Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) market trends downward amid weak demand

1. Today's Summary

① Major factories in Shandong are quoting externally at 9,100 RMB/ton.
② The capacity utilization rate of the domestic isopropanol industry today stands at 57%.

2. Spot Market Overview

Table 1: Domestic Isopropanol Price Summary (Unit: RMB/ton)

Data Source: Chempricehub Information

Based on the East China region, isopropanol closed at 9,150 RMB/ton today, a decrease of 100 RMB/ton compared to the previous trading day. Although raw material acetone prices rose, demand remains weak. Holders maintain a willingness to offload inventory, leaving room for negotiation in actual transactions. Downstream factories are purchasing opportunistically at lower levels, causing the market's transaction focus to continue trending downward. Actual trading volume is insufficient, and market participants are largely waiting for clearer market trends.

3. Production Dynamics

Today, the capacity utilization rate of the isopropanol industry is 57%. Regarding profitability, factories using the acetone process have losses of 200 RMB/ton, while those using the propylene process have profits of 540 RMB/ton.

4. Price Forecast

Raw material acetone prices are strengthening, but manufacturers are mostly maintaining a wait-and-see attitude. End-user demand remains weak, with most actual transactions awaiting offers and negotiations. Trading sentiment is quiet as participants wait for market clarity. Overall, the short-term isopropanol market is expected to maintain range-bound consolidation. Future attention should be paid to changes in raw material trends and downstream factory procurement activities.

5. Related Products Status

Acetone: Based on the Jiangsu region, acetone prices closed at 8,350 RMB/ton today, an increase of 175 RMB/ton from the previous trading day. The East China acetone market saw a slight upward movement. Currently, the capacity utilization rate of phenol-acetone units has declined, reducing holders' willingness to sell at low prices, leading to a natural upward adjustment in quoted prices. Inquiry and replenishment activities from downstream factories remain moderately active, with most actual deals consisting of small-volume purchases driven by rigid demand, pushing the price center upwards.

6. Data Calendar

Table 4: Domestic Isopropanol Data Overview (Unit: 10,000 tons)

Data Source: Chempricehub Information
Notes:

1. ↓↑ indicates significant fluctuation, highlighting data dimensions with changes exceeding 3%.
2. ↗↘ indicates narrow-range fluctuation, highlighting data dimensions with changes within 0-3%.
3. Capacity utilization rate refers to the weekly average operating rate.