Price trend

According to the commodity market analysis system of Business Society, the sulfur price trend in East China this week first rose and then fell. On April 21, the sulfur price was 1223.33 yuan/ton, which was 1.66% higher than the sulfur price of 1203.33 yuan/ton at the beginning of the week, and an increase of 13.98% compared to the beginning of the month.

This week’s sulfur market is running smoothly. The maintenance of refineries in Shandong region is concentrated, and the market supply of goods is still low. Enterprise inventory is relatively low, and most refineries have strong quotations. At the same time, downstream procurement is active, and market trading is good. Some enterprises have lowered their quotations due to high price increases in the early stage and downstream resistance. The overall sulfur market is still operating at a relatively high level. As of the 19th, the mainstream price of solid sulfur in refineries in Shandong Province was around 1180-127 yuan/ton; The mainstream price of liquid sulfur is between 1180-1320 yuan/ton.

Downstream market trends in the industrial chain

The downstream sulfuric acid market remained strong and stable, with an average domestic sulfuric acid price of 331.25 yuan/ton on April 21, which remained unchanged from the price of 331.25 yuan/ton on April 15. The domestic sulfuric acid market continues to remain stable, with acid companies adopting a wait-and-see attitude and maintaining active shipments. Downstream demand expectations are weak, and the market trading atmosphere is limited. Under the game of supply and demand, sulfuric acid prices continue to remain stable.

The downstream ammonium phosphate market remained weak and stable. On April 21st, the average market price of 55% powdered ammonium phosphate was 2966.67 yuan/ton, which was unchanged from the price of 2966.67 yuan/ton on April 15th. The maintenance of ammonium phosphate equipment has increased, leading to a reduction in market supply. However, downstream demand is sluggish, and manufacturers have limited new orders and transactions. At the same time, the number of pending orders has decreased, putting pressure on enterprise sales. There is a strong wait-and-see sentiment on the market, and the price of ammonium phosphate is temporarily stable.

Future Market Forecast

Business Society sulfur analysts believe that the sulfur market has a lot of equipment maintenance, tight supply of goods, strong supplier support, stable downstream demand, and active enterprise shipments. Considering that downstream acceptance of high prices may weaken, it is expected that sulfur prices will stabilize slightly in the short term, with an overall strong operation. Specific attention should be paid to downstream follow-up.

1、 Price trend

According to data monitored by Business Society, as of April 22, the average price quoted by domestic premium DMF enterprises was 4730 yuan/ton. DMF prices have remained stable this week, with no significant changes compared to the same period last week. Currently, the mainstream price is around 4700-4800 yuan/ton, and the overall market supply and demand is balanced. Enterprises mainly offer discounts and take orders, with smooth logistics and stable negotiation focus.

2、 Market analysis

This week, the overall market price of DMF has remained stable, with limited fluctuations compared to the same period last week. Currently, the mainstream price range is between 4700-4800 yuan/ton, and manufacturers are actively shipping with smooth logistics. Currently, there is some support for the cost of DMF, and it will continue to operate steadily with a moderate to strong trend in the near future. Downstream enterprises require procurement and operation.

Chemical index: On April 21, the chemical index was 862 points, unchanged from yesterday, a decrease of 38.43% from the highest point in the cycle of 1400 points (2021-10-23), and an increase of 44.15% from the lowest point of 598 points on April 8, 2020. (Note: The cycle refers to 2011-12-01 present).

3、 Future Market Forecast

Business Society DMF analysts believe that in the short term, the DMF market will maintain a stable, medium to strong operation, with mainstream prices maintained at 4700-4800 yuan/ton.

According to monitoring data from Business Society, as of April 19, 2024, the factory price reference for domestically produced industrial grade dimethyl carbonate was 4100 yuan/ton. Compared with April 14 (reference price for dimethyl carbonate was 4000 yuan/ton), the price was reduced by 100 yuan/ton, a decrease of 1.20%.

From the monitoring chart of Business Society data, it can be seen that this week (4.14-4.19), the overall domestic dimethyl carbonate market showed a weak downward trend. This week, the downstream demand for dimethyl carbonate was mostly for rigid purchase orders, and the overall adjustment on the supply and demand side was not significant. The decline in the dimethyl carbonate market was mainly due to loose support on the cost side. This week, the raw material epoxy propane market has declined, and it is difficult for the cost side to continue providing support for dimethyl carbonate. The focus of negotiations on dimethyl carbonate has slightly shifted downwards. As of April 19, the domestic market price of dimethyl carbonate is based on a reference of around 3950-4200 yuan/ton.

