Price trend

According to the SunSirs commodity market analysis system, the xylene market experienced a volatile downward trend in September 2025. From September 1 to 29, the domestic xylene market price fell from 5,640 RMB/ton to 5,480 RMB/ton, a cumulative decrease of 2.84% over the period.

Mid-to-early September: The toluene market remained volatile and weaker this cycle. Weak crude oil prices in the second half of the cycle weighed on market sentiment, and prices continued to decline. Prices in Shandong Province fell overall this cycle, dragged down by the crude oil market. Negotiations in East China were sluggish, with bids generally low. In South China, due to easing supply, downstream market participation remained subdued, leading to price cuts at major refineries and overall weak market sentiment.

Late September: The domestic xylene market initially rose before declining during this period. Inventories in Shandong were low, leading to slight price adjustments at major refineries, and regional transactions were dominated by demand. Inventories in East China remained largely unchanged, with prices rising slightly. Market activity in South China was subdued, with weak downstream purchasing and a slight price increase. By the end of the month, as pre-holiday stocking efforts were completed, downstream purchasing intentions declined, and lacking demand support, the xylene market continued its downward trend.

Analysis review

Cost side:

According to the SunSirs Commodity Market Analysis System, as of September 26th, the November settlement price of US WTI crude oil futures was $65.72 per barrel. The December settlement price of Brent crude oil futures was $69.22 per barrel. During this round of price adjustments, geopolitical factors remained a key factor influencing the crude oil market. Renewed geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East triggered a temporary rebound in international crude oil prices. However, OPEC+'s decision to continue increasing production in October, coupled with rising US oil inventories, continued market expectations of oversupply pressure, resulting in a lack of upward momentum in international oil prices.

Supply side:

Sinopec's xylene price summary showed that operations were temporarily operating normally, production was stable, and both production and sales were steady. Company prices remained unchanged from the previous day. As of September 29th, the East China company quoted 5,600 RMB/ton, the North China company quoted 5,350-5,500 RMB/ton, the South China company quoted 5,500-5,550 RMB/ton, and the Central China company quoted 5,450-5,550 RMB/ton.

Demand Side:

According to the SunSirs Commodity Market Analysis System, as of September 28, 2025, the price of paraxylene at Sinopec Sales Company remained stable at 6,800 RMB/ton. This price applied to East China, North China, Central China, and South China. Plants at Yangzi Petrochemical and Zhenhai Petrochemical were operating stably, with sales normal. This price was down 400 RMB/ton from August 29. As of September 26, the closing price of paraxylene in the Asian market was $789-791/ton FOB Korea and $814-816/ton CFR China, a decrease of $22/ton from August 28.

Market outlook

On the supply side, recent changes had been minimal, with overall export performance relatively stable. Ship arrivals had been acceptable, and overall supply performance had remained stable. However, the domestic xylene market was showing signs of weakness near the end of the month. With the holiday approaching, market activity had significantly declined, resulting in quiet trading and overall weak demand. With a lack of significant support on both the supply and demand sides, the xylene market is expected to be weaker.

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