According to the monitoring of the commodity market analysis system of the Business Society, the price of 50% potassium sulfate content at the beginning of this month was 3283 yuan/ton, and the price of 50% potassium sulfate content at the end of this month was 3333 yuan/ton, with a price increase of 1.52%.

The domestic market price of potassium sulfate has risen with the price of potassium chloride. Recently, the number of inquiries for granular potassium sulfate in the northern market has significantly increased. Currently, Mannheim potassium sulfate manufacturers have many pending orders in the early stage, and some factories have been taking orders until mid to late September. The factory continues to be in a state of tight supply and zero inventory. Resource based potassium sulfate manufacturers are mostly waiting for production to resume in September. Currently, resource based manufacturers are cautious about the resumption of production by Guotou Luo Potassium and Qinghai CITIC Guoan. Currently, the market has limited stock and prices are slightly chaotic.

The autumn market production is in full swing, with raw material prices continuing to rise, nitrogen fertilizer prices fluctuating, and phosphorus and potassium prices rising all the way. Downstream compound fertilizer factories have found it slightly difficult to purchase raw materials, and most factories maintain a “use and pick” model for potassium fertilizer, with cautious factory operations.

Prediction: In the domestic potassium fertilizer market, buying up is not buying down, and market inquiries are positive. Most regions are reluctant to sell, and it is expected that the market price may mainly show a slight upward trend.

In August 2023, the domestic 1 # antimony ingot market fluctuated and rose, with the average market price in East China reaching 75750 yuan/ton on the 1st and 79750 yuan/ton on the 29th, an increase of 5.28%.

On August 28th, the antimony commodity index was 111.02, unchanged from yesterday, a decrease of 8.60% from the cycle’s highest point of 121.46 points (2023 March 15), and an increase of 136.31% from the lowest point of 46.98 points on December 24, 2015. (Note: The cycle refers to 2012-09-08 present).

The K-bar chart of commodity prices uses the concept of a price trend K-line to reflect weekly or monthly price fluctuations in the form of a bar chart. Investors can buy and sell investments based on the changes in the K-bar chart. Red indicates an increase; Green indicates a decline; The height of the K-bar represents the range of fluctuations. From the above figure, it can be seen that the antimony ingot market has recently seen an upward trend before and after the Spring Festival. The price fell broadly in March, remained stable in April and May, and continued to decline for seven consecutive weeks after June. At the end of July, it continued to rise for four consecutive weeks.

In terms of external trading, the European strategic small metal antimony market continued to decline in July, with a quote of $11750/ton as of the 29th, an increase of $300/ton compared to the same period last month.

In terms of the industrial chain, the antimony oxide market slightly rebounded in August following the trend of antimony ingots. Driven by the antimony ingot market, the monthly increase was 2000 to 3000 yuan/ton. Currently, market trading is light, and downstream demand is generally weak. Export orders have been affected by the summer break, which has led to poor performance. According to customs data, the export volume of antimony oxide in July decreased by about 30% compared to the same period last year, and the overall market demand performance is weak.

The market price of antimony ingots continued to rise slightly in August, ending the downward trend of the antimony ingot market in the past two months. Previously, under the long-term supply and demand game, downstream performance was lukewarm and tepid, and antimony ingot smelting enterprises gradually relaxed their mentality of price support. The antimony ingot market has been continuously declining in price since June. After entering August, the smelter took the lead in raising prices, and the antimony ingot market stopped falling. Subsequently, with the improvement of market mentality and the achievement of just needed transactions in downstream parts, market information improved compared to the previous period. The antimony ingot price gradually rebounded, and overseas prices rose, once again boosting domestic market confidence. The antimony ingot market rebounded by about 4000 yuan/ton within the month. However, there has been little change in domestic supply and demand compared to the previous period, with weak supply and demand. Downstream demand is still weak, and the principle of purchasing antimony ingots on demand is maintained. Refineries have raised prices for antimony ingots, but downstream demand is weak, and there is limited room for further upward growth in the future. It is expected to maintain a volatile trend in the short term.

