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R32 Fluorinated Refrigerant Market Remains Firm at High Levels; Supply Controlled to Support Prices (2026-09-08)

Published on 2026-09-08

1. Today's Summary

  • In September, the HF procurement tender price benchmark for mainstream plants in the East China market was referenced at CNY 15,100–15,200/ton delivered.
  • Fluorinated refrigerant R32: offers in the domestic market are referenced at CNY 65,500/ton.
  • Fluorinated refrigerant R32: high-end offers in the export market are referenced at CNY 63,500/ton.
  • Household air conditioner (AC) scheduled production for September 2026 is 9.75 million units, down 9.30% year-on-year and 9.13% month-on-month; scheduled domestic sales production is 5.39 million units, down 5.77% YoY and 8.18% MoM; scheduled export production is 4.36 million units, down 13.16% YoY and 10.29% MoM.

2. Spot Market Overview

Table 1 Domestic fluorinated refrigerant price summary (unit: CNY/ton)

Market Main grade Specification Sep 7 Sep 8 Change
East China R22 Bulk 23,000–24,000 23,000–24,000 0/0
East China R32 Bulk 63,500–64,500 63,500–64,500 0/0
East China R125 Bulk 54,000–57,000 54,000–57,000 0/0
East China R134a Bulk 63,500–65,000 63,500–65,000 0/0
East China R143a Bulk 51,000–53,000 51,000–53,000 0/0
Key blended refrigerants
East China R404A Bulk 52,000–54,000 52,000–54,000 0/0
East China R410A Bulk 57,000–59,500 57,000–59,500 0/0
East China R507A Bulk 52,500–54,000 52,500–54,000 0/0

Data source: Chempricehub. Note: All mainstream refrigerant grades listed above are compiled as tax-inclusive ex-works prices for refrigerant end-use in the East China domestic market.

Taking the East China bulk market as the benchmark, major fluorinated refrigerant R32 producers consolidated at high levels based on volume control to support prices. As of press time, mainstream large plants in East China offered at a reference of CNY 65,500/ton (coordinated domestic and export offers), while mainstream East China market offers were referenced at CNY 63,500–64,500/ton, in line with earlier expectations. Market sources indicate that bulk inquiries in the distribution channel have long been subdued; supply is committed to guaranteeing deliveries to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), while small-package shipments have been slow. As a result, upstream producers are strictly limiting incremental spot supply. According to statistics, the overall industry operating load for fluorinated refrigerant R32 remains around 40%–50%. Recently, the South China market has seen frequent rainy weather and weak buying interest. As OEM production schedules and consumption further contract, channel holders of R32 are seeking opportunities to sell and destock while prices hover at high levels, but their willingness to purchase high-priced material is limited. They continue to wait for clear pricing signals from major plants. Chempricehub expects fluorinated refrigerant R32 to remain primarily under supply control to support prices in the short term, with contract prices determined through negotiation. Watch industry unit operation status and production scheduling pace.

3. Production Developments

The capacity utilization rate of fluorinated refrigerant R32 is overall around 40%–50%, and major producers mainly continue prioritizing supply assurance to AC plants.

5. Price Forecast

Fluorinated refrigerant R32 retains its role in a seller's market. Major plants continue to hold firm offers and arrange production at a medium level mainly to secure supply. Chempricehub expects R32 prices to remain in high-level sideways consolidation.

Anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (AHF): Today, the domestic AHF market moved up within a range. As the market is in its pricing window, participants hold a strong wait-and-see mood. The current pricing benchmark has risen CNY 300/ton to a range of CNY 15,100–15,200/ton. Raw-material support was the main factor behind this rise: the fluorspar market remains constrained in supply, keeping price-support sentiment strong, while sulfuric acid prices have declined step by step. On balance, the cost side remains under persistent pressure.

Methylene chloride (dichloromethane): Taking the Shandong region as the benchmark, methylene chloride in Shandong settled at CNY 2,105/ton (range CNY 2,060–2,150/ton) today, down from the previous working day. Today, the domestic methylene chloride market fell regionally; real support from end-user demand was limited and market trading was sluggish. Producers flexibly adjusted offers based on their own shipment and inventory conditions, shifting the market center of gravity lower. Although demand remains generally mediocre with only limited substantive support, the sharp rise in feedstock methanol is deepening losses at chloromethane producers, curbing their willingness to cut prices further. Amid the long-short tug-of-war, the domestic methylene chloride market is expected to remain dominated by regional adjustments, with a cautiously bearish stance. Monitor subsequent market developments.

Comments

0
  • Elena Vasquez 2026-09-08 20:12
    I think the key point here is that controlled capacity utilization, not demand, is propping up R32 prices. With AC output down and channel destocking, I'd watch for margin squeeze if supply discipline breaks.
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