Price trend

As April began, the domestic market for anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (AHF) witnessed a significant and robust upward trend. According to the latest market data, the delivered price of hydrogen fluoride in the Jiangsu-Zhejiang region surged by 1,500 RMB/ton in April—a substantial increase compared to the previous month. The primary driving force behind this sharp price hike stems mainly from strong upward pressure on the cost side. Data from the SunSirs analysis system indicates that as of April 1, the benchmark price for hydrofluoric acid stood at 14,666.67 RMB/ton, marking an 11.39% increase from the end of the previous month.

Market analysis

Raw Materials: Prices for the raw material, fluorite, have been raised. Following an accident at a fluorite mine in the Zhejiang region, the entire province initiated a suspension of operations for safety inspections; this impact subsequently spread to neighboring production areas, such as Jiangxi. As the resumption of work and production has been postponed until mid-April—or potentially even beyond the "May Day" holiday—the supply shortage has intensified further. Market participants are exhibiting strong sentiment in favor of holding firm on prices and are reluctant to sell, leading to tentative upward adjustments in price quotations. Regarding the raw material sulfuric acid, continued tightness in upstream sulfur supplies has kept prices at persistently high levels, driving up sulfuric acid production costs. Furthermore, low inventory levels and scheduled maintenance shutdowns at manufacturing plants have resulted in a tight supply situation. Taken together, the sustained pressure from upstream costs has severely squeezed profit margins for hydrofluoric acid producers—with some companies even 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 the SunSirs analysis system, as of April 1st, the benchmark price for fluorite stood at 3,556.25 RMB/ton—an increase of 3.64% compared to the beginning of the previous month (3,431.25 RMB/ton). The benchmark price for sulfuric acid was 1,580.00 RMB/ton—a surge of 49.41% compared to the beginning of the previous month (1,057.50 RMB/ton).

Demand Side: The downstream refrigerant sector was gradually entering its traditional peak production season, and demand for certain refrigerant grades was robust. However, buyers remained cautious and showed limited tolerance for high-priced raw materials; purchasing activities were primarily focused on replenishing inventory on an as-needed basis, resulting in moderate market transaction volumes.

Market outlook

Raw material prices—specifically fluorite and sulfuric acid—remained supported at high levels; consequently, downstream buyers were exercising caution, focusing primarily on restocking on an as-needed basis and demonstrating limited tolerance for high raw material costs. In the short term, the market price for anhydrous hydrogen fluoride is expected to largely undergo a period of consolidation. Further market developments will depend on shifts in supply and demand dynamics.

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