1. Key Market Focus for the Week
2. Weekly Market Analysis
During this week (October 30 to November 5, 2026), industrial-grade cracked C5 prices in North China rose by RMB 100–200 to approximately RMB 7,500–7,600/ton, with private enterprise prices also continuing to increase. On Thursday, November 5, North China cracked C5 prices rose by RMB 100 to RMB 7,600/ton; East China prices rose by RMB 200 to RMB 7,600/ton; Northeast China prices ranged from RMB 7,250–7,650/ton; South China prices were quoted at RMB 7,450–7,600/ton, while some private enterprises raised their prices to RMB 7,350–8,003/ton.
3. Market Influencing Factors Analysis
This period saw the domestic dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) market continue its upward trend, although the rate of increase was significantly lower than in previous periods. The primary support for the market remained tight supply. Early in the week, auction prices in Northeast China rose, shifting the market center upward. Although crude oil prices dropped sharply mid-week due to the impact of midterm elections, causing commodity markets to follow suit, the fundamental supply situation for DCPD remained unchanged. Tight supply continued to provide price support. Downstream users resisted high prices, but essential demand still resulted in limited transactions. Additionally, with export orders being executed, spot availability remained scarce. As of November 5, ex-factory self-pickup prices for DCPD were RMB 10,100–10,600/ton, primarily supplied to long-term customers at the lower end, while individual auction prices stabilized at RMB 10,600/ton.
Domestic isoprene markets remained stable within a range during this period, with slight increases in certain areas. Ex-factory quotes ranged from RMB 9,200–10,900/ton. Feedstock supply remained low, as C5 separation enterprises operated at sustained low loads, compounded by temporary shutdowns at some facilities. This contraction in supply supported market conditions. Downstream adhesive resin prices rose slightly, and curing agent quotes remained steady, but overall order activity was lackluster. Raw material procurement was driven mainly by restocking based on essential needs, with insufficient willingness to chase rising prices. Overall, while low supply provided a floor for prices, weak downstream demand combined with consecutive declines in crude oil prices this week meant there was little momentum for further price increases. Prices remained stable within a range, with minor gains for low-end resources in specific areas.
Domestic polyisoprene prices continued to rise this period, with low-end prices increasing by RMB 800/ton and high-end prices by RMB 300/ton. Mainstream bid offers in the East China market were RMB 14,900–15,500/ton. Tight supply and rising prices of feedstock cracked C5 provided solid cost support. C5 separation plants operated at low loads, coupled with localized short-term shutdowns, maintaining a tight supply situation. Downstream SIS prices rose during the week, and non-contract raw material procurement was active. Other downstream sectors maintained stable receiving capacity. Expectations of tight supply boosted willingness to chase higher prices. Overall, despite three consecutive days of decline in crude oil prices during the week, the fundamental supply-demand imbalance of the product itself dominated the market, supporting price increases.
The market for cracked C5 residual liquid was characterized by catch-up pricing this period, with average prices closing higher. As of November 5, the national weekly average price index for cracked C5 residual liquid was RMB 7,111/ton, an increase of RMB 272/ton from the previous week’s average, representing a 3.98% rise. Specifically, the domestic price range for cracked C5 residual liquid was RMB 6,876–7,163/ton. Average prices in Shandong rose, with a range of RMB 7,640–7,800/ton. In contrast, prices in East China declined, ranging from RMB 7,450–7,710/ton. During the week, tensions between the US and Iran showed signs of easing, leading to volatile downward movements in international crude oil prices. Frequent price cuts in Shandong’s refined oil market stimulated shipments, but limited terminal consumption made large-volume transactions difficult. Simultaneously, mixed C5 prices fluctuated downwards, resulting in poor sales. Although prices for crude oil, gasoline, and the homogeneous product mixed C5 fell, the high price of feedstock cracked C5 supported costs, limiting the extent of price reductions by refineries producing cracked C5 residual liquid. Amid bearish sentiment at the terminal level, traders and downstream factories had weak purchasing intentions, resulting in a quiet trading atmosphere during the week.
4. Next Week Market Forecast
Cracked C5 prices are expected to fall next week. Key focus points include:
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