Spot Supply Remains Tight, Monomer Prices Continue Upward Trend (2026-09-07)

1. Today’s Summary

• Raw materials: Ethylene oxide in East China held steady at 8,300 yuan/ton; domestic ethylene fell to 8,600 yuan/ton.
• Demand: Downstream buyers maintained rigid-demand replenishment at lower prices, and wait-and-see sentiment remained intact.

2. Spot Market Overview

Table 1 Domestic polycarboxylate superplasticizer monomer price summary (unit: yuan/ton)

Data source: Chempricehub

Domestic polycarboxylate superplasticizer monomer prices continued to push upward today. The price of the related product ethylene glycol loosened at high levels, while ethylene oxide spot supply remained tight. For ethylene, producers currently have limited spot material available for sale, but derivative products were generally lackluster, with weak overall spot trading and a slight price softening. The ethylene oxide market is fundamentally supported, with prices firm at high levels and costs providing upward support. Monomer spot supply remains tight, and low-priced material is almost unavailable. Downstream buyers mainly entered the market on a rigid-demand basis at lower prices. In summary, the mainstream East China EPEG price is expected to be at 9,900-10,100 yuan/ton on the next working day.

3. Production Update

Today, capacity utilization in the polycarboxylate superplasticizer monomer industry was 23.72%, down from the previous period. Gross profit for HPEG polycarboxylate superplasticizer monomer was 629 yuan/ton.

4. Price Forecast

On the next working day, domestic polycarboxylate superplasticizer monomers are likely to run on a firm tone. The key raw material ethylene oxide is expected to trend upward, and tight spot supply shows no clear near-term easing. Ethylene glycol supply constraints are expected to continue, with prices likely staying high. Downstream buyers are still purchasing only for rigid demand. Ethylene spot supply is insufficient, so prices are more likely to remain relatively strong, lending support from the cost side. Monomer spot material is hard to source, and holders have a strong intention to push prices up. Downstream users are highly cautious about high price levels and are only following up with small rigid-demand orders; transactions are negotiated according to volume. In the short term, prices are likely to run firm. In summary, the focus market East China EPEG price is expected to be at 9,900-10,100 yuan/ton on the next working day.

5. Related Product Status

Ethylene oxide (raw material): The ethylene oxide market is expected to remain firm or strengthen slightly. On the supply side, units are mostly operating stably, with no new maintenance shutdowns. Sustained firm ethylene glycol prices are significantly steering production scheduling for co-production units, keeping ethylene oxide spot supply tight. On the demand side, downstream operating rates consolidated within a narrow range today, with end users continuing their rigid-demand pace and steadily consuming contract volumes. On the cost side, ethylene trading is currently mainly need-based, with prices expected to consolidate at high levels in the short term. Overall, supply is supportive in the near term and cost provides a boost, so ethylene oxide prices are likely to run stable-to-firm. Going forward, upstream and downstream supply-demand dynamics should be closely monitored.

6. Data Calendar

Table 2 Domestic polycarboxylate superplasticizer monomer data summary (unit: 10,000 tons)

Data source: Chempricehub

Notes:

1. ↓↑ indicates a large fluctuation, highlighting data dimensions with a change exceeding 3%.
2. ↗↘ indicates a narrow/slight fluctuation, highlighting data dimensions with a change within 0-3%.