According to the monitoring of the Commodity Market Analysis System of the Business Society, the price of anhydrous hydrofluoric acid in China increased in August. As of the 28th, the market price of hydrofluoric acid was 9766.67 yuan/ton, an increase of 2.99% from the beginning of the month’s price of 9483.33 yuan/ton, and a year-on-year decrease of 4.52%.

Supply side: Recently, the price of hydrofluoric acid has risen, and the mainstream price of hydrofluoric acid discussed in various regions in China has increased to 9700-10100 yuan/ton. Recently, some devices have been shut down and waiting for the market, and the spot supply of hydrofluoric acid has not changed much. The order situation for hydrofluoric acid from manufacturers is normal, with anhydrous hydrofluoric acid starting at around 60%. Some enterprises still have inventory, but due to strong costs, the price trend of hydrofluoric acid market has increased.

Cost side: The price trend of domestic fluorite has increased. As of the 28th, the average price of domestic fluorite was 3150 yuan/ton, an increase of 3.07% compared to the first day price of 3056.25 yuan/ton. The operating rate of fluorite enterprises remains low, and upstream mining is still tense. Backward mines will continue to be phased out, and new mines will be added. Mineral investigation work is still difficult. In addition, mining enterprises are facing increasingly strict safety and environmental requirements, and fluorite mines are operating insufficiently, resulting in environmental protection The requirements of emergency management departments and others are becoming stricter, and the difficulty of starting mining has increased. Due to the tight supply of raw materials, the fluorite market is unlikely to improve in the short term. The focus of spot negotiations has strengthened, and downstream enterprises have followed up on demand. Cost support has led to a rise in the price of hydrofluoric acid in the market.

In August, the market price of sulfuric acid skyrocketed. As of the 28th, the average price of domestic sulfuric acid was 294 yuan/ton, a significant increase of 83.75% compared to the price of 160 yuan/ton on the first day. The upstream sulfur market of sulfuric acid has continued to rise recently, and cost support has increased. Downstream customers of sulfuric acid have a good enthusiasm for purchasing sulfuric acid, and multiple positive factors jointly support the upward trend of sulfuric acid products. The sharp rise in sulfuric acid prices has boosted the domestic hydrofluoric acid market.

On the demand side: The market for refrigerant products downstream of the terminal remains low, and the operating rate of the refrigerant industry has slightly decreased. In addition, the refrigerant market has experienced a long-term downward trend, and the load of refrigerant R22 manufacturers is not high. Downstream procurement needs to follow up, and the demand peak season is gradually turning weak. Currently, overseas export orders have not significantly improved, and the price of R22 has slightly decreased. The domestic R134a manufacturers are operating at low loads, and the price trend of R134a is temporarily stable. Some enterprises have a strong reluctance to sell, and there is no mentality of buying low-priced orders. Some merchants have temporarily stabilized the price trend, and the demand for consumer orders has not significantly improved. Currently, the market quotation for refrigerant R134a is mostly in the range of 24500 to 25500 yuan/ton. Supply and cost factors have driven refrigerant enterprises to have a clear intention to increase prices, and refrigerant prices are stable. The market situation in the downstream refrigerant industry has not changed much, but the refrigerant operating rate remains low. For the hydrofluoric acid market, on-demand procurement is the main focus, and the price increase in the hydrofluoric acid market is limited.

Future forecast: The market trend of upstream raw material fluorite is on the rise, fluorite enterprises have a strong intention to raise prices, and sulfuric acid prices are significantly higher; The downstream refrigerant industry is operating at a low level, with the main focus on on-demand procurement of hydrofluoric acid. Chen Ling, a hydrofluoric acid analyst at Business Society, believes that in the short term, the hydrofluoric acid market is mainly affected by cost and the price trend is rising.

Price trend

According to the bulk list data of Business Society, the vitamin market has been in operation this week, with some products stabilizing after a decline, some products entering a maintenance concentration period, and most product prices running at the bottom, lacking upward momentum.

