Petrochemical enterprises cut acetone prices by a cumulative CNY 200/ton this week; East China opening prices were executed at CNY 8,800/ton.
Domestic phenol-acetone plant utilization rates rose to 77.82% this week.
Limited arrivals of seaborne cargo replenished stocks, causing port inventories to drop to 16,000 tons.
| Product | Region/Category | Nov 5 | Oct 29 | Change (CNY/t) | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acetone | Jiangsu | 8,450 | 8,850 | -400 | -4.52% |
| North China | 8,950 | 9,200 | -250 | -2.72% | |
| South China | 9,300 | 9,725 | -425 | -4.37% | |
| Shandong | 8,850 | 9,100 | -250 | -2.75% |
Data Source: Chempricehub Information
The East China spot acetone market saw a significant pullback following an initial rise. As of November 5, the reference transaction price for acetone in the Jiangsu region was CNY 8,400–8,500/ton. Early in the week, low domestic phenol-acetone plant utilization combined with low port inventories supported strong holding sentiment among traders, leading to higher spot offers. However, resistance to high prices from downstream sectors increased, limiting chasing activity and weakening upward momentum. Subsequently, international crude oil prices plunged, causing costs on the pure benzene side to weaken significantly. This cost collapse heightened market wait-and-see attitudes. Actual transactions were limited to sporadic restocking based on rigid demand, lacking sustained volume drivers. The market sought balance amid alternating fluctuations.
Domestic phenol-acetone plant utilization remained around 77.82% this week.
According to incomplete ship schedule statistics from Chempricehub Information, as of November 5, the total volume of acetone shipments to East China in November was 7,000 tons, with 3,200 tons already arrived and 3,800 tons in transit. Attention should be paid to subsequent shipping dynamics.
Next week, domestic phenol-acetone plant utilization is expected to rise slightly. Inventory at Jiangyin Port is projected to remain at approximately 15,000 tons. Overall operating rates in the downstream Bisphenol A (BPA) industry are expected to decline slightly, while other downstream sectors will see little change in operations. Based on supply and demand data predictions, bullish and bearish factors will offset each other, leaving the market without a clear directional driver. The domestic acetone market is expected to trade weakly next week, with prices fluctuating based on supply-demand dynamics. Transactions will primarily consist of restocking driven by rigid demand. Continuous tracking of phenol-acetone plant operations and changes in downstream utilization rates is required.
For more detailed weekly market analysis, please refer to the Chempricehub Acetone Weekly Report.
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