Industry News

This Week's Key Takeaways

This week, citric acid prices remained stable. Downstream users primarily purchased to meet immediate needs, with no significant changes in market demand. The trading market saw flexible pricing and a strong wait-and-see attitude. Recently, corn prices have fluctuated within a range, while sulfuric acid prices have remained high. Citric acid producers still face theoretical production pressure, but no positive factors have emerged on the demand side. Therefore, citric acid prices will remain under pressure in the short term. Going forward, key factors to watch include domestic and international trade contracts and changes in raw material costs.

Glacial Acetic Acid
Glacial acetic acid prices may see localized increases in the short term.

Ethyl Acetate
Ethyl acetate market prices are likely to undergo a weak adjustment within a specific range this week.

Butyl Acetate
Butyl acetate prices may still face downward pressure this week.

Soda Ash
The soda ash market is stable with firm prices; there are isolated, tentative attempts to raise prices slightly.

Caustic Soda Flakes
Based on current inventory levels across most manufacturers and actual market trading conditions, it is relatively likely that manufacturers' prices for new orders will remain stable this week.

The glacial acetic acid industry chain saw predominantly upward trends this week; on the cost side, a sharp rise in methanol prices provided support for glacial acetic acid. Glacial acetic acid prices increased, with South China seeing the most significant rise—up 90 yuan/tonne (a 3.07% increase). Among downstream products, prices for ethyl acetate and butyl acetate rose; butyl acetate saw a particularly notable increase, climbing 200 yuan/tonne (3.13%) in North China.

Prices of glacial acetic acid and its downstream products fluctuated this period, with ethyl acetate experiencing the largest decline, falling by 93 yuan/ton, a decrease of 1.63%. Supply data for glacial acetic acid showed a significant decrease. Looking ahead to next week, the market is currently in a stalemate, with both supply and demand at low levels, leading to uncertainty in market sentiment.

This week, citric acid prices remained stable. Domestic downstream demand was moderate, and sales in the trading market were slow, with some traders primarily focused on clearing previous inventory. A wait-and-see attitude prevailed in the market. Raw material prices remained high throughout the week, resulting in generally modest profit margins for enterprises. However, the market lacked other positive factors, and the weakening demand compared to the previous period negatively impacted future citric acid price trends. Going forward, attention should be paid to domestic and international trade order signings and changes in raw material costs.

① Market trading sentiment is mixed, with the northern region performing better than East and South China.

② Recent market concerns about a potential re-blockade of the Strait of Hormuz have led to rising international oil prices; attention should be paid to the strength of the cost rebound.

③ Attention should be paid to the implementation of planned maintenance shutdowns at Yankuang and Anhui Huayi next week.

① Cross-strait shipping is gradually resuming, leading to a significant drop in costs.

② Companies sourcing raw materials from external suppliers are experiencing further losses this month.

③ Two plants scheduled for maintenance in July have been finalized; attention should be paid to the release of maintenance plans for other plants.

Glacial Acetic Acid: Prices of glacial acetic acid are likely to remain stable in the short term.

Ethyl Acetate: Today, the market price of ethyl acetate continued its narrow range adjustment.

Butyl Acetate: Today, the market price of butyl acetate may still decline.

Soda Ash: Downstream demand is moderate, mainly on an as-needed basis, with restocking expected at the end of the month.

Caustic Soda Flakes: Domestic manufacturers in major producing areas are gradually releasing new order prices. Given the current market trading situation, a slight decline in new order prices is highly likely.

Glacial acetic acid: Prices may continue to rise in some areas in the short term.

Ethyl acetate: Market prices are expected to remain stable with slight adjustments.

Butyl acetate: Market prices are expected to remain stable with slight adjustments.

Soda ash: Downstream demand is moderate, with purchases mainly on an as-needed basis and at low prices for restocking.

Caustic soda flakes: Market trading activity may weaken as the weekend approaches; some manufacturers may slightly increase prices for new orders in the coming week.

Citrate Acid Market: Raw material prices are consolidating at high levels. Citric acid companies are digesting orders, and the pressure to ship goods is relatively low. Citric acid prices are expected to remain stable for the time being. The market will need to pay attention to domestic downstream purchasing and changes in raw material costs in the future.