According to price monitoring by Business Society, the vitamin C market has been running smoothly this week, with mainstream feed grade vitamin C quotes of 20-22 yuan/kg. The overall trading volume in the vitamin C market is light, with a high proportion of small orders being traded. Downstream markets just need to enter the market, with weak demand. The overall market situation is mostly in line with the market, and there is currently no significant positive support, indicating a weak performance.

This week, the price of vitamin A is running at a low level. The mainstream price of feed grade vitamin A in the market is 85-90 yuan/kg, and the European market is quoting 20-24 euros/kg. The transaction volume in the vitamin A market is stable. Due to the extended maintenance of foreign vitamin A factories, the domestic export market has performed well and the export volume has steadily increased.

This week, the prices of vitamin E have been at a low level, with mainstream prices in the VE market ranging from 68 to 73 yuan/ton. The quotation for the European market is 7-7.5 euros/kilogram. Some large domestic factories are in the maintenance period and have suspended pricing. On August 1st, DSM VE products were suspended, increasing market attention.

Future Market Forecast

Vitamin analysts from the Chemical Branch of the Business Society believe that some vitamins are currently in the bottom consolidation stage, with small and mostly single traded transactions on the market, lacking upward momentum. They will closely monitor the production, sales, and market trends of enterprises in the future.

Overview of the price trend of magnesium metal

Market analysis for this week

According to the monitoring of Business Society, as of the 18th, the average market price of magnesium ingots in China was 21966.67 yuan/ton, an increase of 0.15% on a weekly basis. At the beginning of the week, there was a slight downward trend in the magnesium ingot market. Magnesium factories started to sell at high prices, and the magnesium price once again hit the 22000 yuan/ton mark. However, the market’s high prices were weak, and the price remained stable at 21900-22000 yuan/ton by Friday.

In terms of supply and demand

In terms of factories, considering the trend of inventory decline due to downstream restocking this week, and the slow resumption of production in magnesium factories, the market operating rate this week is about 47.52%. The factory has a strong willingness to raise prices, and it is difficult to find low-priced goods on the market. In terms of demand, downstream customers’ inquiry and procurement activity has increased this week, but facing rising magnesium prices, traders’ procurement enthusiasm has gradually decreased. In terms of overseas demand, the summer break abroad is about to end, and there may be a slight growth trend in overseas orders.

In terms of raw materials

This week, ferrosilicon futures have continued to decline, with only a slight rebound on Friday, and spot prices have slightly decreased by 50-100 yuan/ton. At present, the inventory pressure of manufacturers is relatively low, and the steel bidding prices generally increased in August, while the willingness of ferrosilicon manufacturers to further reduce is relatively low. The carbon market is operating steadily, and currently the overall inventory of the blue charcoal market is low, with stable market transactions being the main focus. The current prices of blue charcoal in the main national markets are as follows: the mainstream prices of small and medium-sized materials in the Shenmu market are 970-1100 yuan/ton, and the coke surface is 700-780 yuan/ton.

Future Market Forecast

Overall, the supply side of magnesium ingots has further contracted, and under relatively low supply pressure from factories, they tend to hold a mentality of high prices and reluctance to sell. Considering the downstream wait-and-see sentiment, it is expected that the short-term magnesium price will remain stable and slightly strong.

Recently, the price trend of domestic fluorite has increased. As of the 21st, the average price of domestic fluorite was 3118.75 yuan/ton, an increase of 2.04% compared to the 14th price of 3056.25 yuan/ton, and a year-on-year increase of 12.64%.

Supply side: Difficulty in starting raw ore production, shortage of fluorite in stock

The current situation of the game in the domestic fluorite industry still exists, and overall, the operating rate of enterprises remains low. The main reason is that upstream mining is tight, backward mines will continue to be phased out, new mines will be added, and mineral investigation work is still difficult. In addition, mining enterprises are facing increasingly strict safety and environmental requirements, and some mines are undergoing safety hazard inspections. The difficulty of operating fluorite mines has increased, and the shortage of raw materials has restricted the operation of fluorite enterprises, As a result, it is difficult for fluorite flotation enterprises to improve their operations, and the spot supply of fluorite is tight, which has affected the price trend of the fluorite market.

