Price trend

In September, the domestic hydrogen fluoride market utilization rate was 54.5%, up 1.2 percentage points from August, and pricing increased by approximately 550 RMB/ton. At the end of September, some companies continued to increase their new order prices, maintaining a relatively stronger market trend. According to the SunSirs analysis system, as of September 29, the SunSirs benchmark price for hydrofluoric acid was 12,666.67 RMB/ton, a 10.47% increase from the beginning of September.

Analysis review

On the raw material side: The domestic fluorite market saw an uptick in September, with the average price reaching 3,497.5 RMB/ton by the end of the month, up 7.0% from 3,268.75 RMB/ton at the end of the month and up 3.63% year-on-year. The domestic fluorite industry remained competitive, with overall operating rates increasing. Upstream mining was experiencing tight production, with outdated mines continuing to be phased out. For new mines, mineral surveys remained challenging. Furthermore, with national authorities requiring rectification of fluorite mines, fluorite mining companies faced increasingly stringent safety and environmental protection requirements, making it more difficult to resume operations. Raw material shortages were also hindering fluorite operations. With falling temperatures in northern China and the approaching winter shutdown period for mines and concentrators in the region, market supply was further tightening. The continued high price of fluorite was providing strong support for hydrofluoric acid costs, leading to a sharp rise in hydrofluoric acid prices.

On the demand side, downstream market conditions continued to rise. With policy support at the end of the refrigerant industry, demand was expected to see a substantial increase. Fluorine chemical companies remained confident in maintaining refrigerant prices within quota control. While high prices were contributing to a slowdown in purchasing, industry inventories were being transmitted in a healthy and orderly manner, with upstream product purchased primarily on an on-demand basis. Overall, demand support for hydrogen fluoride remained stable and strong, and hydrogen fluoride prices continued to rise.

Market outlook

Rising prices for raw material fluorite had provided strong support for hydrofluoric acid costs, but downstream suppliers were reluctant to accept high-priced raw materials. Purchases were primarily driven by demand, with only small orders signed. The anhydrous hydrogen fluoride market is expected to continue its stronger trend in the future. Further attention should be paid to market supply and demand changes.

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