According to the SunSirs Commodity Market Analysis System, from July 28 to August 1, MTBE prices rose from 5,025 RMB/ton to 5,037 RMB/ton, a 0.25% increase over the period, a 1.47% decrease month-over-month, and a 25.78% decrease year-over-year. The domestic MTBE market remained in a narrow range, with some manufacturers exporting to ports and some selling less domestically, providing some support. However, weak gasoline terminal demand led to limited demand from suppliers for related gasoline components, and MTBE shipments from manufacturers were slow. With the continued rise in crude oil prices, MTBE prices rebounded slightly, albeit to a limited extent.
On the cost side, regarding crude oil: International oil prices rose, primarily due to the new trade agreement reached between the United States, the European Union, and other countries, significantly reducing market concerns about tariffs. Furthermore, the potential for new US sanctions against Russia, which may lead to potential supply risks, also provided support for oil prices. As of July 31, the September Brent crude oil futures contract settled at $72.53 per barrel.
On the demand side, international crude oil futures rebounded in the downstream gasoline market, while refined oil prices initially rose before declining. This was primarily due to the early-week crude oil rebound, which boosted market sentiment. Furthermore, refineries capitalized on improved shipments by periodically restocking at gas stations, raising prices. While crude oil prices continued to rise heading into the weekend, current limited end-user consumption means mid- and downstream businesses will need time to digest the concentrated restocking. MTBE demand is being impacted by relatively negative factors.
On the supply side, Lihuayi's production facility is not selling to the port, and Dongming's Qianhai facility is scheduled to shut down, reducing resource availability. Domestic MTBE supply is likely to be impacted by relatively positive factors in the short term.
As of August 1st, ex-factory MTBE prices for some manufacturers are as follows:
Enterprise |
Device |
Price |
Chengtai Chemical Industry |
The 200,000 tons/year isomerization unit is stable and produces about 240 tons per day. |
5050 RMB/ton |
Shi Dashi Hua |
The 200,000 tons/year isomerization unit is stable and normal delivery. |
5050 RMB/ton |
Shenchizh Chemicals |
The 400,000 tons/year mixedC4 dehydrogenation unit and the 350,000 tons/year MTBE unit are shut down. |
5123 yuan/ton |
Leverkusen |
Isomerization and isobutane dehydrogenation unit operate normally |
5050 RMB/ton |
Dongming Petrochemical |
The 350,000 tons/year mixed alkane dehydrogenation unit has been stable and the daily output is 1000 tons. |
5050 RMB/ton |
As of the close of trading on July 31st, the closing price of MTBE in the Asian market increased by $7.46/ton compared to the previous trading day, closing at $684.71-686.71/ton FOB Singapore. The European MTBE market closed down $26/ton from the previous trading day, with FOB ARA closing at $846.49-846.99/ton. The US MTBE market closed down $9.99/ton from the previous trading day, with FOB Gulf closing at $769.91-770.26/ton (217.39-217.49 cents/gal).
Region |
Country |
Closing price |
Up and down |
Asia |
FOB Singapore |
684.71-686.71 USD/ton |
7.46USD/ton |
Europe |
FOB ARA |
846.49-846.99USD/ton |
-$26 per ton |
United States |
FOB Gulf |
769.91-770.26USD/ton |
-$9.99 USD/ton |
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