I. Price Trend
According to the commodity market analysis system of Business Society, bromine prices remained firm this week. The average market price at the beginning of the week was 41,400 yuan/ton, and by the weekend, it had risen to 41,600 yuan/ton, representing an increase of 0.48% and a year-on-year surge of 90.83%. On February 5, the Business Society Bromine Index stood at 145.61, up 0.35 points from the previous day. Compared to the cycle's peak of 245.18 points (October 27, 2021), it declined by 40.61%, while it rose by 147.13% from the cycle's low of 58.92 points (October 29, 2014). (Note: The cycle refers to the period from September 1, 2011, to the present.)

II. Market Analysis
This week, bromine prices in the Shandong region remained firm. The market atmosphere in Shandong was characterized by cautious observation, with a tug-of-war between tight supply and demand, resulting in relatively weak actual transactions. Ex-factory quotations ranged from 39,000 to 44,000 yuan/ton, with the mainstream price hovering around 41,500 yuan/ton. Current quotations have stabilized.

Supply Side: Bromine prices are significantly influenced by seasonal temperatures. Since entering winter, the overall operating rate in the industry has remained insufficient, with supply continuing at low levels. Additionally, bromine production has been constrained by industry policies. Recently, low operating rates in the domestic bromine industry, coupled with news of overseas bromine plant shutdowns, have led many manufacturers to adopt a cautious sales approach.

Demand Side: However, downstream industry demand remains moderate, with procurement primarily driven by immediate needs. Downstream enterprises show limited enthusiasm for purchasing.

Raw Material Side: Domestic sulfur prices exhibited a generally weak trend this week. The average market price at the beginning of the week was 4,143.33 yuan/ton, dropping to 3,983.33 yuan/ton by the weekend, a decline of 3.86%. Compared to the same period last year, prices rose by 140.3%. Downstream demand remains moderate.

Forecast: Bromine prices are expected to remain firm in the near term. While upstream sulfur prices are trending weaker, bromine supply remains tight. However, downstream buyers are largely procuring on an as-needed basis and show resistance to price increases. Considering the interplay of supply and demand, bromine prices are anticipated to fluctuate in the near future, with specific trends dependent on downstream market demand.