March 17th News The mainstream spot quotation range for toluene in East China is 7,530–7,550 yuan/ton, down 100 yuan/ton from the previous trading day. In the previous trading day, the domestic toluene and xylene markets showed a strong but fluctuating trend, supported by rising crude oil prices and tight supply, which bolstered market sentiment. However, weak downstream demand and subdued trading activity led to a pullback in prices after an intraday surge. Currently, reduced operating rates at petrochemical enterprises and tight raw material supply have resulted in limited availability, but downstream follow-up remains insufficient. It is expected that the market will continue to fluctuate in the short term, with close attention needed on international developments.

Chempricehub Analysis
Toluene, Bull-Bear Score: -1
Spot prices fell by 100 yuan/ton to 7,530–7,550 yuan/ton, primarily driven by weak downstream demand and subdued trading activity. Despite support from rising crude oil prices and tight supply, prices retreated after an initial surge. Insufficient downstream follow-up has led to a short-term pattern of weak fluctuations, with demand-side pressure outweighing supply-side benefits. The market is expected to maintain a fluctuating trend, with attention needed on the impact of international developments on costs.

Xylene, Bull-Bear Score: -1
The article mentions that both toluene and xylene markets exhibited a strong but fluctuating trend, with prices retreating after an initial surge. Weak downstream demand and subdued trading activity are the main bearish factors. Although rising crude oil prices and potential supply tightness provide support, insufficient demand continues to weigh on prices. Similar to toluene, the market is expected to fluctuate weakly in the short term, with close monitoring needed on international crude oil trends and the recovery of downstream demand.