1、 Price trend

According to the Commodity Market Analysis System of Business Society, the price of pure benzene has slightly increased this month and has been continuously rising since the beginning of the month. On February 1st, the price was 7967 yuan/ton; On February 29th, the price was 562 yuan/ton, an increase of 7.46% from the beginning of the month and 20.54% from the same period last year.

2、 Analysis and Review

Pure benzene: Yesterday, discussions on pure benzene in East China opened high and closed low, leading to a decrease in the prices of main units and a significant decline in the styrene market. The business owners were panicked, and large holders offered to sell at a discounted price, resulting in few transactions. Shandong Refinery’s offer remained stable. Some downstream companies entered the market for purchasing within the day, with continued buying momentum and good transactions. Night trading saw a rebound in buying gas for pure benzene at a low level, but crude oil slightly declined. It is expected that pure benzene in East China will be weakly consolidated in the morning.

This month, the price of Sinopec pure benzene increased by 550 yuan/ton to 8550 yuan/ton.

Downstream aspect

3、 Future Market Forecast

Crude oil: US commercial crude oil inventories continue to grow, but OPEC+is considering extending the production reduction period, resulting in mixed fluctuations in international oil prices. The NYMEX crude oil futures 04 contract fell by 0.33 US dollars per barrel or 0.42% to 78.54 US dollars per barrel; ICE oil futures 04 contract rose by 0.03 USD/barrel or 0.04% to 83.68 USD/barrel. The main contract of China INE crude oil futures, 2404, rose 7.5 yuan/barrel to 605.5 yuan/barrel, and rose 1.7 yuan/barrel to 607.2 yuan/barrel in overnight trading.

Outside: FOB South Korea fell by $21 to $1010 per ton, CFR China fell by $20 to $1023 per ton, FOB Southeast Asia fell by $21 to $989 per ton, FOB Rotterdam and CIF ARA fell by $15 to $1255 per ton, and FOB USG remained stable at $402 per gallon.

The fundamentals are showing an upward trend in the short term, with sufficient supply on the market. Pure benzene may continue to rise in the short term, and we are waiting to see if the cost and demand sides can improve. Continue to monitor the trends of crude oil and external markets, as well as the impact of changes in demand and downstream equipment dynamics on the price of pure benzene.

1、 Price trend

According to the Commodity Market Analysis System of Business Society, the focus of the domestic NMP market continued to shift downwards in February, indicating an overall weakness. At the beginning of February, the average price of electronic grade NMP was 12566 yuan/ton. On February 29th, the average price was 12300 yuan/ton, a decrease of 2.12%.

2、 Analysis and Review

As of February 29th, the mainstream prices of NMP bulk water in different regions of China are as follows:

Region/ February 29th

East China region/ 11800-12200 yuan/ton

Central China region/ 12000-12200 yuan/ton

Southwest region/ 11800-12200 yuan/ton

In February, the domestic NMP market continued to decline. As of the 29th, the mainstream retail price for electronic grade NMP in China was 11800-12500 yuan/ton. Affected by traditional festivals, the NMP market has a weaker off-season in February. At the beginning of the month, due to poor profits, downstream companies prepared to suspend work and take a holiday in advance, and market transactions gradually decreased. The market was basically closed during the Spring Festival period. After the holiday, the downstream launch was slow, and NMP enterprises actively sold goods. However, the market atmosphere was cold, and NMP was under pressure to decline.

The domestic BDO market remained stable in February. From February 1st to 29th, the average domestic BDO price increased from 9421 yuan/ton to 9428 yuan/ton, with a price increase of 0.07% during the cycle,

3、 Future Market Forecast

According to NMP analysts from Business Society, the downstream follow-up of NMP prices is slow, and the market mentality is poor. Without clear positive signals to guide it, it is expected that NMP prices will consolidate and operate at a low level in the short term.

According to monitoring data from Business Society, as of February 29, 2023, the reference price of n-butanol in Shandong Province, China was 8616 yuan/ton. Compared with February 1 (reference price of n-butanol was 8816 yuan/ton), the price decreased by 200 yuan/ton, a decrease of 3.40%.

From the monitoring chart of Business Society data, it can be seen that in February, the overall n-butanol market in Shandong, China showed a weak downward trend. The center of gravity of the n-butanol market has been continuously approaching a low level since the beginning of the month, with a price reduction of 200-300 yuan/ton for n-butanol. As of February 29th, the reference price for the domestic n-butanol market in Shandong region is around 8600-8700 yuan/ton.

