1、 Price trend

This week, the overall price of caustic soda is running strongly. The average market price from the beginning of the week to the weekend was around 639 yuan/ton, a year-on-year decrease of 23.38%. On September 23, the chlor alkali index was 735 points, unchanged from yesterday, a decrease of 65.46% from the highest point of 2128 points during the cycle (2021-10-24), and an increase of 3.96% from the lowest point of 707 points on February 27, 2026. (Note: The cycle refers to the period from December 1, 2011 to present)
2、 Market analysis
This week, the price of caustic soda has been operating strongly. The price of caustic soda in Shandong region is around 580-680 yuan/ton for 32% ion membrane alkali in the mainstream market. In Zhejiang region, the price of caustic soda is around 830-880 yuan/ton for 32% ion membrane alkali delivered to Xiaoshan mainstream market. The price of caustic soda in Inner Mongolia region is stable, and the mainstream market price of 32% ion membrane alkali is around 1850-1950 yuan/ton (converted to 100 yuan).
This week, the price of caustic soda lacked a positive boost, and the overall market was consolidating. The short-term fluctuations in the supply of liquid alkali in East China are limited, and there has been no significant improvement in domestic and foreign trade demand. Chlor alkali plants are controlling their inventory before the holiday and maintaining the current inventory level in multiple dimensions. The price of alumina is showing a fluctuating trend, and with the gradual release of the remaining new production capacity within the year, regional supply pressure continues to increase, and the pessimistic atmosphere in the market remains strong. It is expected that the price of alumina will fluctuate in the later period. Non aluminum downstream demand continues to increase through on-demand procurement.
Analysts believe that in recent times, the caustic soda prices have been consolidating this week, and downstream alumina suppliers in China have been purchasing on demand, with non aluminum companies receiving only average orders. Although there will be pre holiday stocking next week, caustic soda manufacturers will mainly hold existing inventory, and the comprehensive supply-demand game predicts that caustic soda may tend to fluctuate, depending on downstream market demand.

Since September (as of 15:00 on September 18th), the domestic methanol market in East China has continued to rise from 3250 yuan/ton to around 3983 yuan/ton, with a significant price increase of 22.56% during the period, a month on month increase of 41.76%, and a year-on-year increase of 76.12%.
Recently, the import supply of methanol along the coast has remained low, and there has been no significant increase in domestic supply supplementation. The overall coastal methanol market still shows tight supply, which provides strong support for prices. In addition, with the approaching Double Festival and downstream enterprises’ stocking demand, it supports the upward trend of the domestic methanol market.
As of the close on September 18th, the closing price of methanol futures on Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange has fallen. The main contract for methanol futures, 2610, opened at 3450 yuan/ton, with a highest price of 3515 yuan/ton and a lowest price of 3395 yuan/ton. It closed at 3433 yuan/ton in the closing session, a decrease of 88 yuan or 2.50% from the previous trading day’s settlement. The trading volume is 2058212, the position is 288276, and the daily increase is -14219.
On the cost side, coal prices have stopped falling and stabilized, continuing to operate strongly, supporting the high volatility of methanol. The cost of methanol is influenced by favorable factors.
On the demand side, from the downstream perspective, the overall production of olefins has rebounded, while the traditional downstream is constrained by price issues and the load has decreased. Pre holiday demand support still exists. Most downstream products are affected by methanol prices, and the demand for methanol is biased towards favorable factors.
On the supply side, the overall recovery of the equipment exceeds the loss, resulting in an increase in capacity utilization and production output. Negative factors affecting the methanol supply side.
In terms of external markets, as of the close on September 17th, CFR Southeast Asia methanol market closed at $617.5-618.5 per ton. The FOB US Gulf methanol market closed at 150-152 cents per gallon; The European FOB Rotterdam methanol market closed at 456-458 euros/ton.
Future forecast: Domestic supply is tight, downstream pre holiday stocking demand still exists, and the market buying atmosphere is driving prices to continue rising. Overall, analysts predict that the domestic methanol spot market may experience high-level consolidation.