In terms of cost, the overall epoxy propane market has been declining recently. According to the data monitoring system of Business Society, on April 19th, the price of epoxy propane was referenced at 9137.50 yuan/ton, a decrease of 0.55% compared to April 14th.

Future Market Forecast

At present, the trading atmosphere of dimethyl carbonate on the exchange is mild, and although the market situation has slightly changed, the mentality of the dimethyl carbonate industry is still good. The stable performance of downstream demand gives the market some confidence, and the market has a strong mentality of stability. The dimethyl carbonate data analyst from Business Society believes that in the short term, the domestic dimethyl carbonate market will mainly operate with large stability and small fluctuations, and the specific trend still needs to pay more attention to changes in supply and demand and other news.

1、 Price trend

According to the monitoring of the commodity market analysis system of Shengyishe, the phenolic resin market experienced a slight decline this week. As of April 18th, the mainstream price of domestic phenolic resin (2123) was 9950 yuan/ton, a decrease of 5.91% compared to April 1st.

2、 Market analysis

Cost side:

In terms of phenol, the phenol market is strong with a slight increase. The reference price for the East China phenol market is between 7600-7650 yuan/ton, and the purchasing interest in the terminal market is average. It is expected that the phenol market will remain strong in the short term, as there is a strong demand for participation.

3、 Future Market Forecast

Business Society analysts believe that although there is positive support for the cost side this week, there is ample inventory on the market, and downstream buyers are in urgent need. Some dealers have lowered their quotes to sell goods. In the short term, the upstream phenol market is strong, and there are signs of recovery in the phenolic resin market next week

According to the commodity market analysis system of Shengyishe, the price of raw silk continued to decline this week (4.8-4.12). As of April 12th, the average price of raw silk in the domestic market was 486950 yuan/ton, a decrease of 2850 yuan/ton or 0.58% compared to the price of 489800 yuan/ton at the beginning of the week; The average market price of dried cocoons is 164000 yuan/ton, a decrease of 1000 yuan/ton or 0.61% compared to the price of 165000 yuan/ton at the beginning of the week.

This week is during holidays such as Zhuang March 3rd and Dai Water Splashing Festival in Guangxi and Yunnan. According to incomplete understanding, some silk reeling enterprises have their workshops on vacation, while most silk reeling enterprises have their workshops on normal production or take compensatory leave. The price of raw silk in the new cocoon season continues to decline, with the majority of buyers and sellers holding prices and observing. The overall trading volume this week was average. This week, the prices of dried cocoons, raw silk, and silk floss have all been reduced to a certain extent overall, but the enthusiasm of manufacturers to purchase goods is average. High quality raw silk for export and domestic sales continues to be sold at high prices, while some 5A-6A grade raw silk in the regular domestic market remains at last week’s prices, while others have decreased slightly. The overall price has slightly decreased compared to last week.

In terms of fresh cocoon listing, spring cocoons in the Guangdong and Guangxi regions continue to be listed. Among them, the purchase prices of spring cocoons in Xuwen, Maoming Huazhou, and Yunfu Luoding regions in Zhanjiang, Guangdong have been basically maintained at around 55-62 yuan/kg recently. The purchase prices of spring cocoons in Yongning, Mashan, and Shanglin regions in Nanning, Guangxi have slightly increased. Based on the quality price, the current purchase price remains around 55-62 yuan/kg. The first batch of spring cocoons in Xincheng region is nearing completion, with the purchase price remaining at around 54-56 yuan/kg. The second batch of spring cocoons is expected to start listing around the 17th of this month, and there will continue to be small batches of spring cocoons listed in the surrounding areas of Yizhou at the same purchase price. There is a slight increase, currently maintained at around 55-59 yuan/kg.

In terms of weaving, as we enter mid April, there continues to be a trend of uneven heating and cooling, and the market reflects that orders for silk and satin varieties with export characteristics and regular domestic sales orders are not satisfactory. After the Qingming Festival holiday, there is also the March 3rd holiday, and the weaving process still maintains the rhythm of picking up goods according to demand.

From the past two weeks, it can be seen that there has been a significant downward trend in raw silk prices since the listing of Spring Cocoon, which objectively reflects that the current downstream demand is not very sufficient, domestic demand is still in the recovery period, and export growth is not significant. Therefore, overall, the industrial chain may face an oversupply situation in the future. Analysts from Business Society believe that Spring Cocoon is about to go public on a large scale, and after the Qingming Festival holiday, it will also usher in the March 3rd holiday. Downstream will still maintain the rhythm of on-demand procurement, and the prices of raw silk and dried cocoons will remain in a weak adjustment market in the short term.