Factors influencing the market trend of n-butanol

In terms of demand: In early February, on the eve of the Spring Festival, the downstream stocking of n-butanol market has basically ended, with light market trading and calm demand. Returning from the Spring Festival holiday, the downstream production of n-butanol is relatively low, and the overall demand recovery is slow. New orders after the holiday are cautious and in high demand. Therefore, during February, the demand side provided loose support for n-butanol.

In terms of supply: Before the holiday, the shipment of n-butanol was average, but during the Spring Festival, there was a certain accumulation of inventory in the market. Now, after the holiday, construction is underway, and the overall supply of n-butanol in the factory is loose. In addition, some areas are affected by weather after the holiday, and logistics transportation is limited, resulting in slow circulation of n-butanol. In February, the overall supply side failed to provide effective support to the n-butanol market.

Future analysis

At present, the trading atmosphere in the n-butanol market is average, with n-butanol factories actively shipping and downstream buying on dips as the main focus. According to the n-butanol data analyst from Business Society, in the short term, the domestic n-butanol market in Shandong region is mainly stable with small fluctuations, and the specific trend still needs to pay more attention to changes in supply and demand news.

According to the Commodity Market Analysis System of Business Society, the domestic natural rubber spot market continued to rise this week. The spot rubber market in China was around 13100 yuan/ton on February 29, up 1.55% from around 12900 yuan/ton on February 26.

This week, the natural rubber market has risen, with the Shanghai rubber 05 contract rising from 13750 yuan/ton to around 13900 yuan/ton. Currently, Thailand imports latex barrels at around 13500-13600 yuan/ton, bulk at around 12800-12900 yuan/ton, Vietnam imports latex bulk at around 11600-11800 yuan/ton, and domestically produced latex bulk at around 11700 yuan/ton.

On the supply side, raw material output is limited and prices remain high. On the Thai side, raw material output is limited and prices rise; Vietnam’s production areas have entered a shutdown period; China has entered a period of cutting cessation. At present, it is still in the off-season for seasonal construction, and some factories are shutting down. As of February 25, 2024, the total inventory of Tianjiao Bonded and General Trade in Qingdao area was 666100 tons, a decrease of 9600 tons or 1.43% compared to the previous period.

On the demand side: During the holiday period, downstream tire production was low, and the demand side was weak. After the holiday, downstream tire production increased, providing certain support for styrene butadiene rubber. It is understood that as of the 22nd, the operating load of semi steel tires in domestic tire enterprises was around 6.3%; The operating load of all steel tires for tire enterprises in Shandong region is around 45%.

Market forecast: Currently, there is a tight supply of raw materials both domestically and internationally, with domestic production areas entering a shutdown period and some foreign production areas entering a shutdown period. The strong prices of raw materials support the natural rubber market; At present, downstream factories are gradually resuming production, and the procurement of natural rubber may increase. However, downstream restocking may take some time, and it is expected that the natural rubber spot market will mainly consolidate at a high level in the near future.

According to the Commodity Analysis System of Business Society, the overall price of refined petroleum coke in February declined. The mainstream average price of petroleum coke products from major domestic refineries in February was 1682.50 yuan/ton on February 29th and 1735.00 yuan/ton on February 1st, with a monthly decline of 3.03%.

Cost side: In February, international crude oil prices fluctuated upwards. On the one hand, the instability of the Middle East situation still exists due to the disturbance of the geopolitical situation, which further pushed up the risk premium of crude oil. On the other hand, the Federal Reserve’s hawkish signal of delaying interest rate cuts has dampened market confidence.

Supply side: At the beginning of the month, downstream pre holiday procurement basically ended, logistics slowed down, refinery shipments slowed down, and prices fluctuated; Affected by widespread rain and snow weather after the holiday, transportation and logistics were hindered, and the local refined petroleum coke market had weak transactions, with prices continuing to decline; At present, downstream enterprises have a low enthusiasm for receiving goods, and the local refining petroleum coke market is under pressure for shipments, with refineries reducing prices for shipments.

