According to the Business Society Spot News, in the first half of April, the propylene glycol market showed a trend of “rising and then falling at a high level”. At the beginning of the month, the price rose sharply, but under the dual pressure of cost collapse and weakened supply and demand, it slightly decreased in the second half. As of April 16th, the average production price of propylene glycol in Shandong was 11433 yuan/ton, with a cumulative increase of 10.65% in half a month.
fundamental analysis
Supply and demand situation
Supply side: Some domestic propylene glycol units have completed maintenance, and the operating rate has rebounded. However, the overall supply is still tight, and manufacturers have a strong willingness to raise prices. The spot market supply is tight.
Demand side: Downstream unsaturated resin demand remains stable, but at high prices, downstream customers tend to be cautious in receiving goods, mainly purchasing small orders for essential needs, resulting in limited overall demand growth. The spot market for polyether polyols continues to operate weakly, with sufficient supply and some manufacturers promoting orders at lower prices, resulting in a lack of overall follow-up willingness. The demand for lithium battery electrolyte solvents still has some support, and long-term orders are relatively stable, but high prices have a certain inhibitory effect on spot purchases.
Weakened cost support
In early April, market concerns about Middle Eastern geopolitics and rising oil prices pushed up epoxy propane, which in turn led to speculative increases in propylene glycol; In mid April, the geopolitical risk margin eased, epoxy propane supply resumed, and market sentiment turned cautious. Epoxy propane was the first to rebound, while propylene glycol lagged behind due to tight supply and demand balance. The price of propylene glycol completely follows the cost transmission of epichlorohydrin.
Market forecast:
In the short term, it is expected that the propylene glycol market will continue to maintain a high and narrow range oscillation pattern, with a low probability of significant price increases or decreases. Attention should be paid to the fluctuation of epoxy propane prices, changes in the supply side, and changes in downstream demand. If high prices continue to suppress downstream purchasing enthusiasm, prices may face slight downward pressure.
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