ChemPriceHub Key Alert: U.S. Methanol Plant Experiences Unstable Shutdown, Supply Reduced

Summary of Methanol Plant Operations in the United States on February 4: The 1.7 million tons/year methanol plant of Koch in the United States may experience unstable operations and low load rates, with specific details pending further tracking. The 1.75 million tons/year methanol plant of Natgasoline in North America was shut down on the 28th, and its restart time is yet to be confirmed. PriceSeek's analysis of methanol, with a long-short rating of 1.5, suggests that the unstable operations and low load rates of the 1.7 million tons/year methanol plant of Koch in the United States, along with the shutdown of the 1.75 million tons/year plant of Natgasoline in North America, are leading to a reduction in global methanol supply. This is expected to drive an increase in spot prices. Combined with the latest methanol futures market conditions (e.g., the closing price of the MA2605 contract at 2,247 yuan/ton, the settlement price at 2,256 yuan/ton, and an increase in open interest by 3,725 lots), the supply disruption news may boost market sentiment, driving a rebound in futures prices and benefiting long positions.