SunSirs: The Domestic Market for Polyacrylamide Remained Largely Stable in May

Price trend

According to SunSirs' commodity market analysis system, domestic market trends for polyacrylamide (CPAM—cationic, molecular weight 12 million, 10–30% ionicity) remained stable throughout May. On the 31st, the prevailing market price was reported at approximately 14,200 RMB/ton, holding steady compared to the price at the beginning of the month.

Market analysis

Polyacrylamide production relies primarily on upstream raw materials such as acrylonitrile. In May, the acrylonitrile market trended downward; as of May 31, the average price stood at 10,283.33 RMB/ton—a decline of 2.37% compared to the 10,533.33 RMB/ton recorded on May 1. During the month, prices for the raw materials propylene and synthetic ammonia retreated, leading to a modest decline in acrylonitrile prices and an improvement in the profitability of acrylonitrile production; however, against the backdrop of regional instability in the Middle East, cost pressures persist.

On the downstream side, polyacrylamide is primarily utilized in sectors such as municipal sewage treatment, industrial wastewater treatment, sludge dewatering, papermaking, and oilfields. In May, these sectors generally remained within their standard production cycles. The sewage treatment industry, being relatively unaffected by seasonal factors, continued to exhibit steady and rigid demand; consequently, there was neither a drastic decline in demand typical of an off-season nor a surge in concentrated purchasing characteristic of a peak season.

Market Outlook

On the cost side, the supply-demand landscape for acrylonitrile is expected to remain balanced; consequently, the cost-side support for polyacrylamide prices is projected to remain stable. Regarding demand, the southern region enters its rainy season in June, which may lead to a slight increase in wastewater treatment volumes. However, overall demand is expected to remain driven primarily by immediate necessities, making it unlikely that a large-scale purchasing surge will materialize; thus, the upward pull on prices is expected to be limited. On the supply side—barring any sudden environmental production restrictions or scheduled maintenance—operating rates among major manufacturers are expected to remain stable. With market supply remaining ample, there is insufficient momentum to drive any significant price increases. Consequently, the polyacrylamide market is highly likely to continue its steady trajectory throughout June.

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