Isopropanol production in September was 59,400 tons, a month-on-month increase of 15.12%.
In September, the average monthly profit for isopropanol produced via the acetone process was -853 yuan/ton, while that for the propylene process was 567 yuan/ton.
| Domestic Isopropanol Price Trend (Yuan/Ton) |
|---|
| Source: Chempricehub Information |
Regional Price Change Comparison Table (Unit: Yuan/Ton)
| Product | Region | Current Average Price | Previous Average Price | Same Period Last Year | MoM Change | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isopropanol | Liaoning | 8647 | 6894 | 5483 | 25.43% | 57.71% |
| Shandong | 8758 | 6998 | 5510 | 25.15% | 58.95% | |
| Jiangsu | 8624 | 7042 | 5595 | 22.47% | 54.14% | |
| Guangdong | 8784 | 7325 | 8553 | 19.92% | 50.08% |
Data Source: Chempricehub Information
In September, the transaction center of the domestic isopropanol market rose significantly, with intra-month fluctuations closely linked to the raw material acetone. In early September, driven by rising international crude oil prices and geopolitical factors, upstream pure benzene and propylene prices followed suit, leading to a sustained increase in acetone prices. Cost pressures on isopropanol plants using the acetone process intensified sharply, resulting in strong price-holding intentions. Quotes from major plants in Shandong accumulated an increase of up to 2,500 yuan/ton, pushing the transaction center in the East China market to a monthly high of 9,250 yuan/ton. By mid-September, acetone prices stagnated and then declined, weakening cost support. Shipping pressure at isopropanol plants gradually emerged, leading to slight downward adjustments in quotes and spreading bearish sentiment within the market. The transaction center subsequently shifted lower, falling to 8,550 yuan/ton in the East China market by late September. Towards the end of the month, as loss pressures persisted for acetone-process units, some facilities shut down to avoid risks, heightening expectations of reduced supply. This triggered a new round of upward price exploration. However, terminal demand remained sluggish, with downstream users only making small replenishment purchases based on rigid needs. Weak acceptance of high prices limited the extent of gains, overall trading volume remained low, and the market entered a stalemate transition phase.
In September, the average operating rate of the isopropanol industry was 50.84%.
In September, the capacity utilization rate for the acetone process was 41.14%, while that for the propylene process was 63.81%.
The domestic isopropanol market is expected to primarily maintain range-bound fluctuations. On the supply side, as previously shut-down units gradually restart, the overall industry operating rate is projected to improve, ensuring ample spot supply. On the demand side, downstream factories are expected to maintain procurement rhythms based on rigid needs, with little prospect for significant improvement in domestic trade transactions. If acceptance of high prices remains weak, market sentiment will struggle to improve. The export market will mainly focus on fulfilling previous orders, with new inquiries driven by immediate needs, offering limited diversion of domestic supply. Overall, the market is likely to see bulls and bears in equilibrium, with isopropanol prices largely following raw material trends due to weak independent fundamental drivers. If acetone prices remain persistently high, cost pressures may limit downside potential; conversely, if raw materials fall unexpectedly combined with weak demand, prices may face significant downward pressure. Industry participants are advised to monitor acetone price trends, operating rates of acetone-process units, and inventory digestion pace at ports.
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