① [Chempricehub] Oct 16: Ongoing conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, combined with the Russia-Ukraine war, continues to elevate supply risks, driving international crude oil prices higher. NYMEX WTI futures (November contract) rose by $3.44/bbl to $101.41/bbl (+3.51% WoW); ICE Brent futures (December contract) rose by $3.94/bbl to $109.86/bbl (+3.72% WoW). China INE crude oil futures (December 2026 contract) fell by 2.2 yuan to 723 yuan/bbl during the day session, but rebounded by 16.8 yuan to 739.8 yuan/bbl in the night session.
② Today, the domestic cyclohexanone capacity utilization rate is approximately 59.7%. The integration trend of cyclohexanone production has matured, with most plants co-producing caprolactam. Supply of commercial-grade cyclohexanone remains stable, while downstream chemical fiber orders are being placed on an as-needed basis.
③ Sinopec refineries in East, South, and Central China have lowered pure benzene prices by 200 yuan/ton to 10,600 yuan/ton, effective October 16.
Table 1: Domestic Cyclohexanone Price Summary (Unit: Yuan/ton)
| Market | Specification | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| East China | Cyclohexanone | 11625 | 11625 | 0 | 0% |
| Data Source: Chempricehub |
Based on the East China market, today’s cyclohexanone reference price ranges from 11,600 to 11,650 yuan/ton, unchanged from the previous trading day. Raw material cost pressure persists, spot supply remains stable, and downstream buyers are cautious about chasing high prices, resulting in a stagnant and oscillating market trend.
Today, the integration between cyclohexanone and caprolactam production has improved, leading to a reduction in the supply of commercial-grade cyclohexanone. Downstream chemical fiber orders remain limited.
Pure benzene prices are trending downward amid volatility, lacking cost support. Capacity utilization for commercial-grade cyclohexanone remains low, with downstream procurement primarily driven by immediate needs. It is expected that short-term cyclohexanone prices will follow the weak trend of pure benzene and consolidate at lower levels.
Pure Benzene Market:
Spot prices in East China fell today, with transaction ranges at 10,100–10,270 yuan/ton, largely consistent with morning forecasts. Port inventories in East China continued to decline, but market sentiment shifted toward caution. Negative feedback from downstream sectors persisted, as high raw material costs squeezed profits. Expectations of reduced demand began to outweigh expectations of reduced supply. The interplay between low inventory reality and weakening demand outlook put pressure on the market, causing prices to retreat from highs.
Caprolactam:
Today, the ex-warehouse delivered price for caprolactam in East China was 14,300 yuan/ton, holding steady compared to the previous working day. At the start of the week, the caprolactam market remained in a consolidation phase with a wait-and-see attitude, showing no significant price fluctuations.
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