Organized and shared: Predictions for the market trends in the upstream and downstream sectors of methanol in mid-to-late October 2009

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The last edit to this post was made by jsdggfghhg on 2009-10-19 at 14:08. Regarding the downstream market for methanol: In terms of formaldehyde, prices in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai remain relatively stable. The typical delivery price offered by local companies is around 1150–1200 yuan per ton, with the ex-factory price being around 1100–1150 yuan per ton. Higher prices are seen in the Shanghai area. Entering late September, formaldehyde manufacturers reported that the resumption of production in downstream wood panel factories was slower than expected, and current shipment levels were merely average. As for dimethyl ether, its price is between 2,900 and 3,550 yuan per ton, up by 50 yuan per ton compared to September 24. Before the National Day holiday, prices remained stable at low levels due to a sharp drop in liquefied gas prices; sales improved during the holiday, leading to an increase in prices. After the holiday, prices dropped slightly, following the trend of liquefied gas prices. From September 25 to October 15, domestic production was nearly 135,000 units, with operation rates varying between 20.5% and 45.9% in different regions, showing an increase compared to September 24. In the domestic glacial acetic acid market, prices have remained in a downward trend. Buyers hold a pessimistic outlook regarding future conditions, and coupled with already weak demand, trading of acetic acid is sluggish across various regions, with a cautious attitude prevailing in the market. In the upstream segment of coal-to-methanol production: regarding the cost of coal, demand for anthracite remains weak. Although some areas are currently in the season for autumn sowing and fertilization, due to an excessive capacity for nitrogen fertilizer production, the output of such fertilizers as urea has increased rapidly this year; as a result, the price of urea has now fallen below the production costs for most companies. Thus, the demand for anthracite is affected to some extent. Regarding methanol inventory: In terms of inventory levels, domestic imports of methanol continued to decline in August. By the end of August, China’s total social inventory of methanol had dropped by about 3% compared to the same period in July. Spot methanol prices are expected to remain relatively stable under the influence of various factors.