1、 Price trend
As of September 15th, the reference average price of urea market in Shandong Province, China was 1802 yuan/ton, an increase of 5.26% compared to the reference average price of 1712 yuan/ton on September 1st.
2、 Market analysis
market situation
The domestic urea market was relatively strong and rose in the first half of this month. The export market for urea is improving, with rising prices of urea raw material coal and reduced market supply. Supported by favorable factors, urea prices have significantly increased. Recently, due to the release of the third batch of urea export quotas, urea prices have risen again. As of September 15th, the urea market prices in Shandong are around 1760-1810 yuan/ton, Hebei is around 1740-1780 yuan/ton, Henan is around 1760-1820 yuan/ton, Hubei is around 1720-1770 yuan/ton, and Liaoning is around 1800-1850 yuan/ton.
Supply and demand situation
In terms of supply, some enterprises have undergone equipment maintenance, and the operating rate of urea enterprises has decreased, but inventory remains high. In terms of demand, downstream compound fertilizer enterprises purchase on demand, while industrial and agricultural demand remains flat, with no significant improvement on the demand side.
3、 Future forecast
Analysts believe that the domestic urea market trend has been relatively strong recently. At present, the demand side support of the urea market is insufficient, but the export volume of urea is beginning to increase, coupled with the approaching autumn fertilizer preparation. It is expected that the domestic urea market will continue to experience strong fluctuations in the short term.

The price of isooctanol increased significantly in September
On September 11th, the price of isooctanol was 9766.67 yuan/ton, a significant increase of 10.57% compared to the price of 8833.33 yuan/ton on September 1st. In early September, isooctanol fluctuated upwards, and the mainstream factory in Shandong has been rising since around 8800 at the beginning of the month. Currently, it is at a high level for the year, and the upward momentum is gradually weakening. The risk of high-level fluctuations and stagflation in the future market is relatively high.
The escalation of geopolitical games in the Middle East
In September, the escalation of the US Iran maritime conflict led to a decrease in navigation volume in the Strait of Hormuz and a surge in oil tanker insurance premiums; In early September, the Houthi armed offensive intensified, and on September 10th, they captured the Red Sea ports of Muha and Hanish Islands, strengthening their control over the Mandeb Strait. The market is concerned that both the Strait of Hormuz (the main channel for crude oil in the Persian Gulf) and the Strait of Mandeb (the Red Sea) are under pressure, leading to a surge in international crude oil prices. On September 11th, Oman took the lead in mediating, and on September 14th, the Iranian Foreign Minister and the foreign ministers of the six Gulf countries will meet in Salalah, Oman to discuss a temporary agreement on the passage of merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz; A major easing signal led to a rapid decline in crude oil prices on the 11th.
The cost of propylene has significantly increased
On September 11th, the propylene price was 10051 yuan/ton, a fluctuating increase of 8.92% compared to the propylene price of 9227.67 yuan/ton on September 1st. The escalation of geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East led to a significant surge in crude oil prices in early September, with oil prices reaching the $100 mark and experiencing severe fluctuations; The formation of cost support for propylene and isooctanol, but the geopolitical premium can quickly retreat at any time, posing a great risk of high volatility. High level oscillation of raw material propylene+bottom support of crude oil, strong cost support, providing bottom support for isooctanol; However, there is limited room for a significant increase in propylene prices, and the driving force for further cost increases has weakened.
Supply side
The overall operating rate of the isooctanol industry is 70% -75%, lower than the usual level, and the supply expectation is tightened. In addition, Hualu Hengsheng has a maintenance plan in September, and mainstream large factories are controlling the quantity and accepting orders in stages, resulting in a shortage of spot circulation sources. The overall supply of isooctanol market was tight in September.
Demand side
Expectations for the peak season of “Golden September” include a slight increase in downstream DOP production compared to the previous period, a slight rebound in essential procurement, and follow-up on the price increase of isooctanol; However, the actual demand for PVC and plastic products at the terminal is relatively mild, not an explosive strong demand. Most of them are restocked on demand, and the willingness to stock up is not strong. Other downstream demand remains stable, with limited impact on the market. The overall demand for isooctanol is expected to rebound and increase.
Future prospects
Analysts believe that the high rise in crude oil prices, the maintenance of isooctanol units, and the expected rebound in demand during peak seasons have stimulated the rise in isooctanol prices from various sources. But the price of isooctanol has reached a high point for the year, and downstream consumers are resistant to the high price, with insufficient willingness to chase after it; In addition, due to the strong volatility of geopolitical news, there is a risk of a significant drop in oil prices at any time. Overall, there is a high probability of isooctanol rising in the future market, but the potential for a significant increase is limited. In mid to late September, isooctanol is likely to fluctuate at a high level, and caution should be exercised against the risk of a surge and a pullback. Focus on the risk of a significant pullback in crude oil prices.

