SunSirs: Since April, the Domestic Chloroform Market Has Shown a Slight Pullback from High Levels

Price trend

Since the beginning of April, the domestic chloroform market has exhibited a slight pullback from previously high levels. According to the commodity market analysis system of SunSirs, as of April 23, the price of bulk chloroform in the Shandong region stood at 2,800 RMB/ton—a decline of 3.45% compared to the 2,900 RMB/ton recorded at the start of the month. Overall, the market has maintained a structure characterized by demand-driven purchasing and strong cost-side support.

At the beginning of the month, major manufacturers—such as Luxi Chemical—quoted prices reaching 3,100 RMB/ton. By mid-month, as the market weakened, mainstream transaction prices gradually retreated to 2,900 RMB/ton. Mainstream ex-factory quotes were subsequently lowered to 2,800 RMB/ton, resulting in a cumulative monthly decline of 2.33%. By the end of the month, the market stabilized at 2,800 RMB/ton (for bulk ex-factory shipments), with high-end negotiations hovering within the 2,800–2,900 RMB/ton range.

Fundamentals:

Following the April holiday break, the operating rate for chlorinated methanes edged down slightly to around 79%. Consequently, supply contracted marginally; while some enterprises underwent routine maintenance, this did not impact overall supply levels.

Raw material methanol has maintained a high range of 2,100–2,300 RMB/ton. As of April 23, the spot price for methanol stood at 3,256 RMB/ton—an increase of 4.38% compared to the 3,120 RMB/ton recorded at the beginning of the month. Liquid chlorine has shown strength due to maintenance shutdowns in the chlor-alkali sector, with prices ranging between 400 and 450 RMB/ton; this establishes a clear cost floor, providing strong support for pricing.

Demand remains weak; the core downstream refrigerant R22 sector has been impacted by quota reductions, resulting in a year-on-year decline in demand of 3%–5%, with purchasing activity largely limited to small orders driven by immediate necessities. While demand in the pharmaceutical and electronics sectors remains stable, their limited scale makes them insufficient to drive the overall market.

Market outlook

According to analysts at SunSirs specializing in chlorinated methane, the market experienced a slight downturn in April, weighed down by sluggish demand and ample supply; however, strong cost support provided a clear floor, making a steep decline in prices unlikely. As the peak season for refrigeration approaches in May, downstream stockpiling is expected to gradually commence. Should raw material prices remain elevated and supply show no significant increase, the market is poised for a modest rebound.

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