SunSirs: Domestic Isopropyl Alcohol Market Prices Experienced Volatile Declines in May

Price trend

According to monitoring data from the SunSirs Commodity Market Analysis System, domestic isopropyl alcohol prices experienced a volatile decline throughout May. On May 1, the average domestic price for isopropyl alcohol stood at 8,716.67 RMB/ton; by May 29, the average price had fallen to 7,783.33 RMB/ton—a decrease of 10.71% compared to the beginning of the month.

Market analysis

In May, domestic prices for isopropyl alcohol (IPA) experienced volatile downward movement. During the first ten days of the month, a reduction in the price of the raw material—acetone—provided weak market support, causing the overall price level for IPA to shift downward. In the middle of the month, operating rates at IPA production facilities declined slightly; market prices initially fell but subsequently rebounded, resulting in an overall price increase. During the final ten days of the month, the acetone market continued to weaken; coupled with sluggish downstream demand, the IPA market experienced a general decline. As of now, most market quotations for IPA in the Shandong region range from approximately 7,600 to 7,800 RMB/ton, while in the Jiangsu region, most quotations range from approximately 7,700 to 7,900 RMB/ton.

Regarding feedstock acetone, domestic market prices experienced a volatile decline throughout May. On May 1, the average price of acetone stood at 7,737.5 RMB/ton; by May 29, the average price had fallen to 7,112.5 RMB/ton—a price reduction of 8.08%. Currently, the overall trading atmosphere remains sluggish, and the acetone market is expected to remain relatively stable in terms of pricing in the short term.

Regarding feedstock propylene, domestic market prices experienced a volatile decline throughout May. On May 1st, the average market price stood at 9,494.33 RMB/ton; by May 29th, the average had fallen to 9,334.33 RMB/ton—a price reduction of 3.79%. Currently, trading activity within the propylene market remains robust, and prices are expected to trend upward in the short term.

Market Outlook:

According to an analyst at SunSirs specializing in isopropyl alcohol (IPA), market prices for IPA experienced a volatile decline throughout May. Currently, manufacturers have lowered their quoted prices; market trading sentiment remains subdued, and downstream demand is sluggish, with purchasing primarily driven by immediate necessity and transactions characterized by caution. In the short term, the IPA market is expected to remain weak but stable, with market participants closely monitoring trends in raw material markets.

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