Price trend

The domestic acetone market continued its downward trend after the National Day holiday, hitting a new low for the year. Last week, the market bottomed out and rebounded slightly. The East China acetone market averaged 4,120 RMB/ton from October 17 to 4,230 RMB/ton on October 24, a 2.67% increase.

Analysis review

From the supply side, as the market continued to decline, the terminal market saw some improvement. Meanwhile, Zhejiang Petrochemical announced that its Phase II unit would undergo maintenance in November and December. This news prompted traders to push prices higher, leading to a rapid market rally. As of October 24, Sinopec's listed price in East China and North China had fallen to 4,200 RMB/ton. October shipments in East China were 33,000 tons, with November cargoes in transit at 14,500 RMB/ton.

From the demand side, market prices had gradually fallen to a low point, prompting manufacturers and traders to enter the market to replenish stocks. Downstream bisphenol A plant operating rates are expected to increase, leading to a rise in acetone demand. Isopropanol, MMA, and MIBK operating rates had seen slight changes, with little change in acetone demand. From a cost perspective, both the supply and demand for raw material benzene increased slightly, continuing a supply shortage. It is expected that short-term prices will consolidate to be stronger.

Acetone quotes in major national markets on October 24th were as follows:

Market outlook

SunSirs predicts that the operating rate of domestic phenol-acetone plants will remain at 78% in the near future. On the demand side, the operating rate of the downstream bisphenol A industry has declined. Acetone is expected to maintain a stable transition in the short term.

If you have any inquiries or purchasing needs, please feel free to contact SunSirs with support@sunsirs.com.