On the demand side: The price of hydrofluoric acid is rising, and the refrigerant market is temporarily stable

The price trend of domestic hydrofluoric acid has increased, and the mainstream price of hydrofluoric acid discussed by various regions in China has increased to 9400-9900 yuan/ton. Recently, some devices are still in shutdown, and the spot supply of hydrofluoric acid has not changed much. The order situation of manufacturers’ hydrofluoric acid is normal. Recently, the sulfuric acid market price has significantly increased, which has affected the hydrofluoric acid market. The rise in hydrofluoric acid price to some extent supports the rise of fluorite market.

The market for terminal downstream refrigerant products remains low, and the operating rate of the refrigerant industry has slightly decreased. In addition, the refrigerant market has experienced a long-term downward trend, and the load of refrigerant R22 manufacturers is not high. Downstream procurement needs to follow up, and the demand peak season is gradually turning weak. Currently, overseas export orders have not significantly improved, and the price of R22 has slightly decreased. The domestic R134a manufacturers are operating at low loads, and the price trend of R134a is temporarily stable. Some companies have a strong reluctance to sell, and there is currently no mentality to sell low-priced orders. Currently, the demand for consumer orders has not significantly improved, and the market quotations for refrigerant R134a are mostly in the range of 24500 to 25500 yuan/ton. The market situation in the downstream refrigerant industry has not changed much, but the refrigerant operating rate remains low. For upstream on-demand procurement, it has to some extent limited the price increase in the fluorite market.

In addition to the traditional demand of the refrigerant industry, fluorite, as an important mineral raw material in 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 fields such as national defense and nuclear industry, including lithium hexafluorophosphate, PVDF, graphite negative electrodes, photovoltaic panels, etc. With the demand driven by new energy and semiconductor industries, fluorite applications have received certain support, and the fluorite market has risen.

Future Market Forecast: Recently, there has been an increase in imported fluorite mines from Mongolia, easing some of the tension in domestic fluorite mines. However, it is difficult to improve the supply of domestic fluorite mines, coupled with the rising trend of the hydrofluoric acid market, the industry maintains high expectations for pricing in September. The refrigerant quota plan has recently stimulated the market, and hydrofluoric acid companies hold an optimistic attitude towards the later stage. Chen Ling, an analyst at Business Society, believes that the price of fluorite will still mainly rise in the later stage.

According to the monitoring of the Commodity Market Analysis System of the Business Society, the price of anhydrous hydrofluoric acid in China has slightly increased. As of the 18th, the market price of hydrofluoric acid was 9566.67 yuan/ton, an increase of 0.88% compared to the 10th price of 9483.33 yuan/ton, and a year-on-year decrease of 6.34%.

Supply side: Recently, the price of hydrofluoric acid has slightly increased. The mainstream price of hydrofluoric acid discussed in various regions in China is 9400-9800 yuan/ton. Recently, some devices have been shut down for sale, and the spot supply of hydrofluoric acid has not changed much. The order situation for hydrofluoric acid from manufacturers is average, with anhydrous hydrofluoric acid starting at around 60%. Some enterprises have accumulated inventory, but the market price trend of hydrofluoric acid has increased recently due to strong support from raw materials such as fluorite and sulfuric acid.

Cost side: The price trend of domestic fluorite has increased. As of the 18th, the average price of domestic fluorite was 3093.75 yuan/ton, an increase of 1.23% compared to the 10th price of 3056.25 yuan/ton. The operating rate of fluorite enterprises remains low, and upstream mining is still tense. Backward mines will continue to be phased out, and new mines will be added. Mineral investigation work is still difficult. In addition, mining enterprises are facing increasingly strict safety and environmental requirements, and fluorite mines are operating insufficiently, resulting in environmental protection The requirements of emergency management departments and others are becoming stricter, and the difficulty of starting mining has increased. Due to the tight supply of raw materials, the fluorite market is unlikely to improve in the short term. The focus of spot negotiations has strengthened, and downstream enterprises have followed up on demand. Cost support has led to a rise in the price of hydrofluoric acid in the market.

