Price trend

According to SunSirs' commodity price analysis system, bromine prices remained firm last week. The average market price at the beginning of the week was 41,400 RMB/ton, and the average market price at the end of the week was 41,600 RMB/ton, representing a price increase of 0.48%, and a 90.83% increase compared to the same period last year.

On February 5th, SunSirs' bromine index was 145.61 points, an increase of 0.35 points from the previous day. This is a 40.61% decrease from the highest point in the cycle (245.18 points on October 27, 2021), and a 147.13% increase from the lowest point of 58.92 points on October 29, 2014. (Note: The cycle refers to the period from September 1, 2011 to the present.)

Market analysis

Last week, bromine prices in the Shandong region remained firm. The market in Shandong was characterized by a wait-and-see attitude amidst tight supply and demand, resulting in weak actual transactions. Ex-factory prices ranged from 39,000 to 44,000 RMB/ton, with the mainstream price around 41,500 RMB/ton, and prices are currently stabilizing.

In terms of supply: bromine prices were significantly affected by seasonal temperatures. Since entering winter, the overall operating rate of the industry has remained low, and the industry's supply rate continued to be low. Furthermore, bromine production was also low due to industry policies. Recently, the low operating rate of the domestic bromine industry, coupled with news of overseas bromine plant shutdowns, has led manufacturers to adopt a reluctant-to-sell attitude.

In terms of demand: however, demand from downstream industries was generally weak, with only essential purchases being made. Downstream companies were not very active in purchasing.

In terms of raw materials: Domestic sulfur prices showed an overall weak trend last week. The average market price at the beginning of the week was 4,143.33 RMB/ton, and the average market price at the end of the week was 3983.33 RMB/ton, representing a price decrease of 3.86%, but still 140.3% higher than the same period last year. Downstream demand was generally weak.

Market outlook:

The price of bromine has been firm recently, while the price of upstream sulfur has been weak.  Bromine supply was temporarily tight, but downstream buyers were mostly purchasing on an as-needed basis and were resistant to price increases. Considering the supply and demand dynamics, it is expected that bromine prices will fluctuate in the near future, depending on downstream market demand.

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