Recently (4.1-4.15), the market for dichloromethane has risen first and then fell, fluctuating downward. According to the Commodity Market Analysis System of Business Society, as of April 15th, the average price of dichloromethane bulk water in Shandong Province was 2460 yuan/ton, a decrease of 2.57% from 2525 yuan/ton on the first day and a decrease of 5.20% from the high point of 2595 yuan/ton in the cycle. The price of raw material methanol slightly decreased, the price of liquid chlorine first rose and then fell, and the cost support of dichloromethane still exists; At the beginning of the month, high raw material prices were supported by high costs, and the inventory of enterprises was low. Later, dichloromethane enterprises gradually accumulated inventory; The factory price of dichloromethane for enterprises first increased and then decreased. As of April 15th, the factory price of mainstream dichloromethane bulk water in Shandong region is around 2440-2480 yuan/ton.

Recently (4.1-4.15), there has been a slight fluctuation in the domestic supply of methane chlorides, with overall production starting around 70%.

In recent days (4.1-4.15), the price of raw material methanol has slightly decreased, while the price of liquid chlorine has initially risen and then fallen slightly. The cost of dichloromethane continues to support. According to the Commodity Market Analysis System of Shengyishe, as of April 15th, the spot price of methanol was 2615 yuan/ton, a decrease of 0.32% from 2623 yuan/ton on the 1st. As of April 15th, the acceptance price of liquid chlorine tank trucks in Shandong region has remained around 500 yuan/ton, which is lower than 700 yuan/ton in early April and higher than 300 yuan/ton at the end of March.

Downstream R 32 production has remained stable, with merchants and terminals stocking up on demand. Currently, the main support for dichloromethane is in demand, and the market atmosphere is somewhat stagnant upstream and downstream.

Future Market Forecast:

From a technical perspective, the dichloromethane index chart of Shengyishe shows that from the beginning of the year to early March, the 7-day moving average of the dichloromethane index has always been below the 30 day moving average, and at this time, the overall spot market prices are in a downward trend; After crossing the 30 day moving average on the 7th of March, the spot price of dichloromethane showed an upward trend; At present, although the spot price of dichloromethane has slightly declined, the index chart shows that the 7-day moving average is still above the 30 day moving average, and it is expected that the dichloromethane market will still have strong support in the short term.

Business Society methane chloride data analyst believes that the current inventory pressure of enterprises is increasing, and terminal inquiries are cautious; The price of raw material methanol slightly decreased, while the price of liquid chlorine first rose and then fell. Overall, it is expected that the dichloromethane market will continue to fluctuate in the later period.

1、 Price trend

According to the Commodity Market Analysis System of Business Society, as of April 12th, the reference average price of 85% thermal phosphoric acid in China was 6560 yuan/ton, which is 0.31% higher than the reference average price of 6540 yuan/ton on April 8th.

2、 Market analysis

The domestic phosphoric acid market prices have slightly increased this week. The price of raw material yellow phosphorus has increased, leading to increased cost support. The price of phosphoric acid has slightly increased following the trend of raw materials. However, the current market demand is insufficient, and downstream procurement is mainly based on demand, with limited room for growth. As of April 12th, the market price of 85% thermal phosphoric acid in Yunnan region is around 6600 yuan/ton, and the market price of 85% thermal phosphoric acid in Hubei region is around 6600-6800 yuan/ton. The domestic market quotation for 85% wet process phosphoric acid is around 6100-6800 yuan/ton.

In terms of raw material yellow phosphorus. The market price of yellow phosphorus has increased this week. At present, the trading situation in the yellow phosphorus field is good, and downstream procurement is more active. The new orders from manufacturers are doing well, and most downstream are preparing for the May Day holiday. Overall, the yellow phosphorus market is relatively active, with some factories experiencing tight spot prices. As of now, the market quotation for yellow phosphorus is around 23000-23200 yuan/ton, and the actual transaction is negotiable.

In terms of raw material phosphate ore. After the Qingming Festival, the overall domestic phosphate ore market remained stable, organized and operated, and the mining of phosphate ore plants was basically normal. Among them, the spot circulation of high-grade phosphate ore was relatively tight, and the overall supply of medium and low grade phosphate ore was relatively loose. At present, the overall performance of the downstream demand side of phosphate ore is average, with downstream users mainly engaged in rigid procurement. The market’s new orders are relatively cautious, and there is a certain wait-and-see sentiment in the market. As of April 12th, the domestic market price for 30 grade phosphate ore is around 1000-1100 yuan/ton.

