This week, the domestic acetone market saw a broad rise followed by a slight decline. According to the analysis system of Business Society, the national acetone market reported an average price of 6000 yuan/ton on January 13th and 6185 yuan/ton on January 16th, an increase of 3.08%. As of the 16th, the mainstream negotiated price for acetone in the East China region is between 6000-6100 yuan/ton.

The cost support is strong, and at the beginning of the week, the raw material pure benzene increased significantly due to the impact of crude oil. Phenol ketone enterprises are already on the loss line, and the significant increase in raw materials has led to increased losses, driving acetone from the cost side.

The supply side tightened, and port inventory fell to 23000 tons. In the early stage, prices fell and traders actively shipped, resulting in a significant decrease in port inventory. According to statistics, as of January 16th, the number of acetone shipments in transit in January was less than 50000 tons, reaching 3.2 tons. On the other hand, Shenghong Refining and Chemical temporarily stopped production due to a malfunction, resulting in a weekly operating rate of around 80%. This has boosted the mentality of traders, with a clear upward trend in pricing and a rapid surge in offers.

Petrochemical companies are actively raising their listing prices to help the market rise. On the 15th, Sinopec East China’s acetone listing price was increased by 6150 yuan/ton, and Sinopec North China’s listing price was increased by 6250 yuan/ton.

The acetone offers in major mainstream markets across the country on January 16th are as follows:

Region/ Quotation on January 16th/ Quotation on January 13th

East China region/ 6050./ 6000

Shandong region/ 6280./ 6000

Yanshan region/ 6250./ 6050

South China region/ 6150./ 6050

From the demand side, the production capacity of downstream isopropanol and MIBK units is normal, while the operating loads of bisphenol A and MMA are low, and the demand for acetone remains relatively stable.

After a rapid rise in the first half of the week, terminal enterprises have slowed down their high price purchases. On the afternoon of the 15th, the market as a whole fell, but the supply of goods in the market also relatively decreased. As the Spring Festival holiday approaches, most enterprises have finished stocking up, and a few enterprises are still watching. The operating rate of phenol ketone factories has temporarily stabilized. It is inevitable that a few traders will have more inventory and sell at a discount next week. It is expected that there will still be a slight downward space in the acetone market next week.