As of September 7th, the DOP price was 9817.50 yuan/ton, a fluctuating increase of 2.43% compared to the DOP price of 9584.17 yuan/ton on September 1st. In September, the domestic DOP market continued to rebound, with prices continuing to rise, and prices in some regions once again breaking through the 10000 yuan mark. At the beginning of September, the DOP market showed a “strong rebound” characteristic, and then entered a volatile pattern of “more resistance to decline”. The DOP price is at a high level in nearly a year, but the upward momentum is still present.

The raw material market is on the rise
The price of isooctanol fluctuated and rose in September
As of September 7th, the price of isooctanol was 9166.67 yuan/ton, a fluctuating increase of 3.77% compared to the price of 8833.33 yuan/ton on September 1st. 70% of the domestic production of isooctanol has started, and the mainstream equipment is running stably. The high level of crude oil brings cost support, and upstream propylene fluctuates strongly, supporting the production cost of isooctanol. If crude oil rebounds, cost support will weaken marginally, and propylene prices will fall, but the further significant upward momentum of propylene is limited. The price of isooctanol has risen, and the cost support of DOP has increased.
The price of phthalic anhydride fluctuated and rose in September
As of September 7th, the price of phthalic anhydride from neighboring countries was 9483.33 yuan/ton, a fluctuating increase of 0.89% compared to the price of phthalic anhydride on September 1st, which was 9400 yuan/ton. Affected by multiple factors such as the rise in international oil prices, the increase in raw material prices of ortho benzene and industrial naphthalene, and the tightening of supply due to some equipment maintenance, the price of phthalic anhydride rose again in early September, and DOP cost support still exists.
Cost side: DOP belongs to the cost transmission type product, and when the raw material side rises, the plasticizing plant passively follows suit; But when the growth rate of raw materials is too fast, it is difficult for downstream to undertake, which can easily lead to a reversal or compression of profits between raw materials and finished products. Isooctanol is the core driving force behind the upward trend of DOP, and the expected increase in isooctanol in the future will increase the cost support for DOP.
DOP Market Analysis
Supply side: Limited industry start-up and improvement
The operating load of the DOP industry has increased compared to early August, but has declined compared to the end of September, with limited overall supply growth. The spot supply of isooctanol continues to tighten, with low plant load and planned maintenance in the later stage. The supply prospects are tight, and new production capacity is also being put into operation one after another. The equipment operating rate is at a low level, and the overall supply is relatively sufficient. The processing profits of plasticizing enterprises have been compressed, and even slight losses have been incurred. Manufacturers have taken the initiative to slow down their willingness to increase load, resulting in overall low factory inventory.
Demand side: Traditional peak season, high price transmission hindered
During the traditional peak season of “Golden September”, the demand for PVC soft products, cable materials, and synthetic leather has improved compared to August, with an increase in inquiries but no explosive orders. Downstream product factories have limited capacity to increase production, with a focus on immediate use and procurement for essential needs, and a lack of willingness to stock up; There is obvious resistance to high priced DOP, and it is difficult to transmit downward price increases. Downstream companies dare not chase high prices, which hinders high priced transactions and limits the potential for further increase in DOP.

