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Weekly Review of the Methanol Market (2007.11.16–2007.11.22): Last week, this magazine predicted that companies would be inclined to export more, and that the strong trends in the international methanol market would continue to support the domestic market. As a result, methanol prices are expected to remain volatile at high levels in the coming period. Methanol prices hit new highs again this week. Supported by supply factors, the methanol market in East China continued to see price increases. The mainstream ex-warehouse prices over the weekend range from 4,200 to 4,400 yuan per ton (with higher-end prices for imported products). Within the week, the price of methanol delivered from the mainland to the East China region rose to 4,050–4,200 yuan per ton. This increase in the cost for traders who purchase this material comes at a time when international prices remain high, giving the export market potential. Those holding inventory remain confident about future trends. However, the continuous sharp rise in methanol prices has increased the cost pressures on downstream enterprises, thereby suppressing demand and limiting transaction volumes. During the week, the onshore supply price of methanol in the Jiangsu market was between 4200 and 4300 yuan per ton ； The trading atmosphere for methanol in the Ningbo area is sluggish, with the prevailing ex-warehouse price at the port ranging from 4,300 to 4,400 yuan per ton. Market analysis: Tight natural gas supplies have constrained the operating rate of methanol plants, resulting in a persistent shortage of international methanol supply in the short term. Rising prices in the international market have provided strong support for market confidence. At present, domestic production is operating normally; exports are limited by quality issues, resulting in a small volume of output. Coupled with high prices, some factories have reduced their production due to cost pressures, which ensures a stable supply in the market. Overall, the market is expected to remain strong in the near term, but the room for price increases is gradually narrowing. (Excerpt from Chemical Engineering Online Weekly, Issue 43, 2007 (Total Issue 164))