April 24 – The South China toluene market saw mainstream quotes at 6,950–7,100 RMB/ton today, up 100 RMB/ton from the previous trading day. Sinopec South China raised its toluene ex-works price by 100 RMB/ton to 7,000 RMB/ton. Benefiting from concentrated downstream restocking at lower prices over the past few days, market transaction volumes expanded. Coupled with the recent bullish trend in crude oil prices providing cost support, toluene and xylene market prices achieved a volatile rebound during the previous trading session. The market is expected to maintain a firm but oscillating stance within the day, with overall offers remaining strong. However, close attention should be paid to the willingness of producers to offload inventory ahead of the May Day holiday. Additionally, traders' willingness to hold positions remains weak. Under the constraints of multiple factors, the short-term market price rebound potential is expected to be limited.

Chempricehub’s Toluene Assessment — Bullish/Bearish Score: +1
Toluene spot prices rose by 100 RMB/ton today, with mainstream quotes at 6,950–7,100 RMB/ton. Supported by concentrated downstream restocking and increased transaction volumes, alongside cost support from rising crude oil prices, the short-term market is exhibiting a firm but oscillating trend. However, as the May Day holiday approaches, producers are more inclined to offload inventory, while traders' willingness to hold positions remains low. These multiple constraints limit the upside potential for price recovery, with only modest gains expected. Positive factors dominate; a score of +1 indicates generally favorable conditions.

Chempricehub’s Xylene Assessment — Bullish/Bearish Score: +1
Xylene spot prices rebounded in line with toluene, benefiting from concentrated downstream replenishment demand and cost support from crude oil. Market transaction activity has improved. Short-term price trends are expected to remain relatively strong, though the rebound will be capped by producer inventory pressure before the May Day holiday and cautious trader positioning. Overall, the factors are positive, and a score of +1 denotes generally favorable conditions.