On the demand side, the price of metal silicon slightly declined in February and is generally in a downward cycle. According to the commodity market analysis system of Shengyishe, as of February 29, 2024, the reference price for the domestic 441 # metal silicon market is 15290 yuan/ton, a decrease of 2.11% from the beginning of the month. The fundamentals of silicon metal in February were in a state of weak supply and demand, as the supply side continued to contract due to the Spring Festival holiday, and the operating rates of factories in various regions remained low; Downstream, the decrease in procurement operations due to holidays has resulted in a bearish supply and demand situation, leading to a price decline. At present, the support of metallic silicon for petroleum coke is still acceptable.

At present, the shipment of medium sulfur calcined coke is average, and some downstream aluminum carbon enterprises continue to suffer losses in production, with average purchasing sentiment. The aluminum carbon market mainly requires petroleum coke, while the demand for negative electrode materials is average. The pre calcined anode market is weak, and the calcined coke market is mainly volatile and consolidating.

In February, the electrolytic aluminum market was mainly weak and volatile, with downstream receiving sentiment being relatively negative. However, as the traditional consumption peak season approaches, downstream demand may gradually recover, and the production capacity operating rate of China’s leading aluminum downstream industry enterprises is expected to rise. At present, aluminum carbon enterprises mainly have a strong demand for petroleum coke.

Market forecast: In March, the coking plant in the refinery will enter the peak maintenance season, and the supply of petroleum coke from local refineries may decrease; But currently, downstream demand is limited, and the market maintains a focus on essential procurement; In addition, the continuous arrival of imported petroleum coke at the port may increase the storage of petroleum coke in the port. Overall, it is expected that there will be a certain upward trend in the price of refined petroleum coke in March.

According to the monitoring of the commodity market analysis system of Business Society, the price of activated carbon at the beginning of this week was 11666 yuan/ton, and the price of activated carbon over the weekend was 11700 yuan/ton, with a price increase of 0.29%.

The overall prices of domestic activated carbon manufacturers in February have slightly increased, with weak pre holiday transactions and low enthusiasm for manufacturer quotations. After the holiday, prices have resumed and inquiries have increased. The factory price of activated carbon for coconut shell water purification in East China is between 9500-12500 yuan/ton, and the market mostly follows orders, with a focus on post holiday market transactions.

Coconut shell charcoal has a certain amount of sales in areas such as gold extraction, water purification, and filter cartridges, especially gold charcoal, which receives more inquiries from the African market; The supply of fruit shell charcoal with medium to low indicators is smoother. There is a recent rebound in imported carbonized materials, and the industry can pay more attention to it.

Prediction: Enquiries in the activated carbon market are increasing, and it is expected that the price of activated carbon will mainly fluctuate within a narrow range in the short term.

Price trend

In the week after the holiday, the domestic EVA market remained stable and relatively strong, with spot prices steadily rising. According to the Commodity Market Analysis System of Shengyishe, as of February 26th, the benchmark price of EVA in China was 11866.67 yuan/ton, with a price increase or decrease of+1.42% compared to the beginning of the month.

Cause analysis

The domestic EVA market has been stable and rising recently, with high demand from domestic EVA enterprises on the supply side. Last week, the average operating rate was around 93%. However, the inventory of petrochemical plants is low, and the market supply is relatively tight. The willingness of petrochemical plants to support the market is clear, and EVA suppliers have a strong support for spot goods.

From the demand side perspective, the current EVA terminal enterprises have not fully resumed work, the stocking situation has not been fully released, and the logic of just in need consumption remains unchanged. Merchants are affected by the manufacturer’s price increase, actively reporting high prices and showing reluctance to sell. The demand side generally supports EVA, but there is a warming trend in the future.

Future Market Forecast

Overall, the price of EVA has shifted from a sideways trend to an upward trend after the holiday. The support of raw material market for EVA spot is moderate. The industry load is high, and the inventory of petrochemical plants is low, maintaining a strong market. At the end of the month, there was no pressure to attempt a higher report in the midstream, while downstream consumer demand was flat, but there were expectations for a higher volume in early March. Therefore, it is expected that the EVA market will continue to be strong in the short term.

According to the commodity market analysis system of Business Society, the price of acetic acid has remained stable recently. On February 7th, the average market price of acetic acid was 330 yuan/ton, which is the same as the price of 3300 yuan/ton on February 1st, with a month on month increase of 4.76%.