Market Overview and Future Expectations
Analysts believe that with high crude oil prices, overall chemical product costs are bottoming out, and the isooctanol unit undergoing maintenance, raw material costs remain strong at high levels; The expected peak season for the Golden September shopping festival has led to an improvement in downstream demand compared to the previous period. DOP’s upward support has increased. But DOP is already at a high level within the year, with poor downstream acceptance and weak willingness to pursue higher prices; If the fulfillment of terminal orders falls short of expectations and the quality during peak seasons is insufficient, there is a risk of a pullback in DOP. Overall, the future DOP market is expected to fluctuate at a high level under the support of cost, with limited room for significant growth and the risk of a pullback.

Ethylene glycol prices hit a new high in nearly 4 years in September

The price of ethylene glycol will soar in 2026, and the current price has reached a new high in nearly 4 years. As of September 4th, the average spot market price for domestic oil to ethylene glycol traders was 6370 yuan/ton, an increase of 64.85% from the market average price of 3864.17 yuan/ton at the beginning of the year (January 1st).
The price of ethylene glycol for paper cargo in East China ports has dropped sharply due to a sharp decrease in incoming shipments, resulting in historically low port inventory and tight supply. The market basis is high, and there is a transaction with a spot basis quotation of+1150 for delivery today.
Port paper goods are mainly priced based on basis, with prices closely following fluctuations in the futures market. Recently, the futures price of ethylene glycol has risen significantly, and the base quotes of port paper cargo ethylene glycol base traders are high and firm.
Domestic coal to polyester grade ethylene glycol spot (loose water, tax included, self pickup) vehicle manufacturers have raised the auction price at 6200-6400 yuan/ton. At present, the manufacturer’s quotation is relatively high, and the profits of traders who hoard goods in the early stage can be reduced.
In September 2026, the inventory of ethylene glycol at the port was extremely low
On September 3, 2026, the total spot inventory of ethylene glycol in the main port of East China was 139000 tons, a decrease of 277000 tons from the total spot inventory of ethylene glycol in the main port of East China on July 30, which was 416000 tons.
At present, the inventory of ethylene glycol at ports is extremely low, setting a new historical low.
Reasons for the significant increase in ethylene glycol prices in 2026:
Recently, the price of ethylene glycol has risen significantly. On the one hand, the geopolitical situation in the Middle East has disrupted shipping, resulting in a significant reduction in imported goods. On the other hand, the concentrated maintenance of multiple sets of coal production facilities in China has led to a decline in domestic output. The inventory of ports in East China is at a historical low, and the spot buffer is insufficient; On the other hand, crude oil and coal have raised production costs, while the traditional peak season for polyester in the second half of the year has provided strong demand support. The market’s expectation of tight supply has driven inventory replenishment behavior, and multiple factors have jointly driven the strengthening of ethylene glycol prices. The specific reasons are as follows:
1. Geopolitical conflicts impact imports (core)
About 28% of China’s ethylene glycol relies on imports, with over 60% of imported goods coming from the Middle East. The escalation of the US Iran confrontation has hindered shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, and Saudi and Iranian installations have reduced their load/stopped, resulting in shipment disruptions; The monthly import volume has plummeted from 600000 tons in previous years to 150000 to 260000 tons, resulting in a significant reduction in supply and long shipping schedules. Even if navigation resumes, it will take more than 25 days for goods to arrive at the port, making it difficult to make up for the shortfall in the short term.
2. Domestic supply contraction
In July and August, multiple main coal to ethylene glycol units in China underwent centralized maintenance, involving a total production capacity of over 3.5 million tons, resulting in a decline in domestic output; After the restart of the oil production unit, the load ramp up is slow, and the domestic increment is limited, which is not enough to fully make up for the import gap.
3. Port inventory drops to historically low levels
The inventory of ethylene glycol in the main ports of East China has rapidly decreased to a nearly five-year low, with almost no buffer inventory. The supply of spot goods is tight, and the basis has significantly strengthened. A small gap will amplify the elasticity of spot price increases, driving futures to rise synchronously.
4. Cost increase
The conflict in the Middle East has driven up international crude oil prices, while the rising prices of naphtha and ethylene have increased the cost of producing ethylene glycol from oil; At the same time, coal prices are relatively strong, and the cost of coal production routes is rising synchronously, which forms a bottom support for prices and drives the sentiment of the entire energy and chemical sector to strengthen.

