DMF this week is weak, with a slight decline in prices compared to the same period last week. Currently, the purchasing atmosphere is average, with the mainstream price range of around 5400 yuan/ton. The operating rate is currently stable, and the overall market supply and demand are balanced. Downstream purchases are made on demand, with merchants offering discounts and taking orders, and shipments are normal.

Chemical Index: On May 18th, the chemical index stood at 875 points, a decrease of 3 points from yesterday, a decrease of 37.50% from the highest point in the cycle of 1400 points (2021-10-23), and an increase of 46.32% from the lowest point of 598 points on April 8, 2020. (Note: The cycle refers to the period from December 1st, 2011 to the present).

Business Society DMF analysts believe that in the short term, DMF will mainly operate stably, with a narrow range and weak operation.

Recent price trends of calcium carbide

According to the Commodity Market Analysis System of the Business Society, the factory price of calcium carbide in the northwest region has slightly increased this week. This week, the average ex factory price of mainstream calcium carbide manufacturers in northwest China increased from 3050.00 yuan/ton last weekend to 3116.67 yuan/ton this weekend, an increase of 2.19%. Weekend prices fell by 29.17% year-on-year. On May 15th, the calcium carbide commodity index was 82.53, an increase of 0.87 points compared to yesterday, a decrease of 61.11% from the cycle’s highest point of 212.23 points (2021-10-26), and a 48.73% increase from the lowest point of 55.49 points on March 14th, 2016. (Note: The cycle refers to the period from September 1st, 2011 to the present)

Upstream support is good, while downstream demand weakens

From the supply side perspective, the factory price of calcium carbide in the northwest region has slightly increased this week, and the inventory of manufacturers is average.

The upstream semicarbon market was consolidated at a high level, while the downstream PVC market price fell slightly. This weekend, the price of Shenmulan charcoal is around 1350 yuan/ton, and the price is temporarily stable. The PVC market price this week dropped from 5868.33 yuan/ton at the beginning of the week to 5805.00 yuan/ton at the end of the week, a decrease of 1.08%. Weekend prices fell by 33.04% year-on-year. The PVC market price fell slightly, and downstream customers’ enthusiasm for calcium carbide procurement weakened. The downstream PVC market had a negative impact on the price of calcium carbide.

Calcium carbide may fluctuate and decline in the aftermarket

In mid to late May, the calcium carbide market may experience a narrow range of fluctuations and declines. The price of raw material blue charcoal has stabilized at a high level, with good cost support. The downstream PVC market has slightly declined, and downstream demand is insufficient. In mid to late May, the price of calcium carbide in the northwest region may fluctuate and decline in a narrow range, with consolidation being the main trend.

1、 Price trend

According to the Commodity Market Analysis System of the Business Society, the price of baking soda was weak this week, with an average market price of 2092.5 yuan/ton at the beginning of the week and 2075 yuan/ton at the weekend. The price fell by 0.84%, a year-on-year decrease of 24.09%. On May 14th, the baking soda commodity index was 138.55, unchanged from yesterday, a 41.25% decrease from the cycle’s highest point of 235.84 points (2021-11-10), and an increase of 56.96% from the lowest point of 88.27 points on December 22, 2020. (Note: The cycle refers to the period from September 1st, 2020 to the present)

2、 Market analysis

According to the Commodity Analysis System of the Business Society, the price of baking soda is weak and consolidating, and the downstream market has seen moderate demand recently. The current price of baking soda in Henan region is around 1900-2200 yuan/ton, which is the mainstream market quotation. According to the product analysis system of Business Society, the price of soda ash in the upstream of baking soda is relatively weak this week. At the beginning of the week, the average market price was around 2600 yuan/ton, while on the weekend, the average market price was 2530 yuan/ton, a price drop of 2.69%, a year-on-year decrease of 7.16% compared to last year.

Analysts from Business Society believe that the recent weak trend in the price of baking soda is due to sufficient supply of baking soda, and the recent weak trend in the price of raw material soda ash. The downstream demand for baking soda in medicine, textiles, food, and other areas is average, and the main focus is on purchasing baking soda according to demand, with cautious purchasing sentiment. Overall, it is expected that the weak trend in baking soda prices will be the main trend in the later stage, depending on the downstream market demand.

1、 Price trend

According to the commodity market analysis system of the business community, the average price of domestic liquid caprolactam market was 12666 yuan/ton on May 8, and the average price of domestic liquid caprolactam market was 12866 yuan/ton on May 12. Caprolactam prices rose 1.58% this week.

2、 Market analysis

Caprolactam market prices fluctuated slightly this week. The price of raw material pure benzene has been lowered, resulting in insufficient cost support. At present, caprolactam market supply is relatively stable, and supply and demand are relatively balanced. Downstream demand performance is insufficient, and procurement is more cautious, maintaining a wait-and-see attitude.

This week, the price of pure benzene slightly decreased. On May 8th, the price of pure benzene was between 7050-7330 yuan/ton (average price 7190 yuan/ton), and on May 12th, the price was between 7050-7170 yuan/ton (average price 7110 yuan/ton). The price decreased by 4.24% compared to last week and 18.9% compared to the same period last year. This week, the price of Sinopec pure benzene dropped to 7050 yuan/ton.

3、 Future Market Forecast

Caprolactam analysts from the business community believe that the price of raw material pure benzene has weakened recently, and the cost side support is general. Terminal follow-up is slow, and the market is mostly low priced transactions. It is expected that caprolactam market price will be dominated by narrow range consolidation in the short term.

According to the monitoring data of the business community, as of May 11, 2023, the domestic silicone DMC market price reference was 14500 yuan/ton, and on May 7 (silicone DMC reference was 15080 yuan/ton), the price fell 580 yuan/ton, or 3.85%.

 From the data monitoring chart of the Business Society, it can be seen that this week (5.07-5.11), the domestic organic silicon DMC market is generally weak and declining. Entering this week, the overall atmosphere of the organic silicon DMC market has improved poorly. Downstream demand is cautious, and demand support is still loose. At the beginning of the week, Shandong large factories continuously lowered the price of organic silicon DMC, with a cumulative decrease of about 500 yuan/ton. Subsequently, in the middle of the week, other factories also started to adjust with a decrease of about 200 yuan/ton. As of May 11, the market price of silicone DMC in China is around 14300-14800 yuan/ton.

Prediction of the Future Trend of Organic Silicon DMC Market

At present, the trading atmosphere in the domestic organic silicon DMC market is average, and the overall downstream demand is still weak. There is little change in the start of organic silicon DMC construction, and there is still some pressure on the supply side in some regions. According to the organic silicon DMC data analyst of the Business Society, in the short term, the domestic organic silicon DMC market is mainly subject to minor adjustments and operations, and the specific trend still needs to pay more attention to changes in supply and demand news.