According to the commodity market analysis system of Business Society, the mixed xylene market experienced a volatile upward trend in January 2026. From January 1st to 30th, the domestic xylene market price rose from 5,510 RMB/ton to 5,710 RMB/ton, with a cumulative increase of 3.63% during the period. This month, the domestic mixed xylene market exhibited a phased fluctuating upward trend. At the beginning of the month, driven by the stabilization and recovery of the crude oil market and the strong performance of PX futures, market sentiment was optimistic. Refineries in the core production area of Shandong experienced smooth sales, while markets in East China and South China followed the upward trend. Quotations from major refineries steadily increased, and market trading activity was lively. In the middle of the month, although PX futures experienced a short-term correction, leading to slight market caution and price volatility, support from crude oil costs remained, and refineries showed strong price support intentions, preventing significant price declines. Towards the end of the month, with the recovery of the petrochemical industry's prosperity and driven by rising international market prices, domestic market trading activity heated up again. Manufacturers continued to raise their quotations, and market prices across regions increased simultaneously, pushing the monthly price to a new high for the period. Downstream blending oil and chemical industries showed improved purchasing sentiment compared to the previous month. Although procurement remained primarily based on demand, inventory replenishment enthusiasm increased, with phased stockpiling behavior providing practical support for the upward trend in market prices.

Cost Aspect: This month's market trend exhibited distinct phased characteristics, rising sharply before encountering resistance and correcting, but overall remaining at high levels. At the beginning of the month, supported by tight supply, rising external markets, and expectations of pre-holiday stockpiling by downstream industries, the market began a strong rally. Companies showed strong price support intentions, with quotations successively raised, leading to a rapid price surge. In the middle of the month, driven by the strong performance of downstream synthetic rubber futures and active spot trading, prices continued to reach new highs. Spot resources were tight, and low-priced supplies were difficult to find. Towards the end of the month, as prices rose significantly, downstream raw material cost pressures increased sharply, and profits continued to be under pressure. Purchasing enthusiasm in the market noticeably declined, and high-priced transactions faced resistance, leading to a phased market correction. However, supported by the lack of significant supply easing, the correction was limited, and prices remained high overall, with substantial increases during the month. As of the 28th, the settlement price for the March contract of U.S. WTI crude oil futures was reported at 63.21 USD/barrel. The settlement price for the April contract of Brent crude oil futures was reported at 67.37 USD/barrel. Business Society's Brent-WTI crude oil price comparison chart:

Supply Aspect: In January, the overall operation of domestic mixed xylene production facilities was stable. Key facilities such as Yangzi Petrochemical and Zhenhai Petrochemical operated normally, with smooth production and sales coordination. Overall industry supply was ample. Quotations from Sinopec's regional refineries generally increased compared to the previous month. Refineries in the core production area of Shandong experienced good sales, providing stable support for regional market price increases. This month, there were no significant maintenance or production reduction issues in the domestic mixed xylene market supply. Production rhythms remained steady, and although quotations continued to rise, manufacturers faced little sales pressure, maintaining firm price support intentions and supporting steady market price increases. Sinopec's xylene quotation summary: Currently, companies are operating normally, with stable production and smooth sales. Quotations remain unchanged compared to the previous day. As of January 30th, East China Company's quotation is 5,800 RMB/ton, North China Company's quotation is 5,400-5,600 RMB/ton, South China Company's quotation is 5,900 RMB/ton, and Central China Company's quotation is 5,400-5,700 RMB/ton.

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