Center of gravity in East China acetone market shifts upward

1. Daily Summary

① Sinopec East China’s opening price remained stable today at 8,500 RMB/ton.

② Some plants raised their opening prices. Market holders showed strong enthusiasm for pushing prices higher, leading to an increase in quoted offers.

2. Spot Market Overview

Table 1: Summary of Domestic Acetone Prices (Unit: RMB/ton)

Based on the Jiangsu region benchmark, domestic acetone prices closed at 8,535 RMB/ton today, representing a rise of 135 RMB/ton from the previous trading day. The center of gravity in the East China acetone market shifted upward. In the morning, several plants increased their opening prices, signaling firm pricing intentions. This boosted the enthusiasm among market holders to push prices higher, causing quoted offers to follow suit. Supported by strengthening cost factors, a few downstream factories entered the market to inquire and replenish stocks. Actual transactions were primarily driven by small-volume rigid demand. While the momentum for chasing higher prices was limited, low-priced inventories became scarce.

3. Production Dynamics

Today, the capacity utilization rate of the domestic phenol-acetone industry stood at 74%. Profits for phenol-acetone enterprises decreased by 75 RMB/ton to -1,670 RMB/ton.

4. Price Forecast

The center of gravity in the East China acetone market rose today. Cost-driven support was significant, with port inventories declining. Market holders maintained a calm mindset, while some plants increased acetone opening prices. Operator sentiment for raising prices intensified. Although only a few end-user factories entered the market for restocking, actual transaction follow-through was moderate. It is expected that the domestic acetone market will remain firm in the short term, with attention focused on changes in the raw material market.

5. Related Products

Pure Benzene Market: Spot prices for pure benzene in East China rose today, with negotiations ranging between 10,450 and 10,650 RMB/ton, largely consistent with morning forecasts. Cost-side support remained solid as international crude oil prices continued to climb, providing strong impetus to pure benzene. Geopolitical disruptions pushed up costs, and combined with low port inventory levels, the market maintained a bullish trend. However, negative feedback pressure from downstream sectors continues to accumulate, limiting upside potential.

Bisphenol A Market: Based on the East China region, Bisphenol A prices closed at 10,700 RMB/ton today, remaining stable compared to the previous trading day, which aligned with morning expectations. The domestic Bisphenol A market halted its decline and stabilized. Raw material markets for phenol and acetone continued to rise, coupled with a significant surge in international crude oil prices. Despite substantial industry losses, suppliers showed no intention of offering discounts. However, due to poor response from the demand side, inquiries remained sluggish, and market trading activity stayed relatively stable.

6. Data Calendar

Table 2: Domestic Acetone Data Overview (Unit: 10,000 tons)