Ethylene oxide supply tightens on maintenance as EPEG holds at 10,100-10,400 RMB/ton in East China

1. Daily Summary

① Raw Materials: Ethylene oxide (EO) prices in East China reached 9,700 RMB/ton, while domestic ethylene prices rose to 9,500 RMB/ton.
② Demand: Downstream buyers remained cautious, maintaining a "buy-as-needed" procurement strategy.

2. Spot Market Overview

Table 1: Price Summary of Domestic Polycarboxylate Superplasticizer Monomers (Unit: RMB/ton)

Data Source: Chempricehub

Today, market prices for domestic polycarboxylate superplasticizer monomers remained stable. In the raw materials sector, maintenance units for ethylene oxide have not yet resumed operations, resulting in limited supply pressure. Downstream industries are steadily consuming contracted volumes, keeping prices firm at high levels. Commercial circulation supply of ethylene in East China remains tight, supporting sustained price increases by producers. Market buying activity is primarily driven by essential demand with minor replenishment purchases. The cost and supply sides provide support for the ethylene oxide market, leading to transaction volumes based on rigid demand for monomers. However, bearish sentiment persists among downstream buyers, and procurement enthusiasm remains moderate. Consequently, the price for EPEG in the main East China market is projected to range between 10,100 and 10,400 RMB/ton on the next working day.

3. Production Dynamics

Today, the capacity utilization rate of the polycarboxylate superplasticizer monomer industry stood at 30.01%, representing a month-on-month decline. The gross margin for HPEG monomers was -334 RMB/ton.

4. Price Forecast

On the next working day, domestic polycarboxylate superplasticizer monomer prices are likely to remain steady as market participants adopt a wait-and-see approach. The primary raw material, ethylene oxide, is expected to maintain stability; supply pressure within the market is controllable, and downstream sectors will continue to consume based on rigid demand, resulting in steady trading. Limited commercial supply of ethylene combined with optimistic expectations for derivatives may lead to further upward movement in ethylene prices, potentially providing some cost-side impetus. Monomer holders are primarily focused on steady sales, while downstream buyers' reluctance to purchase at high prices persists. Procurement remains cautious, with transactions mainly involving small-volume spot orders for essential needs, negotiated based on quantity. Overall, the price for EPEG in the main East China market is forecasted to be between 10,100 and 10,400 RMB/ton.

5. Related Products Status

① Ethylene Oxide (Raw Material): Prices are expected to remain stable. On the supply side, operating rates for plants within the market are stable, compounded by maintenance shutdowns in East China, keeping overall supply relatively tight. On the demand side, major downstream users are maintaining procurement based on rigid demand, reflecting cautious market sentiment. On the cost side, rising domestic ethylene prices and limited market supply have fostered a positive buying atmosphere. In summary, support from both the supply and cost sides will keep ethylene oxide prices stable. Continued attention should be paid to changes in upstream and downstream dynamics.

6. Data Calendar

Table 2: Key Data Indicators for Domestic Polycarboxylate Superplasticizer Monomers (Unit: 10,000 tons)

Data Source: Chempricehub
Notes:
1. ↓↑ indicates significant fluctuation, highlighting data dimensions with change rates exceeding 3%.
2. ↗↘ indicates narrow-range fluctuation, highlighting data dimensions with change rates within 0-3%.