Recently, the sulfuric acid market has significantly increased. As of the 18th, the average price of domestic sulfuric acid was 252 yuan/ton, a significant increase of 41.57% compared to the price of 178 yuan/ton on the 10th. The upstream sulfur market of sulfuric acid has continued to rise recently, and cost support has increased. Downstream customers of sulfuric acid have a good enthusiasm for purchasing sulfuric acid, and multiple positive factors jointly support the upward trend of sulfuric acid products. The significant rise in sulfuric acid prices has boosted the domestic hydrofluoric acid market.

On the demand side: The market for refrigerant products downstream of the terminal remains low, and the operating rate of the refrigerant industry has slightly decreased. In addition, the refrigerant market has experienced a long-term downward trend, and the load of refrigerant R22 manufacturers is not high. Downstream procurement needs to follow up, and the demand peak season is gradually turning weak. Currently, overseas export orders have not significantly improved, and the price of R22 has slightly decreased. The domestic R134a manufacturers are operating at low loads, and the price trend of R134a is temporarily stable. Some enterprises have a strong reluctance to sell, and there is no mentality of buying low-priced orders. Some merchants have temporarily stabilized the price trend, and the demand for consumer orders has not significantly improved. Currently, the market quotation for refrigerant R134a is mostly in the range of 24500 to 25500 yuan/ton. Supply and cost factors have driven refrigerant enterprises to have a clear intention to increase prices, and refrigerant prices are stable. The market situation in the downstream refrigerant industry has not changed much, but the refrigerant operating rate remains low. For the hydrofluoric acid market, on-demand procurement is the main focus, which correspondingly suppresses the growth of the hydrofluoric acid market.

Future forecast: The market trend of upstream raw material fluorite is on the rise, fluorite enterprises have a strong intention to raise prices, and sulfuric acid prices are significantly higher; The downstream refrigerant industry is operating at a low level, with the main focus on on-demand procurement of hydrofluoric acid. Chen Ling, a hydrofluoric acid analyst at Business Society, believes that in the short term, the hydrofluoric acid market is mainly affected by cost and the price trend is rising.

Since August, the domestic acetic acid market has shown a broad upward trend, with prices continuing to rise. The main reason is the tight domestic supply, which brings benefits to the supply, and the price of acetic acid continues to rise. At the beginning of the month, the Yankuang Lunan and Jiangsu Sopu plants unexpectedly malfunctioned and stopped short. Downstream follow-up was good, and the quotation of acetic acid manufacturers increased. Afterwards, Tianjin Soda Plant reduced its operating load and reduced its capacity utilization rate. At the same time, the factory had low inventory and mainly executed long-term contracts, resulting in a tight supply of goods in the market. Holders were hesitant to sell and rose significantly. In the later stage, as the bidding prices of the main factories in the northwest continued to rise, other regions also followed suit, As of now, the price of acetic acid has increased by over 500 yuan/ton within the month.

According to the Commodity Market Analysis System of the Business Society, on August 16th, the average price of acetic acid in East China was 3583.33 yuan/ton, an increase of 16.85% compared to the beginning price of 3066.67 yuan/ton.

The upstream raw material methanol market is weak and volatile. As of August 16th, the average price in the domestic market was 2331.67 yuan/ton, which is a 1.03% decrease compared to the price of 2355.83 yuan/ton on August 1st. Cost side coal prices have fallen, weakening support; Downstream, since August, the shutdown of acetic acid plants has affected the decline in operating rates, resulting in insufficient demand and weak supply and demand. Methanol prices have fluctuated and fallen.

The downstream acetic anhydride market continues to rise. As of August 16th, the factory price of acetic anhydride was 5400.00 yuan/ton, an increase of 5.37% compared to the price of 5125.00 yuan/ton on August 1st. The upstream acetic acid price has increased significantly, and the upward momentum of acetic anhydride has increased. The downstream demand for acetic anhydride is average, which to some extent limits the increase in acetic anhydride. Due to strong cost support, the price of acetic anhydride has increased.

