An update from the air separation industry, dated 20161205: In November, the supply and demand situation for industrial gases was mixed, with prices showing both increases and decreases

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In November, the supply and demand situation for industrial gases was mixed, with prices showing both increases and decreases — excerpt from ZuoChuang Information. In November 2016, demand weakened, manufacturers faced difficulties in selling their products, and the liquid oxygen market entered its usual off-season, leading to a decline in prices. According to Zhuochuang Data, the national average price per ton in November was 566.53 yuan, a decrease of 2.64% on a month-on-month basis, but an increase of 30.1% on a year-on-year basis. In November, there were adjustments due to fluctuations in liquid nitrogen prices, creating a mixed atmosphere. In the first half of the month, supported by demand for delivery and maintenance work, liquid nitrogen prices moved upward in an oscillating manner, with a fairly favorable market atmosphere. In the latter part of the month, a significant drop in temperatures accompanied by rain and snow led to a gradual decline in market sentiment, with localized price drops occurring. According to data from Zhuochuang, the average price of liquid nitrogen across the country in November was 525.63 yuan per ton, representing a 0.17% increase on a month-on-month basis. Compared with November 2015, it saw a 12.47% rise. Among the 29 provinces and cities monitored, prices declined in 8 of them while rising in 7. In November 2016, the liquid argon market experienced a sharp rise against the trend, with both the magnitude and extent of these increases continuing to grow. According to Zhuochuang Information’s monitoring of liquid argon prices in 29 provinces (municipalities directly under the Central Government), the average national price of liquid argon in November was 931 yuan per ton, up 6.28% on a month-on-month basis and 45.7% on a year-on-year basis. By the end of the month, the national average price was 1,015 yuan per ton, up 15.47% from the beginning of the month. In November, weak downstream demand in the domestic carbon dioxide market persisted, and the supply of market resources was relatively abundant. Under the pressure to sell their goods, traders in various markets, including Hebei, negotiated lower prices. According to Zhuochuang’s statistical data, as of November 30, the average price of carbon dioxide in the domestic market was 336.89 yuan per ton, a decrease of 8.67 yuan per ton compared to the end of the previous month.