Shipment-led market; price center moves down (2026-09-08)

1. Today's Summary

(1) Sep 7: The conflict between the U.S. and Iran has not stopped, and Saudi oil facilities were attacked. Supply risks continue, pushing international oil prices higher. NYMEX crude oil futures were closed for one day due to the U.S. Labor Day holiday, with no settlement price. ICE Brent crude futures for the November contract rose USD 0.72/bbl to USD 97/bbl, up 0.75% day-on-day. China's INE crude oil futures (2610 contract) rose 5.4 yuan/bbl to 688.5 yuan/bbl, and added another 11.9 yuan/bbl to 700.4 yuan/bbl in the night session.

(2) Sep 8: The domestic liquid chlorine price held steady at 150 yuan/ton today.

2. Spot Market Overview

Table 1 Domestic Dichloromethane Price Summary (Unit: yuan/ton)

Taking Shandong as the benchmark, dichloromethane in the Shandong area settled at 2,105 yuan/ton today (range: 2,060–2,150 yuan/ton), down from the previous working day. The domestic dichloromethane market declined regionally today, as end-user demand provided limited substantive support and trading was sluggish. Producers flexibly adjusted offers based on their own shipment and inventory levels, and the market center moved lower.

3. Production Dynamics

The capacity utilization rate of chloromethanes stood at 80.78%, stable from the previous working day. In terms of cost and profit, upstream feedstock liquid chlorine and methanol prices were both stable today, so the theoretical production cost of chloromethanes remained unchanged. Based on externally purchased liquid chlorine, the daily profit for chloromethanes was -296 yuan/ton (a loss of 296 yuan/ton).

4. Price Forecast

Although demand remains mediocre with limited substantive support, the sharp rise in feedstock methanol has deepened losses among chloromethanes producers, leaving them with little willingness to cut prices further. With long and short factors in play, the domestic dichloromethane market is expected to remain in regional adjustment. A cautious bearish view is advised, and attention should be paid to subsequent changes in market information.

5. Related Product Market

Refrigerant market: Based on the East China bulk market, mainstream R32 refrigerant producers kept offers at high levels while controlling volumes to support prices. As of this writing, leading East China producers' offers were referenced at 65,500 yuan/ton (coordinated offers for domestic and foreign trade); mainstream offers in the East China market were referenced at 63,500–64,500 yuan/ton, in line with morning expectations. Market sources indicated that bulk inquiries in the distribution channel have been passive for an extended period, as supply is firmly reserved for OEMs, and small-package shipments have been slow. Therefore, upstream plants are strictly controlling spot volume increases. According to statistics, the industry-wide operating load for R32 refrigerant remains around 40–50%. Recently, rainy weather in the South China market dampened buying interest, and OEM production scheduling and consumption momentum shrank further. As R32 consolidates sideways at high levels, channel inventory holders are seeking opportunities to sell and destock. They have little intention to purchase high-cost supply and are waiting for major producers to release clear offer signals. Chempricehub expects R32 to remain under volume control and price support in the short term, with contract pricing determined through negotiation. Industry plant operation and production scheduling trends will be closely watched.

6. Data Calendar

Table 2 Domestic Chloromethanes Data Overview (Unit: 10,000 tons)