① [Chempricehub] September 18: International crude oil prices fell as expectations for the repair of Saudi pipelines improved, coupled with signs of easing tensions in the Middle East. NYMEX October crude futures closed at $100.3/bbl, down $1.61/bbl (-1.58% WoW); ICE November Brent futures closed at $103.87/bbl, down $0.95/bbl (-0.91% WoW). China INE November 2026 crude futures fell by 50.6 to 754.4 RMB/bbl; night session fell by 19.6 to 734.8 RMB/bbl.
② Today, the domestic cyclohexanone capacity utilization rate is approximately 59.7%. The trend toward integrated production has matured, with most units co-produced alongside caprolactam. Supply of commodity-grade material remains stable, and downstream chemical fiber orders are being placed on an as-needed basis.
③ Sinopec refineries in East, South, and Central China have reduced pure benzene prices by 300 RMB/ton to 9,600 RMB/ton, effective September 18.
Table 1: Domestic Cyclohexanone Price Summary (Unit: RMB/ton)
| Market | Specification | Sep 20 | Sep 21 | Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| East China | Cyclohexanone | 10575 | 10475 | -100 | -0.95% |
Data Source: Chempricehub Information
Based on the East China market, today's cyclohexanone price reference range is 10,450–10,500 RMB/ton, a decrease of 100 RMB/ton from the previous trading day, representing a drop of approximately 0.95%. Raw material pure benzene fluctuated, providing little cost support. Downstream purchasing enthusiasm was weak, spot supply was ample, and prices declined amid volatility.
(Figure 1: Weekly Average Price Trend of Domestic Cyclohexanone (RMB/ton))
(Figure 2: Price Trend of Domestic Cyclohexanone in East China (RMB/ton))
Data Source: Chempricehub Information
Today, the integration between cyclohexanone and caprolactam production remained robust. The supply of commodity-grade cyclohexanone was stable, resulting in steady overall market availability.
(Figure 3: Capacity Utilization Rate Trend of Domestic Cyclohexanone)
(Figure 4: Comparison of Profit and Price for Domestic Cyclohexanone (RMB/ton))
Data Source: Chempricehub Information
Raw material cost pressure persists, while downstream demand remains moderate. There is significant pressure to sell high-priced inventory. In the short term, the cyclohexanone market is expected to follow the trend of pure benzene and consolidate.
Pure Benzene Market: On September 21, spot negotiations for pure benzene in East China ranged from 9,460 to 9,750 RMB/ton, with an average price of 9,605 RMB/ton, up 45 RMB/ton from the previous working day. Negotiations for late September ranged from 9,460 to 9,750 RMB/ton, averaging 9,605 RMB/ton, up 45 RMB/ton. Late October negotiations were at 8,810–9,070 RMB/ton, averaging 8,940 RMB/ton, down 20 RMB/ton. Late November negotiations were at 8,410–8,510 RMB/ton, averaging 8,460 RMB/ton, up 15 RMB/ton. Unit: RMB/ton.
Caprolactam: Today, the East China caprolactam market price stood at 14,300 RMB/ton (acceptance payment, delivered), holding steady from the previous working day. The market sentiment is currently one of wait-and-see. As supply gradually recovers, the caprolactam supply landscape has shifted to a loose situation, causing market confidence to weaken. Additionally, downstream PA6 chip prices have fallen, and polymer enterprises' target procurement prices remain low. Consequently, there were few new transactions in the caprolactam market today.
Comments
0