Multiple chemical raw materials surged in August, with isobutyraldehyde and bromine leading the sharp rise.

Details on Major Rising Varieties

1. Isobutyraldehyde

The market price was 6,666.67 yuan/ton on July 31 and rose to 8,066.67 yuan/ton on August 17, an interval increase of 21%, making it the variety with the highest gain in this statistical cycle. Market circulation of supplies tightened, coupled with recovering demand in the downstream resin and neopentyl glycol industries. Holders maintained a strong sentiment to support prices, driving a continuous climb.

2. Bromine

The quoted price was 33,100 yuan/ton on July 31 and reached 39,520 yuan/ton on August 17, an interval increase of 19. Output in domestic main production areas was restricted, sector inventories were low, the replenishment rhythm of imported goods slowed, and rigid procurement from downstream flame retardants and medical intermediates supported the continuous rise in bromine prices.

3. Trifluoroacetic Acid

The price was 32,975 yuan/ton on July 31 and rose to 38,075 yuan/ton on August 17, an interval increase of 15%. As a fluorine-containing fine chemical, upstream raw material supply was relatively tight, and orders to medical and pesticide intermediates were stable, pushing product quotations upward.

4. Oleic Acid

The price was 8,250 yuan/ton on July 31 and rose to 9,500 yuan/ton on August 17, an interval increase of 15. The cost of upstream grease raw materials continued to rise, and pressure from the cost end was transmitted downwards, leading oleochemical companies to raise their quotations accordingly.

5. Butadiene

The price was 10,016.67 yuan/ton on July 31 and rose to 11,233.33 yuan/ton on August 17, an interval increase of 12. Fluctuations in the operation of upstream cracking units, combined with rigid procurement from downstream synthetic rubber, led to a steady increase in market spot prices.

6. Propylene Oxide

The price was 9,200 yuan/ton on July 31 and rose to 10,000 yuan/ton on August 17, an interval increase of 9. Maintenance of manufacturing chain equipment brought about a phased contraction in supply, while downstream demand to polyether polyols remained stable, supporting the rise in propylene oxide prices.

7. Morpholine

The price was 14,360 yuan/ton on July 31 and rose to 15,440 yuan/ton on August 17, an interval increase of 8. Demand in the medical and rubber auxiliary sectors was stable, market circulation was limited, and prices followed the general market direction upward.

8. Diethyl Sulfate

The price was 14,600 yuan/ton on July 31 and rose to 15,650 yuan/ton on August 17, an interval increase of 7%.

9. Acetone

The price was 6,000 yuan/ton on July 31 and rose to 6,412.5 yuan/ton on August 17, an interval increase of 7%.

10. Acetylacetone

The price was 18,500 yuan/ton on July 31 and rose to 19,750 yuan/ton on August 17, an interval increase of 7%.

Market Outlook

In this round of price increases, varieties with high gains were concentrated in fine intermediates, halides, oleochemicals, and olefin raw materials. In the short term, equipment maintenance to some varieties and low spot inventories provide support to the market. However, the acceptance of high-priced raw materials by downstream manufacturing industries is limited, with most maintaining rigid procurement and a weak willingness to extensive stockpiling.

sector insiders stated that the subsequent price direction of chemical raw materials will continue to focus on the progress of enterprise equipment resumption, fluctuations in upstream energy costs, and the sustainability of terminal demand. The continuous rise in raw material prices will gradually be transmitted to mid- and downstream industries such as coatings, pharmaceuticals, rubber and plastics, and new materials, possibly further growing cost pressures on manufacturing companies.