Market trends of methanol on August 19

Thread Content

Market conditions: South China market – Prices for methanol in the South China region are on the decline. In the early hours, futures prices fluctuated within a narrow range; the main pricing range was around 2050–2070 yuan per ton. Prices in Fujian remained relatively stable, at around 2200 yuan per ton in Quangang. There were few offers in Xiamen, with negotiation prices ranging from 2240–2250 yuan per ton. In the afternoon, trading activity slowed down, and prices dropped slightly; the lowest prices in South China were 2040–2050 yuan per ton, with some offers as low as 2030 yuan per ton. By the end of the day, the number of low-priced offers decreased, and the main pricing level was 2050 yuan per ton. East China market: The methanol market in East China remained weak but stable. In the Taicang area, the mainstream pricing in the morning was around 2,020–2,040 yuan per ton; for shipments in September, the price was 2,010–2,020 yuan per ton. In the Changzhou and Jiangyin areas, the prices dropped to 2,070–2,080 yuan per ton, while in Nantong the price was around 2,060 yuan per ton. In Ningbo, the prices ranged from 2,100 to 2,110 yuan per ton. In the afternoon, there was little variation in these prices. The spot price in Taicang was 2,010–2,020 yuan per ton, while for shipments in September it was 2,005–2,010 yuan per ton. Towards the end of the trading day, spot prices saw a slight increase; the mainstream price for large orders was 2,020 yuan per ton. In the Jiangyin and Changzhou areas, a small amount of transactions were made at around 2,070 yuan per ton, while in Nantong transactions took place at 2,060 yuan per ton. In Ningbo, transactions were conducted at 2,090–2,100 yuan per ton. Overall, the trading atmosphere was not favorable. Interior markets: Methanol prices remain stable in the northwest region. The ex-plant price in Inner Mongolia is 1660–1720 yuan per ton; in the southern areas it is 1720 yuan per ton, while in the northern areas it ranges from 1660 to 1680 yuan per ton. In northern Shaanxi, the ex-plant price is 1750 yuan per ton. In Guanzhong, Shaanxi, the cash price has risen to 1720 yuan per ton, while the price under acceptance terms is 1770 yuan per ton, though such acceptance options are limited ； There was a slight increase in some areas of Hebei District; manufacturers in that region quoted prices of 1,900–2,000 yuan per ton. Prices in Tangshan remained stable at around 2,000 yuan per ton, while those in Shijiazhuang and its surrounding areas rose to around 1,920–1,930 yuan per ton. In Wen’an, the prices of goods without invoices dropped slightly, ranging from 1,860 to 1,900 yuan per ton ； Quotations in Shanxi remain stable: leading manufacturers offer prices of 1740–1900 yuan per ton. In Linfen, shipments are made at around 1740–1770 yuan per ton, while the market price in Jincheng is around 1750 yuan per ton. There is a shortage of supply in Changzhi, so actual shipment prices range from 1800–1820 yuan per ton. In Henan, prices have risen slightly; leading manufacturers quote 1850–1900 yuan per ton, while actual export prices are around 1800–1850 yuan per ton, with high-end products dominating the market. The price in Luoyang is also around 1850–1900 yuan per ton, but high prices hinder sales ； Methanol prices in Shandong region have seen a slight decline; manufacturers in southern Shandong have reduced their prices by 10 yuan per ton, bringing them to around 1970–1980 yuan per ton. In central and northern Shandong, the selling price is 2020–2030 yuan per ton. In Linyi, prices of goods with invoices have also dropped slightly, to 1980 yuan per ton. Production and sales analysis: There are slight changes in the methanol production sector; the Yankuang Yulin plant has been restarted and is currently increasing its production capacity. The Inner Mongolia Guotai plant has started operations with trial production, and products will be available in the near future. Sales: The MTBE market is seeing modest gains; manufacturers operate at low capacity levels, which keeps prices stable. There is a shortage of supply in South China, leading to rising quotes. With the possibility of price cuts for refined products, downstream demand for replenishment is decreasing. Additionally, the restart of some production facilities in the future is expected to increase supply. Given all these factors, the market is likely to remain stable in the short term. The dimethyl ether market is operating in a state of stability. Methanol prices on the upstream side have shown an upward trend, and supported by higher costs, some companies have raised their quotes slightly. However, high prices on the downstream side have acted as a deterrent, keeping transaction levels stable for now; thus, dimethyl ether prices will remain stable in the short term. The formaldehyde market remains weak and stable, with ample supply available in the market. Manufacturers operate at low capacity levels; due to stockpiling at low prices, they offer discounts on their products. However, as there is no improvement in demand from their end-users, the market is expected to remain stagnant in the short term. The acetic acid market is operating in a weak and stable manner, with a slight downward trend in some areas. Due to a poor trading atmosphere, inventory levels have risen slightly, and sales are mainly at low prices; it is expected that there will be a continued downward trend in the short term. Methanol futures: The main contract for methanol futures on the Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange declined today, closing on a negative note. Today, the MA1601 contract opened at 2,047 yuan per ton. Its highest price was 2,062 yuan per ton, while the lowest price was 2,035 yuan per ton. It closed at 2,058 yuan per ton, down 19 points from the previous trading day, representing a decline of 0.91%. The volume of trades for this contract today was 2,347,812 lots. As of the close, the open interest for the MA1601 contract was 498,700 lots, a decrease of 16,700 lots compared to the previous trading day. Analysis of future market trends: Today, the main contract for methanol futures on the Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange declined, closing at 2,058 yuan per ton. In terms of the spot market, prices in inland areas are showing a slowdown in growth, with some offers becoming more flexible; prices in port areas remain relatively stable. Traders are cautious, and it is expected that the market will remain volatile in the short term, with downward pressure in certain areas. Source: PEC Information Network: http://www.pecinfo.net/newscenter/detail-700000-2015081900520.shtml