Methanol Market Maintains Regional Divergence: Port Prices Remain Strong While Inland Markets Correct (Sept 15, 2026)

1. Today's Focus

① Yulin YanKuang's methanol auction started at 3,300 CNY/ton for a volume of 8,000 tons today; the entire lot failed to sell (auction voided).
② Shanxi Yongxin Energy Group held no methanol auctions today. The Shengxin 10+100k ton units have been shut down.

2. Market Trends and Outlook

Table 1: Summary of Domestic Methanol and Related Product Prices (Unit: CNY/ton)

Source: Chempricehub Information

[Today's Commentary] Today's methanol spot price index stood at 3524.88, down by 11.61. Specifically, Taicang spot prices were at 3790 (+17), while Inner Mongolia North Line prices were at 3420 (-5). According to Chempricehub's monitoring of prices in 20 major cities, 6 cities experienced declines ranging from 5 to 145 CNY/ton. The domestic methanol market continued to show regional divergence, with inland markets clearly weaker than coastal areas. Currently, the primary logic for ports remains driven by low imports and continued destocking, keeping fundamentals relatively strong. Inland markets are undergoing rational corrections; expectations of returning supply and slightly shrinking downstream demand have kept traders cautious, with some short-selling operations gradually materializing. In the short term, the market is expected to maintain its regionalized performance, with attention focused on the intensity of domestic cargo flowing into coastal areas.

3. Basis

In the afternoon, methanol futures on the Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange fluctuated. The MA2610 contract opened at 3457 CNY/ton, reaching a high of 3481 CNY/ton and a low of 3361 CNY/ton, closing at 3429 CNY/ton, down 15 CNY/ton from the previous day's settlement price. As of the close, the open interest for the MA2609 contract was 340,500 lots, a decrease of 83,800 lots from the previous trading day.

4. Production Dynamics

Table 2: Summary of Methanol and Downstream Production Dynamics

Source: Chempricehub Information

5. Price Forecast

6. Today, the domestic methanol market continued to exhibit regional divergence, with inland markets clearly weaker than coastal regions. The current logic for ports remains centered on low import volumes and ongoing destocking, which supports relatively strong fundamentals. Inland markets are experiencing rational corrections; anticipated supply recovery and slight reductions in downstream demand have kept traders cautious, with some short-selling activities becoming evident. In the short term, the market is expected to maintain its regionalized trends, with focus on the flow of domestic goods into coastal areas.

7. In the medium to long term, the tightness in the domestic methanol spot market has eased due to an increase in exporters and downstream users shutting down plants in resistance to high prices. Facing the gradual decline from previous high levels, observers are watching the recovery status of methanol production units and the extent of reduced downstream demand to determine if support can be sustained.

8. Market Sentiment

Table 3: Sentiment Expectations of Domestic Methanol Upstream and Downstream Participants

Source: Chempricehub Information

7. Related Products

Glacial Acetic Acid: Today, the glacial acetic acid market saw localized factory price increases continue, with the broader market following suit. Currently, factories have limited available inventory, and traders are selling based on their individual situations. High costs persist for downstream products, so attention is on changes in downstream purchasing sentiment. Chempricehub expects glacial acetic acid prices to trend higher in the short term.

Formaldehyde: Today, the formaldehyde market underwent a narrow correction. Raw material methanol prices were stable with some declines, alleviating cost pressures. Formaldehyde plants are making rational adjustments to recover margins lost earlier. Downstream entry willingness remains flat, maintaining purchases strictly for essential needs. Chempricehub expects the formaldehyde market to consolidate within a range in the short term.

Dimethyl Ether (DME): Today, the DME market remained stable. Methanol prices in main production areas strengthened, maintaining strong cost support. DME plant operating rates tightened, reducing intra-market supply. Downstream buyers made minimal essential purchases, while holders maintained stable prices for sales. Chempricehub expects the DME market to oscillate strongly in the short term.

8. Data Calendar

Table 4: Domestic Methanol Data Schedule (Unit: 10,000 tons)

Source: Chempricehub Information
Notes:

1. ↑↓ indicates significant volatility, highlighting data dimensions with changes exceeding 3%.
2. ↗↘ indicates narrow fluctuations, highlighting data dimensions with changes within 0-3%.