In the future market forecast, acetic acid analysts from the Business Society believe that the domestic supply is currently tight, factory inventory is limited, and there is a strong intention of reluctant sales in the trade market. Coupled with the guidance of rising bidding prices in the northwest, and supported by positive supplier performance, it is expected that the acetic acid market may continue to rise in the future.

According to data monitored by Business Society, the domestic carbon black market price has risen during the cycle. On August 14th, the domestic carbon black N220 was quoted at 10133 yuan/ton, mainly due to the high price of raw material coal tar market, which provides good support for the cost of carbon black.

Cost side: In terms of raw materials, as of August 14th, the market price of coal tar is 4955 yuan/ton. During the cycle, the supply of coal tar is tight, and the downstream construction starts at a stable high level. Most deep processed products and raw coal tar present a parallel situation, and they are actively receiving raw materials. The high performance of the raw material market continues to rise, providing strong support for the cost side of carbon black. It is expected that the high price of coal tar market will consolidate and operate in the short term.

Supply and demand side: Most carbon black enterprises maintain normal operating levels, and the overall operation of the domestic carbon black market is stable, with sufficient supply in the carbon black market.

In terms of terminals, downstream enterprises have a decent level of operation, but they have a strong resistance to the constantly increasing supply of carbon black. Moreover, downstream tire enterprises have already ordered a batch of raw materials at the beginning of the month, and recent price policies have remained unchanged. Factory procurement activity has decreased compared to the previous period, and terminal demand is in a weak and difficult to improve stage. The supply and demand game on the market is expected to see stable operation of the carbon black market in the short term.

Overall, carbon black has good cost support, low inventory levels, and no significant improvement in demand. The market has a strong wait-and-see atmosphere, and it is expected that the carbon black market will operate at a high level in the short term.

The price of ortho xylene has increased this week

According to the Commodity Market Analysis System of the Business Society, as of August 14th, the price of ortho xylene was 9000 yuan/ton, an increase of 4.65% compared to the 8600 yuan/ton price of ortho xylene on August 4th last weekend. The price of mixed xylene has increased, while the cost of ortho xylene has increased; The downstream market for phthalic anhydride fluctuated and rose, with stable demand for ortho xylene and cost support. This week, the price of ortho xylene increased.

The market for raw material mixed xylene rose this week

According to the market analysis system of mixed xylene products in the Business Society, as of August 14th, the price of mixed xylene was 8630 yuan/ton, an increase of 410 yuan/ton or 4.99% compared to the price of 8220 yuan/ton on August 4th last weekend. Crude oil prices fluctuate and rise, while naphtha and mixed xylene prices rise, and raw material costs rise, supporting the rise of adjacent xylene market.

Downstream phthalic anhydride market stabilizes after rising

According to the market analysis system of phthalic anhydride products in the business society, as of August 14th, the quotation for ortho phthalic anhydride was 8750 yuan/ton, an increase of 2.34% compared to the price of 8550 yuan/ton on August 4th. The market for phthalic anhydride is stagnant, and the price of phthalic anhydride tends to stabilize after rising. The decline in the price of naphthalene phthalic anhydride is bearish for phthalic anhydride, and plasticizer enterprises are operating at a low level. The demand for phthalic anhydride is weak and tends to stabilize, and the demand for phthalic anhydride is weak, increasing the downward pressure on phthalic xylene.

Future prospects

Analysts from the Business Society believe that the increase in crude oil will lead to an increase in the cost of raw materials for ortho xylene; However, downstream plasticizers are operating at a low level, with weak demand for phthalic anhydride and weak demand for ortho benzene. Affected by the increase in raw material costs in July, the cost supported prices of ortho benzene continued to rise. However, after entering August, the ortho benzene market remained stagnant, with insufficient cost support momentum. The market returned to demand dominance, while the downstream market remained stagnant, increasing the downward pressure on ortho benzene. In the future, there is insufficient support for the rising cost of ortho benzene, and downstream demand for ortho benzene is stagnant. It is expected that ortho benzene prices will stabilize in the future.