Cost Support Continues to Drive Monomer Prices Higher (2026-09-08)

1. Today's Highlights

• Raw materials: East China ethylene oxide prices rose to 8,600 CNY/ton, and domestic ethylene prices rose to 8,825 CNY/ton.
• Demand side: Downstream players entered the market for moderate just-in-time replenishment, while wait-and-see sentiment remained unchanged.

2. Spot Market Overview

Table 1 Domestic polycarboxylate superplasticizer monomer price summary (CNY/ton)

Data source: Chempricehub Info

Today, domestic polycarboxylate superplasticizer monomer prices continued to move up. The related product ethylene glycol traded at high levels with volatile movements, while spot supply in the ethylene oxide market has yet to ease. At present, spot ethylene circulation in East China is relatively tight, so producers kept firm offers and prices moved up, although high-priced transactions in the region were moderate. Fundamentals supported the ethylene oxide market, and prices were raised on the back of cost-side support. In the monomer market, spot supply remained hard to obtain, and transactions were mainly small-lot orders driven by rigid demand, while downstream players stayed cautious. In summary, the EPEG price in the main East China market is expected to reach 10,200-10,400 CNY/ton on the next working day.

3. Production Update

Today, the capacity utilization rate of the domestic polycarboxylate superplasticizer monomer industry was 23.72%, down from the previous period; the gross profit for HPEG monomer was 638 CNY/ton.

4. Price Forecast

On the next working day, domestic polycarboxylate superplasticizer monomer prices are expected to run firm. The main raw material, ethylene oxide, is expected to remain at high levels, and spot supply in the market continues to be tight. Tight supply in the ethylene glycol market supports prices at a high level. Downstream maintains rigid-demand procurement. Buying interest in ethylene derivatives has increased, but the amount of circulating spot ethylene remains insufficient, giving ethylene prices continued upward momentum. As for monomers, producers mostly have delivery schedules, and holders are actively bullish. Downstream users are cautious about chasing higher prices and buy in small lots, with transactions negotiated according to volume. Short-term prices are likely to run firm. In summary, the EPEG price in the main East China market is expected to reach 10,200-10,400 CNY/ton on the next working day.

5. Related Product Updates

① Ethylene oxide (raw material): The ethylene oxide market is expected to run at high levels. On the supply side, ethylene glycol prices are likely to remain high, co-production units continue to produce mainly ethylene glycol, and spot ethylene oxide supply is expected to remain tight. On the demand side, downstream operating rates fluctuate within a narrow range, with volumes absorbed steadily in line with contracted quantities. On the cost side, buying interest in ethylene derivatives has increased, but the amount of circulating spot ethylene remains insufficient, giving ethylene prices continued upward momentum. Overall, the short-term supply-demand pattern is supportive, and cost-side support is obvious; ethylene oxide prices are therefore expected to remain high. Going forward, market participants are advised to keep tracking supply-demand dynamics and adjustments in both upstream and downstream markets.

6. Data Calendar

Table 2 Domestic polycarboxylate superplasticizer monomer data overview (unit: 10,000 tons)

Data source: Chempricehub Info
Notes: 1. ↓/↑ indicate significant fluctuation, highlighting data dimensions with a rise/drop of more than 3%. 2. ↗/↘ indicate narrow fluctuation, highlighting data with a rise/drop within 0-3%.