Price trend

This week, the market for anhydrous hydrogen fluoride maintained a high-level consolidation trend. According to data from the SunSirs analysis system, as of March 19, the benchmark price for hydrofluoric acid stood at 13,166.67 RMB/ton, representing an increase of 0.77% compared to the previous month.

Market analysis

Raw Materials: This week, the prices of key raw materials—fluorite and sulfuric acid—have both risen, providing strong support on the cost front. The sustained upward pressure on upstream costs has severely squeezed profit margins for hydrofluoric acid manufacturers; indeed, some enterprises are currently operating at a loss. This fundamentally limits the potential for hydrofluoric acid prices to decline and has fostered a market sentiment favoring price increases. According to data from the SunSirs analysis system, as of March 19, the benchmark price for fluorite stood at 3,475.00 RMB/ton—an increase of 1.28% compared to the beginning of the month (3,431.25 RMB/ton).

On the demand side, downstream demand remains sluggish, and acceptance of high-priced raw materials is low; purchasing activity is currently dominated by sporadic orders driven solely by immediate, essential needs. In particular, reduced operating rates for certain refrigerant grades have led to insufficient follow-through in hydrofluoric acid procurement, preventing the effective absorption of market supply. Furthermore, the hydrofluoric acid market has long been characterized by an oversupply situation; consequently, most manufacturers are producing on an order-by-order basis, resulting in generally low operating rates across the industry. In the short term, anhydrous hydrogen fluoride prices are expected to undergo a period of consolidation.

Market outlook

Prices for upstream raw materials—fluorite and sulfuric acid—remain supported at high levels; however, downstream demand is sluggish, characterized primarily by purchases to meet immediate, essential needs. With insufficient support from the demand side, downstream consumers show low tolerance for high raw material prices. Consequently, the market price for anhydrous hydrogen fluoride is expected to undergo a period of consolidation in the short term. Further market developments will depend on shifts in supply and demand dynamics.

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