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Weak Downstream Demand Leads to Volatile Cyclohexanone Market Performance (September 16, 2026)

Published on 2026-09-16
  1. Daily Summary

① 【Chempricehub】 September 15: Rising risks to Saudi crude supply and the continued stalemate in U.S.-Iran relations drove international oil prices higher. NYMEX WTI crude futures (October contract) closed at $105.83/bbl, up $4.44/bbl (+4.38% WoW). ICE Brent crude futures (November contract) closed at $108.75/bbl, up $3.07/bbl (+2.90% WoW). China INE crude oil futures (November 2026 contract) rose by 59.7 CNY to 836.2 CNY/bbl; night session prices increased by 23.8 CNY to 860 CNY/bbl.

② Today’s domestic cyclohexanone capacity utilization stands at approximately 59.5%. The trend toward integrated production is well-established, with most units paired with caprolactam production lines. Commodity-grade supply remains stable, while downstream chemical fiber orders are being placed on an as-needed basis.

③ Sinopec refineries in East, South, and Central China raised pure benzene prices by 550 CNY/ton to 9,900 CNY/ton, effective September 10.

  1. Spot Market Overview

Table 1: Domestic Cyclohexanone Price Summary (Unit: CNY/ton)

Market Specification Sep 15 Sep 16 Change % Change
East China Cyclohexanone 10,750 10,750 0 0%

Based on the East China market, today’s cyclohexanone price reference range is 10,700–10,800 CNY/ton, unchanged from the previous trading day. Feedstock pure benzene prices fluctuated, providing stable cost support. Cyclohexanone spot supply remained steady, but downstream buyers were cautious about chasing higher prices, resulting in sideways market movement.

(Note: Figures 1 and 2 regarding weekly average and East China price trends are omitted as per image-only content instructions.)

  1. Production Dynamics

Today, the integration of cyclohexanone and caprolactam production remains robust. Commodity-grade cyclohexanone supply is stable, ensuring consistent market availability.

(Note: Figures 3 and 4 regarding capacity utilization trends and profit/price comparisons are omitted as per image-only content instructions.)

  1. Price Forecast

Feedstock prices are expected to continue fluctuating, maintaining stable cost support. Current cyclohexanone spot supply is balanced, and downstream demand for high-priced cargo remains cautious. Short-term cyclohexanone prices are expected to move sideways, tracking the consolidation of pure benzene markets.

  1. Related Product Updates

Pure Benzene Market: The East China pure benzene market maintained its upward trend. Spot negotiation ranges were 9,800–10,050 CNY/ton, largely aligning with morning forecasts. Supply concerns intensified due to the shutdown of a key Saudi oil pipeline and Libyan oilfield outages, keeping international oil prices elevated and boosting market sentiment via strong cost-side support. Port inventories remain low, sustaining a tight spot supply environment. On the demand side, downstream buyers focused on pre-holiday stockpiling based on rigid needs, with overall spot transactions remaining decent.

Caprolactam: Today’s East China caprolactam price stood at 14,300 CNY/ton (delivered, acceptance terms), holding steady compared to the previous working day. Spot negotiations remain in a stalemate, lacking new transaction guidance.

Comments

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  • Daniel Foster 2026-09-16 20:11
    With capacity utilization at 59.5%, weak downstream demand keeps cyclohexanone prices flat despite the 550 CNY/ton rise in pure benzene feedstock costs. This margin squeeze suggests limited upside potential, as cautious ..
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