① Sentiment in the domestic fluorspar market remains cautious today, with limited upside potential. The mainstream price for 97% wet fluorspar powder is referenced at CNY 3,300–3,750/ton.
② The mainstream contract price for downstream anhydrous hydrofluoric acid (AHF) for October is tentatively referenced at CNY 14,500–14,800/ton.
Table 1: Domestic Fluorspar Price Summary (Unit: CNY/ton)
| Market | Specification | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inner Mongolia | 97% Wet Powder | 3,300-3,400 | 3,300-3,400 | 0/0 |
| Zhejiang, Jiangsu | 97% Wet Powder | 3,500-3,600 | 3,500-3,600 | 0/0 |
| Jiangxi, Fujian | 97% Wet Powder | 3,700-3,750 | 3,700-3,750 | 0/0 |
| Shandong | 97% Wet Powder | 3,550-3,600 | 3,500-3,600 | 0/0 |
| Ningxia, Qinghai | 97% Wet Powder | 3,400-3,500 | 3,400-3,500 | 0/0 |
| Henan, Anhui | 97% Wet Powder | 3,400-3,500 | 3,400-3,500 | 0/0 |
| Key Downstream | ||||
| East China | Anhydrous Hydrofluoric Acid | 14,500-14,800 | 14,500-14,800 | 0/0 |
Data Source: Chempricehub Information
The overall market for 97% fluorspar concentrate powder in China remained weak today. Trading activity in the fluorspar market is currently limited. Suppliers are eager to sell, but downstream purchasing capacity is constrained. The slight rebound in prices during the previous period has deepened downstream wait-and-see sentiment and extended their entry cycles. Most traders already stocked up previously; therefore, even where there is some demand from regional downstream buyers, its impact on upstream prices remains limited. In southern markets, prices dropped by CNY 50–100/ton after the holiday. There are still expectations of increased pressure from sulfuric acid in the future, continuing to weigh on fluorspar prices. Current delivered spot price references across domestic regions are: Inner Mongolia CNY 3,300–3,400/ton; Zhejiang CNY 3,500–3,600/ton; Jiangxi and Fujian CNY 3,700–3,750/ton; Shandong CNY 3,500–3,600/ton; Northwest region CNY 3,250–3,350/ton; Henan and Anhui CNY 3,250–3,350/ton. As of publication, the mainstream delivered price for domestic 97% wet fluorspar powder is referenced at CNY 3,300–3,750/ton.
The monthly capacity utilization rate for anhydrous hydrofluoric acid in September was 57%.
Bullish sentiment persists in the fluorspar market, though upside space is limited. The anhydrous hydrofluoric acid market is strongly supported by costs.
Anhydrous Hydrofluoric Acid (AHF) Market:
Sentiment in the domestic AHF market remains cautious today. Producers are primarily focused on fulfilling existing orders. Some enterprises have experienced production anomalies, and delays in timely order delivery are common. Overall supply remains tight, which is related to producers' advance planning. Many producers are adopting a wait-and-see approach regarding major northern plants and subsequent demand recovery, leading to over-ordering. The tug-of-war between supply and demand continues, with stakeholders cautiously monitoring raw material fluctuations and supply-side recovery. As of publication, the mainstream delivered price for domestic AHF in October is referenced at CNY 14,500–14,800/ton, while the Shandong market is referenced at CNY 14,760–15,000/ton.
Sulfuric Acid:
Today, the Chempricehub index for 98% sulfuric acid stood at CNY 1,345/ton, unchanged from yesterday and consistent with morning expectations. The national sulfuric acid market is operating weakly and stably. Quotes in the Shandong market stabilized today, but market sentiment has clearly loosened. The collapse in sulfur prices is the most critical variable: liquid sulfur in Shandong has fallen below the CNY 5,000/ton threshold, showing significant decline. Poor inventory clearance by refineries combined with the downstream "buy high, not low" mentality has formed a negative feedback loop. Weekend tenders for local refineries briefly touched a low of CNY 4,800/ton. Differentiation in the sulfuric acid sector has intensified: actual transaction prices for smelter acid delivered to factories are around CNY 1,350–1,400/ton, while listed prices for mineral acid continue to probe lower, with hidden discounts occurring over the weekend. Maintenance at key acid enterprises in Luxi and Jiaodong involves approximately 2.7 million tons of capacity, providing temporary support through supply contraction. The cost support from sulfur-based acid (actual transactions around CNY 2,600/ton) is eroding in real-time as sulfur breaks below CNY 5,000/ton, making downward pressure most prominent here. On the demand side, autumn fertilizer procurement is winding down, winter storage has not started, and operating rates for monoammonium phosphate (MAP) and diammonium phosphate (DAP) remain low, meaning rigid demand cannot absorb supply. The sulfuric acid market in Inner Mongolia continues its weak trend of probing lower, lacking positive drivers from both supply and demand sides. The fertilizer sector is semi-stagnant; with autumn fertilizer ending and winter storage yet to begin, purchases of sulfuric acid by downstream phosphate and compound fertilizer enterprises have largely halted, accumulating shipping pressure for major acid suppliers. Leading acid enterprises in Eastern Inner Mongolia have lowered their listed prices again, confirming the regional downtrend. Although some acid plants in Bayannur have scheduled maintenance, the effect of reduced output in supporting prices is limited. In the short term, the Inner Mongolia sulfuric acid market will likely remain under pressure, with price stabilization requiring signals such as the start of winter storage or a substantial recovery in downstream hydrofluoric acid operating rates. The domestic sulfuric acid market is expected to maintain a volatile pattern in the short term.
Refrigerants:
Based on the bulk shipment market in East China, mainstream factory quotes for R22 fluororefrigerant remain firm, while the market trends slightly downward. As of publication, quotes from major East China plants reference CNY 24,000/ton (combined domestic and export quotes); mainstream market quotes reference CNY 20,000/ton, consistent with morning expectations. Market intelligence indicates that mainstream R22 quotes from East China factories remain stubbornly firm. However, bulk shipments from factories and channels face continued pressure. Some tier-one distributors are actively adjusting their quotes based on specific cost and inventory situations to match the reality of declining procurement prices due to long-term shrinkage in end-user demand. Conversely, the broader market suffers from persistent macroeconomic weakness and seasonal demand contraction. Transaction volume and new orders in the East China market remain poor throughout the month, with weak purchasing willingness. Even low industry quotes fail to stimulate demand, highlighting the market's lack of momentum. In the short term, the mainstream price for R22 (ODS) fluororefrigerant is referenced at CNY 20,000/ton, maintaining a weak, stable stalemate.
Comments
0