Market trading activity remained subdued, with varying market sentiments among participants.

1. Today's Summary

① Sentiment in the domestic fluorite market remains cautious today, with limited upside potential. The mainstream price for 97% wet fluorite powder in the domestic market is currently referenced at RMB 3,300–3,750 per ton.

② The mainstream contract price for anhydrous hydrofluoric acid (AHF) for October is tentatively referenced at RMB 14,500–14,800 per ton.

2. Spot Market Overview

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

Data Source: Chempricehub Information

The domestic market for 97% fluorite concentrate remained generally weak today. Market participants hold mixed sentiments; production schedules of major downstream enterprises remain uncertain, while pressure from raw material costs persists. Regional price disparities are evident. In northern markets, sales momentum is sluggish, prompting some inventory to be transferred across regions. However, southern markets are squeezed by sulfuric acid prices, limiting acceptance of high-priced goods and restricting supply flow to downstream users. Current spot delivery prices across domestic regions are referenced as follows: Inner Mongolia at RMB 3,300–3,400/ton; Zhejiang at RMB 3,500–3,600/ton; Jiangxi and Fujian at RMB 3,700–3,750/ton; Shandong at RMB 3,500–3,600/ton; Northwest regions at RMB 3,250–3,350/ton; and Henan and Anhui at RMB 3,250–3,350/ton. As of press time, the mainstream delivered price for domestic 97% wet fluorite powder is referenced at RMB 3,300–3,750/ton.

3. Production Dynamics

The monthly capacity utilization rate for anhydrous hydrofluoric acid in September was 57%.

4. Price Forecast

Bullish sentiment prevails in the fluorite market, though upside potential is limited. The anhydrous hydrofluoric acid market receives strong support from cost factors.

5. Related Product Updates

Anhydrous Hydrofluoric Acid (AHF) Market:
Sentiment in the domestic AHF market remains cautious today. Most producers are focused on fulfilling existing orders. Some enterprises have experienced production disruptions, and delays in order delivery are common. Overall, supply remains tight, which is partly attributed to proactive planning by manufacturers who are monitoring large-scale northern plants and anticipating a potential slowdown in future demand. Many have accepted excess orders, leading to ongoing negotiation between supply and demand sides. Stakeholders are watching closely for changes in raw material costs and supply recovery. As of press time, the mainstream delivered price for domestic AHF in October is referenced at RMB 14,500–14,800/ton, while the Shandong market is referenced at RMB 14,760–15,000/ton.

Sulfuric Acid:
Today, the Chempricehub index for 98% sulfuric acid stood at RMB 1,368/ton, an increase of RMB 23/ton from yesterday, consistent with morning expectations. The sulfuric acid market in Hebei operated steadily, with hidden concessions occurring on the transaction side. Pressure stems primarily from low-sulfur feedstock impacts in neighboring Shandong and the continuous influx of low-priced goods from Shandong and Inner Mongolia, disrupting the sales rhythm of major acid producers. Demand lacks highlights; fertilizer operating rates are low, chemical enterprises purchase only as needed, and resistance to high prices is strong. Local chemical consumption volume in Hebei is limited and cannot offset the drag from the fertilizer sector. Winter stockpiling is still brewing, but phosphate fertilizer enterprises maintain high inventories and unresolved losses, making large-scale restocking likely to be delayed. There are no maintenance shutdowns providing supply-side support; regional supply remains normal, intensifying competitive pressure. Unlike Shandong smelter-grade acid, which is supported by maintenance schedules, Hebei lacks similar buffers. In the Anhui sulfuric acid market, some main local acid producers are undergoing maintenance, leading to a slight contraction in regional supply and a concurrent decline in inventory levels. Driven by price increases in other regions, market sentiment has improved, with main acid producers raising quotes by RMB 100/ton today. However, on the demand side, operating rates in the downstream phosphate fertilizer industry show no significant improvement, keeping overall demand weak. In the short term, domestic sulfuric acid prices in certain markets will remain firm, supported by maintenance activities.

Refrigerants:
Based on the bulk liquid market in East China, major factories for refrigerant R32 are maintaining high prices through controlled output. As of press time, quotes from mainstream large-scale plants in East China are referenced at RMB 65,500/ton (coordinated domestic and export pricing), while the general market quote in East China ranges from RMB 63,500–64,500/ton, aligning with morning expectations. Channel inquiries for bulk liquid remain passively stagnant long-term. Fixed supply guarantees are prioritized for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Recently, quarterly long-term agreement negotiations among enterprises have been active, awaiting final confirmation of actual transactions. Shipment frequency for small packages is slow, so source factories are strictly controlling spot inventory increments. Statistics indicate that the industry-wide operating load for refrigerant R32 remains near 40%. Recently, factory scheduling and consumption forces have further contracted, with declining export volumes. While R32 prices hold steady at high levels, channel traders are seeking opportunities to offload inventory. Buyers show little interest in purchasing high-cost inventory and are waiting for clear pricing signals from mainstream large-scale plants. Chempricehub forecasts that R32 will primarily focus on controlled output to maintain prices in the short term, with contract pricing under negotiation, while observing plant dynamics and scheduling rhythms.