5. Maintain rigidity in downstream demand and boost market expectations
Polyester enters the traditional peak season in the second half of the year, and polyester factories have stable demand; The market is concerned about the continued tight supply of goods, and traders and downstream actively replenish inventory and lock up goods, further exacerbating the shortage of spot goods and amplifying market gains.
Prediction of Future Price Trends for Ethylene Glycol:
Short term (September October): Geographically dominant, spot prices tend to be strong, but upward potential is limited
At present, the inventory of ports in East China is at a low level in the past five years. If the shipping in the Strait of Hormuz fails to repair significantly and imports continue to be low, coupled with delayed shipping schedules, there will still be strong support for spot prices in recent months, and prices will remain volatile at a high level. But after the price rose, the profits of domestic coal and oil production facilities were restored, and maintenance facilities were gradually restarted, resulting in an increase in domestic supply; At the same time, high prices squeeze the profits of polyester, and there is a risk of negative pressure reduction in polyester and weaving. Negative demand feedback will constrain further upward momentum, and the upward momentum will gradually weaken. The biggest risk variable is the situation in the Middle East. If navigation resumes and there is a backlog of cargo arriving at the port, spot goods will quickly come under pressure and fall back.
Mid term (Q4): Price center of gravity is highly likely to fall back
On the one hand, domestic maintenance equipment has been fully restored, and multiple sets of large-scale new production capacity were put into operation in the fourth quarter, resulting in a significant increase in domestic supply; On the other hand, once Middle Eastern shipping eases and imported goods flow back, ports will shift from destocking to accumulating inventory. Combined with the downstream “Golden September and Silver October” peak season not meeting expectations, polyester production has continued to decline due to continuous losses, and supply and demand pressures have been released. The price center of ethylene glycol will decline, and the price premium brought by geography will gradually disappear.
Medium to long term (2027): The pattern of oversupply remains unchanged, and the valuation center shifts downwards
This round of upward trend is a temporary market caused by geopolitical disturbances, and has not changed the background of overcapacity in the industry. There will continue to be new production capacity added in the future, but the growth rate of polyester demand is limited, and the overall supply pressure is relatively high. If there are no major external shocks, the overall price will return to a weak and volatile pattern.

On September 1st, spot liquidity tightened extremely, coupled with the ongoing stalemate between the US and Iran, short-term import replenishment was hopeless, and the risk of tight docks continued to rise. The resonance between reality and expectations strengthened. The mainstream spot price in East China closed at 10445 yuan/ton,+45 yuan/ton; South China spot closed at 10030 yuan/ton,+95 yuan/ton; CFR China closed at $1255/ton, temporarily stable.

