Weekly Data Analysis of China’s Methanol Production and Capacity Utilization Rate (September 11–17, 2026)

I. Qualitative Analysis of Production Volume and Capacity Utilization Trends

This week (September 11–17, 2026), China's methanol production totaled 1,893,285 tons, an increase of 20,650 tons from the previous week. The plant capacity utilization rate stood at 83.80%, a week-over-week increase of 1.10 percentage points.

Table 1: Weekly Comparison of China's Methanol Production and Capacity Utilization (Unit: tons, %)

Data Source: Chempricehub Information

New maintenance shutdowns occurred this week at Shanxi Linxin and Hebi Coal Chemical. Additionally, new reduced-output operations were observed at Hualu Hengsheng and one unit in Heilongjiang. Conversely, several units that had previously undergone maintenance or output reductions resumed operations, including Yunnan Jiehua, Jineng Technology, Qinghai Salt Lake Industry, Yantai Wanhua, Shaanxi Changqing, Inner Mongolia Guotai, as well as one unit in Heilongjiang, two in Shaanxi, one in Shanxi, and one in Inner Mongolia. Since the total volume restored this period exceeded the volume lost to maintenance and reductions, the capacity utilization rate rose, leading to an increase in overall production.

II. Forecast Analysis of Production Volume and Capacity Utilization Trends

For next week, China's weekly methanol production and capacity utilization are projected as follows: production is expected to reach approximately 2.0151 million tons, with a capacity utilization rate of around 89.19%, representing an increase compared to the current period. The planned restart capacities for next week exceed the capacities affected by maintenance and output reductions, thereby driving up both the capacity utilization rate and total production.

III. Comparison of Capacity Utilization and Price Trends

This week, China's methanol capacity utilization was 83.80%, up 1.10 percentage points week-over-week and 4.85 percentage points year-over-year. The domestic capacity utilization continued to rise, increasing market supply. Although futures markets experienced significant volatility, downstream inventory stocking activity ahead of the upcoming holidays improved, resulting in solid real-order transactions and a continued upward shift in market negotiation centers.

Sample Description: The weekly methanol production and capacity utilization data provided by Chempricehub Information are based on primary statistical surveys. The sample covers 180 methanol producers nationwide, achieving 100% coverage. The statistical period runs from Friday of the previous week to Thursday of the current week. Data is released at 14:30 on Thursdays during business days.

Definitions:

• Production Volume: Generally refers to the quantity of commodities meeting relevant standards actually produced by enterprises within a specific timeframe (not merely commodity count, but weight or volume under specific metrics), i.e., actual output.
• Capacity Utilization Rate: Refers to the extent to which an enterprise utilizes its capacity, also known as operating load. It is generally calculated as the ratio of product output or raw material processing volume to effective capacity.

Statistical Scope: The weekly production volume and capacity utilization statistics cover the period from Friday of the previous week to Thursday of the current week, with data released at 14:30 on Thursdays during business days.