3、 Future Market Forecast

Business Society Phosphorus Acid Analyst believes that after the holiday, the price of raw material yellow phosphorus will strengthen, and cost support will improve. It is expected that the short-term phosphoric acid market will continue to improve, and it is recommended to pay attention to changes in costs and demand.

1、 Price trend

According to the Commodity Market Analysis System of Business Society, the average price of domestic ammonium sulfate market was 765 yuan/ton on April 5th, and 793 yuan/ton on April 11th. This week, the price of domestic ammonium sulfate market increased by 3.70%.

2、 Market analysis

The domestic ammonium sulfate market price has risen this week. The demand for downstream rare earths has increased, and the trading atmosphere has improved, leading to an increase in the bidding price of ammonium sulfate. But the export market is still weak and difficult to improve in the short term. This week, urea prices have shown a positive trend, which is beneficial for the domestic nitrogen fertilizer market. As of April 11th, the mainstream ex factory quotation for coking grade ammonium sulfate in Hebei region is around 740-790 yuan/ton. The mainstream ex factory quotation for ammonium sulfate in Shandong region is around 780-810 yuan/ton.

3、 Future Market Forecast

An analyst at Shengyishe Ammonium Sulfate believes that the price of ammonium sulfate has been on the rise recently. The urea market is strong, supported by favorable factors such as increased downstream restocking. However, international demand remains sluggish, and the upward trend of ammonium sulfate is limited. It is expected that the domestic ammonium sulfate price will slightly consolidate and rise in the short term.

According to the Commodity Market Analysis System of Shengyishe, as of April 7th, the average price of epoxy propane in the domestic market is based on 9225.00 yuan/ton, which is basically the same as the price at the beginning of the month.

Since April, the epoxy propane market has been operating steadily. Recently, some supply side devices have fluctuated and the industry’s capacity utilization rate has slightly improved. At the beginning of the month, the cost support was relatively strong, and downstream procurement attitudes were cautious, with a focus on observing and following up appropriately. The market trading atmosphere before the holiday was still good. After the holiday, there is some support for the cost side, and downstream observers are generally following suit, resulting in a stalemate in the market atmosphere.

Cost side: According to the commodity market analysis system of Shengyishe, the reference price for propylene on April 5th was 6840.60, a decrease of 0.12% compared to April 1st (6848.60). Recently, the price of propylene raw material has been narrow and weak, while the price of liquid chlorine raw material has slightly increased. The cost is still supported by the epoxy propane market.

The epoxy propane analyst from Business Society believes that the current market has a strong wait-and-see mentality, and short-term cost support still exists. The supply side of the north-south market is slightly divided, and the spot supply in the southern market is tight. The inventory pressure in the northern market is temporarily controllable, and downstream procurement is more cautious in following up. It is expected that in the short term, the epoxy propane market may remain stagnant and operate, and more needs to wait for market news guidance.

1、 Price trend

According to the monitoring of the commodity market analysis system of Shengyishe, the price curve of butyl rubber this week was calm and without any fluctuations. As of April 7th, the mainstream price of domestic butyl rubber (1751) was 17700 yuan/ton, an increase of 0.14% from the previous month and 0.71% from January.

2、 Market analysis

Cost side:

In terms of crude oil: Due to the ongoing tense relationship between Iran and Israel, which has had a profound impact on the stability of the Middle East and the global crude oil market, the zero selling price of refined oil has been raised again in this round. In 2024, retail prices have experienced three increases, one decrease, and two setbacks, leading to an upward trend in the crude oil market during the cycle

In terms of isobutene: After a continuous upward trend in March, isobutene entered a stable operating period this week. As of April 7th, the price of isobutene stream has remained stable at 11500 yuan/ton. Currently, buyers in the isobutene market have decreased their willingness to enter due to the impact of rising prices, and the upward trend is gradually stabilizing.

Demand side:

Recently, multiple steel tire companies have announced an increase in steel tire prices, leading to a wave of price increases in the tire industry in April, with price increases ranging from 2% to 5%. Currently, the operating rate of all steel tires is close to 7 floors, while the operating rate of half steel tires is greater than 8 floors. The demand for steel tires in the market is showing a strong growth trend, with a continuous flow of orders far exceeding the current production and supply capacity, making it difficult to meet market demand.

3、 Future Market Forecast

Analysts from Business Society believe that the crude oil market is on the rise, with high prices of raw material isobutylene and strong cost support for butyl rubber. The supply of imported butyl rubber is tight, and multiple suppliers have entered the industry in search of goods. Domestic inventory is abundant. There are favorable factors in the downstream steel tire industry. Overall, the butyl rubber market will mainly consolidate at a high level in the short term.