According to the Commodity Market Analysis System of Shengyi Society, the xylene market will first rise and then fall in May 2025, with an overall upward trend. From May 1st to 28th, the domestic xylene market price fell from 5610 yuan/ton to 5750 yuan/ton, with a cumulative price increase of 2.5% during the period.

In the first half of the month, the mixed xylene market in Shandong region mainly declined, and the market shipment situation during the May Day holiday did not meet market expectations. Refineries voluntarily lowered prices and shipped, driving some downstream purchases into the market. In the later part of the week, market transactions began to improve, and overall market prices declined. The East and South China regions have been fluctuating and weakening, with port inventories rising during holidays and market demand being more rigid. Overall trading is average, and the market is running weakly. In the later stage, driven by the demand of downstream chemical industry, especially the positive impact of chemical industry procurement in Shandong region, refineries generally operate with low inventory levels, factory prices rise, and holders of goods have a strong mentality of supporting prices, resulting in continuous market price increases.
In the second half of the month, the mixed xylene market experienced overall volatility and decline, with downstream demand performing poorly, dragging down market sentiment. The downstream chemical industry in Shandong market has released demand for replenishment, actively entering the market for procurement, driving the spot market to slightly improve over the weekend. The overall trend in East and South China this week is weak, with high port inventories and a general decrease in main refineries. Spot market prices have also fallen.
Cost wise: In May, international oil prices first fell and then rose, with an overall upward trend. As of the 26th, the US WTI crude oil market was closed, and the settlement price of the main Brent crude oil futures contract was $64.74 per barrel. On the one hand, the Middle East region has once again become tense, and this news is positive for the international oil market, with crude oil prices rising; On the other hand, the United States has increased its oil restrictions on a certain country, and the easing of tariffs between China and the United States has led to an increase in international oil prices.
Supply side:
Sinopec’s xylene quotation summary shows that the company is currently operating normally, with stable production and sales. The company’s quotation remains unchanged from the previous day. As of May 28th, East China Company quoted 5800 yuan/ton, North China Company quoted 5600-5750 yuan/ton, South China Company quoted 5750-5800 yuan/ton, and Central China Company quoted 5650-5800 yuan/ton.
Demand side:
According to the Commodity Market Analysis System of Shengyi Society, as of May 29, 2025, the price of xylene sold by Sinopec Sales Company has temporarily stabilized, with a current price of 6850 yuan/ton. This price is being implemented in East China, North China, Central China, and South China. Yangzi Petrochemical, Zhenhai Petrochemical, and other facilities are operating stably with normal sales, with a price reduction of 50 yuan/ton compared to April 27. As of May 28th, the closing prices of the xylene market in Asia were $811-813/ton FOB Korea and $836-838/ton CFR China, an increase of $92/ton from April 24th.
Market forecast: The recent trend of crude oil is weak, and the cost support of xylene is limited. From the perspective of demand, the overall downstream demand has recently shifted towards rigid procurement, and related futures commodities have weakened, driving a low mentality in the spot market. As the holiday approaches, there is still some demand for pre holiday stocking in the downstream. Overall, the mixed xylene market is mixed with negative and positive factors, and it is expected to have a strong and volatile trend in the short term.