SunSirs: Demand Was Weak, and the Xylene Market Fell Slightly

Price trend

According to the SunSirs Commodity Market Analysis System, the xylene market saw a slight decline last week, with the price of xylene dropping from 5,560 RMB/ton to 5,540 RMB/ton from September 8 to 15, 2025, a decrease of 0.36%. The domestic xylene market declined overall last week. Inventories in Shandong were low, leading to slight price adjustments at major refineries. Regional transactions were driven by rigid demand, with downstream chemical industry buyers entering the market and generating positive sales. Inventories in East China saw a slight increase, leading to a slight price decline. Market activity in South China was subdued, with weak downstream purchasing driving down prices.

Analysis review

Cost Side:

According to the SunSirs commodity market analysis system, as of September 12, international crude oil futures closed higher, with the October contract of US WTI crude oil futures settling at $62.69 per barrel. The November contract of Brent crude oil futures settled at $66.99 per barrel. 

Supply Side:

Sinopec's xylene price summary showed that operations were operating normally, production was stable, and both production and sales ere steady. Company prices remained unchanged from the previous day. As of September 15th, the East China company quoted 5,600 RMB/ton, the North China company quoted 5,550-5,650 RMB/ton, the South China company quoted 5,500 RMB/ton, and the Central China company quoted 5,500-5,550 RMB/ton.

Demand Side:

On September 15th, Sinopec Sales Company reported a temporary stabilization of paraxylene prices at 7,200 RMB/ton. This price applied to all regions in East China, North China, Central China, and South China. Plants at Yangzi Petrochemical and Zhenhai Petrochemical were operating stably, and sales were normal. As of September 4th, the closing price of paraxylene in the Asian market was $807-809/ton FOB Korea and $832-834/ton CFR China.

Market outlook

The crude oil market has been weak recently, with weak macroeconomic conditions and insufficient market guidance. On the supply side, recent port arrivals have been low, resulting in overall tight supply. On the demand side, downstream chemical and oil blending industries were experiencing pre-holiday stockpiling needs, leading to positive market expectations. Overall, boosted by pre-holiday stockpiling, the xylene market is expected to be stable and slightly stronger.

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