Recently, the acetic acid market has remained stable. As the Spring Festival holiday approaches, downstream companies are gradually entering a state of vacation, with weakened purchasing enthusiasm and a weak market trading atmosphere. At the same time, the northern regions of Central China are affected by weather, logistics transportation is limited, factory shipments are poor, manufacturers are hesitant, and acetic acid quotations remain stable and operate on a wait-and-see basis. As of February 7th, the market prices of acetic acid in various regions are as follows:

Region/ February 7th/ February 7th/ Rise and fall

South China region/ 3125 yuan/ton/ 3125 yuan/ton/ 0

North China region/ 3275 yuan/ton/ 3250 yuan/ton/ -25

Shandong region/ 3300 yuan/ton/ 3300 yuan/ton/ 0

Jiangsu region/ 3125 yuan/ton/ 3050 yuan/ton/ -75

Zhejiang region/ 3225 yuan/ton/ 3150 yuan/ton/ -75

The upstream raw material methanol market is relatively strong and rising. On February 7th, the average price in the domestic market was 2640.00 yuan/ton, an overall increase of 3.06% compared to the price of 2561.67 yuan/ton on February 1st. Domestic methanol plants are gradually recovering, and production enterprises still face supply pressure, with some enterprises still having inventory demand before the holiday. Affected by rainy and snowy weather, it has placed a burden on the unloading speed. At the same time, the transportation cost from the northwest production area to the sales area market has increased, leading to a significant increase in domestic methanol prices.

The downstream acetic anhydride market remains stable and watchful. On February 7th, the ex factory price of acetic anhydride was 5875 yuan/ton, which is unchanged from the price of 5875 yuan/ton on February 1st. As the Spring Festival approaches, some acetic anhydride enterprises have suspended production, resulting in a decrease in acetic anhydride supply, stable raw material acetic acid prices, and weak cost support. At the same time, downstream acetic anhydride enterprises have started production at a low level, resulting in poor demand for acetic anhydride. The market trading atmosphere is light, and the price of acetic anhydride is operating steadily.

In the future market forecast, the acetic acid analyst from Business Society believes that as the Spring Festival approaches, the market is mostly in a state of delisting and vacation. Acetic acid companies have stable quotations, and downstream purchasing enthusiasm is average. The trading atmosphere on the market is weak, and it is expected that the short-term acetic acid market will remain stable and operate on a wait-and-see basis. In the future, attention will be paid to the situation of downstream replenishment after the holiday.

According to the commodity market analysis system, as of February 5th, the average price of domestic transparent grade premium PMMA was 15666.67 yuan/ton. This week, PMMA prices have remained stable, with limited price fluctuations compared to the same period last week. The overall market supply and demand are balanced, and there is limited room for upward movement.

This week, the domestic market for transparent grade premium PMMA products has been operating steadily, with no significant price changes compared to the same period last week. The downstream procurement atmosphere is flat, with on-demand procurement being the main focus and overall market demand being insufficient. Currently, the mainstream manufacturer’s quotation range is still around 15500 yuan/ton. The operating rate is stable, and the overall market supply and demand is balanced. Downstream orders are mainly small, with weak cost support and unclear downstream hoarding willingness, Enterprise quotation: Shanghai Hongqi Plasticization Technology Co., Ltd. 14800 yuan/ton.

Rubber Index: On February 4th, the rubber index was 668 points, unchanged from yesterday, a decrease of 36.98% from the highest point in the cycle of 1060 points (2012-03-14), and an increase of 26.52% from the lowest point of 528 points on April 6th, 2020. (Note: The cycle refers to 2011-12-01 present).

Business Society PMMA analysts believe that in the short term, the PMMA market will mainly operate steadily, with mainstream prices maintaining 15500 yuan/ton.

According to the data from the Commodity Market Analysis System of Business Society, as the Spring Festival approaches, the hydrogen peroxide market remains stable, with prices ranging from 750 to 800 yuan/ton.

As the Spring Festival holiday approaches, the hydrogen peroxide market continues to be weak and stable

Since February, the domestic hydrogen peroxide market has gradually stabilized, and the stocking market for terminal printing and paper manufacturers has come to an end. The market purchasing and sales are sluggish, and there is currently no fluctuation in the hydrogen peroxide market. As of February 4th, the mainstream price in Shandong region is around 780 yuan/ton, which is stable, while the mainstream price in Anhui region is 830 yuan/ton, which is generally stable.

Business Society Chemical Analyst believes that after the holiday, the demand for hydrogen peroxide terminals has improved, and the hydrogen peroxide market is expected to see an upward trend in the future.