Supply side: The 900000 ton ethylene glycol/diethylene glycol plant in Jiangsu has successfully restarted recently, with a current load of 70-80%. Due to the lack of substantial lifting of the blockade in the Middle East situation, the short-term passage through the strait has led to a shortage of imported goods from the Middle East; Taiwan’s equipment will resume supply in September; Domestic equipment has increased its load due to improved efficiency, and some factories have restarted, resulting in increased supply. According to statistics, as of August 31st, the inventory of diethylene glycol ports in East China was 4300 tons, an increase of 700 tons from the previous cycle. This cycle (September 1-7), Zhangjiagang Diethylene Glycol has no planned arrival volume at the port. Last week, all domestic and overseas goods have been stored in the warehouse.
Demand side: The news of reduced production in the polyester sector has been released, and the comprehensive load of polyester in September has dropped to around 78%. It is estimated that the monthly average load of polyester in September will be around 77%, and the overall UPR production will be 30%. We will pay attention to the follow-up of terminal inventory replenishment. According to statistics, as of August 27th, the average weekly production of unsaturated resin factories in China was 33%. In terms of dock shipments, from August 24th to 30th, the total amount of shipments from the main ports in East China, Changjiang International and Fubao Warehouse, was 1257 tons, with an average daily shipment of about 180 tons. On August 31st, the total shipment volume from Zhangjiagang’s two storage areas was 75 tons, a decrease of 105 tons compared to last Sunday’s average shipment.
On the cost side: The United States and Iran have once again experienced a low-intensity military conflict, and market concerns about supply risks have once again increased. At the same time, there is still no sign of full opening of the Strait of Hormuz, which provides positive support for oil prices and leads to an increase in international oil prices.
Market outlook: In the short term, macro news is still fluctuating, import supply is temporarily unavailable, and terminal inventory is difficult to effectively accumulate in September. Short selling risks still exist under the background of delivery. However, with the restart/negative load of domestic equipment, concerns about supply shortages on the demand side are slowing down, and the expected volatility of diethylene glycol prices in September is still significant, so caution is still needed.

Price performance

At the end of July, calcium carbide fell to a low level (about 2100 yuan/ton), and in August, it began to rebound and rise. At the beginning of the month, the benchmark price was 2360 yuan/ton, which stabilized at 2500 yuan/ton at the end of the month, with a monthly increase of nearly 6%; The ex factory price in the main production area of Wuhai has risen from 2100 yuan/ton to 2450-2550 yuan/ton, with a rapid increase in the first half of the year and a stable operation at a high level in the second half of the year.
1. Periodic contraction on the supply side (the main reason for this round of rise)
Electricity consumption control and spot electricity prices have risen in the main production areas of Northwest Inner Mongolia, causing enterprises to avoid peak production and reduce load by shutting down boilers, resulting in a significant decrease in market commodity volume; At the beginning of the month, multiple calcium carbide factories took the initiative to control production, and the circulation of spot goods tightened. The tight supply of goods led to a reluctance to sell and a rise in sentiment. Although there are still export sources of integrated supporting equipment, the short-term supply gap supports price rebound.
2. Bottom lifting on the cost side
Raw material blue charcoal slightly increased its quotation in early August, with low coking production and low blue charcoal inventory; The cost of electricity itself accounts for the majority of the cost of calcium carbide, and the disturbance of electricity prices further raises production costs, forming a rigid cost support for calcium carbide, and weakening the willingness of enterprises to sell at low prices.
3. Downstream replenishment expectations drive procurement recovery
The PVC industry has entered a centralized maintenance cycle. Although the demand for terminal real estate is weak, the raw materials are low in the early stage, and downstream restocking is done at low prices, resulting in temporary release of essential needs; Combined with the market’s expectation of early stocking during the traditional Golden September peak season in September, the purchasing enthusiasm has improved compared to July, forming a marginal improvement in supply and demand.

Weak demand: The production of PVC downstream pipes and profiles is relatively low, and product orders are lower than expected. The overall downstream procurement is mainly based on demand, and there is no sustained strong demand explosion;
Integrated chlor alkali enterprises still have an increase in the export of calcium carbide, and there is a greater elasticity for resuming production under high profits. After a significant price surge, resuming production will suppress further upward potential;
In the medium term, the industry is still in a pattern of overcapacity, and this round belongs to a low-level recovery rebound, not a trending upward trend.
Future logic
August belongs to the bottom rebound market driven by supply contraction; Focus on two points in September: ① Whether the electricity policies in the main production areas have been relaxed and the pace of resuming production of shutdown devices; ② Actual realization status of PVC real estate infrastructure terminals. If the resumption of production increases and the demand during peak season is falsified, calcium carbide is likely to fluctuate at a high level, and there will be insufficient momentum to continue its sharp rise.

Calcium carbide rebounded from its low point in July in August, with supply contraction caused by northwest power control and support from the cost of blue carbon. Coupled with downstream low inventory replenishment, prices rose; But the terminal demand is weak, and the upward space is limited. The market is mainly recovering and rebounding at a low level.

1、 Price trend

Bromine prices have been weakly consolidating this week. The average market price at the beginning of the week was 39500 yuan/ton, and the average market price over the weekend was 37700 yuan/ton, a decrease of 4.56% and an increase of 28.23% compared to the same period last year. On August 27th, the bromine index was 132.98, unchanged from yesterday, a decrease of 46.01% from the highest point of 246.32 points (2026-04-07) during the cycle, and an increase of 125.70% from the lowest point of 58.92 points on October 29, 2014. (Note: The cycle refers to the period from September 1, 2011 to present)
2、 Market analysis
The price of bromine has been weak this week. The recent price of bromine in Shandong region is around 37000-38000 yuan/ton, and manufacturers are still reluctant to sell and pushing prices. Some traders are selling at low prices, resulting in a slight decline in transaction prices. On the demand side: However, the downstream industry demand is generally average, so we will continue with the procurement of essential needs.
In terms of raw materials, domestic sulfur prices have fallen overall this week, with an average market price of 9202.33 yuan/ton at the beginning of the week and 8769 yuan/ton over the weekend. The price has decreased by 4.71% and increased by 232.45% compared to the same period last year. Downstream demand is still acceptable.
Prediction: Bromine prices are expected to consolidate and operate in the near future, while upstream sulfur prices are expected to be weak. However, the supply of bromine has been average in the near future, and downstream buyers are mostly purchasing according to demand. Downstream buyers are in the off-season of the industry, and the overall trading atmosphere is quiet. The comprehensive supply-demand game predicts that bromine prices will consolidate and operate in the later stage, depending on downstream market demand.

1、 Price trend

This week, the market price of pure benzene in Shandong has risen. The price of pure benzene was 7751 yuan/ton on Monday and 8187.67 yuan/ton on Friday, with a 5.63% increase in price during the week.
2、 Market analysis
Pure benzene: The market price of pure benzene in Shandong has risen this week. During the week, Sinopec’s refineries in East China, South China, and Central China have raised the price of pure benzene twice in a row, with a cumulative increase of 550 yuan. The latest price of pure benzene is currently 8250 yuan/ton, which will be implemented on August 21st. The latest situation between the United States and Iran is tense, with international oil prices rising and strong support for pure benzene, indicating a strong trend. Today’s Shandong local refining market mainly focused on stable prices and slight price increases.
3、 Future forecast
Crude oil futures: On August 20th, international crude oil futures closed higher. The settlement price of the October WTI crude oil futures contract in the United States was $86.83 per barrel, an increase of $2.44 or 2.9%. The settlement price of Brent crude oil futures for October was $93.78 per barrel, an increase of $2.16 or 2.4%.
Foreign pure benzene: On August 20th, FOB Korea rose by 7 to 1017 US dollars per ton, and CFR China rose by 9 to 1031 US dollars per ton. FOB Rotterdam rose by $27 to $1179 per ton, FOB USG rose by $9 to 481 cents per gallon.
Overall forecast: Pure benzene is expected to maintain high volatility in the short term. Observe the cost and demand side news. Continue to monitor the trends of crude oil and external markets, as well as the impact of changes in pure benzene and downstream equipment dynamics and demand on the price of pure benzene.