① In September, the reference price for bulk anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (AHF) procurement tenders by major plants in the East China market was set at 15,100–15,200 RMB/ton (delivered).
② Domestic market offers for refrigerant R32 are referenced at 65,500 RMB/ton.
③ High-end export market offers for refrigerant R32 are referenced at 63,500 RMB/ton.
④ In September 2026, home air conditioner production plans totaled 9.75 million units, representing a year-on-year decrease of 9.30% and a month-on-month decrease of 9.13%. Domestic sales production plans stood at 5.39 million units, down 5.77% year-on-year and 8.18% month-on-month. Export production plans were 4.36 million units, down 13.16% year-on-year and 10.29% month-on-month.
Table 1: Summary of Domestic Fluorocarbon Refrigerant Prices (Unit: RMB/ton)
| Market | Main Model | Specification | Sep 14 | Sep 15 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| East China | R22 | Bulk | 23,000-24,000 | 23,000-24,000 | 0/0 |
| East China | R32 | Bulk | 63,500-64,500 | 63,500-64,500 | 0/0 |
| East China | R125 | Bulk | 54,000-57,000 | 54,000-57,000 | 0/0 |
| East China | R134a | Bulk | 63,500-65,000 | 63,500-65,000 | 0/0 |
| East China | R143a | Bulk | 51,000-53,000 | 51,000-53,000 | 0/0 |
| Key Blends | |||||
| East China | R404A | Bulk | 52,000-54,000 | 52,000-54,000 | 0/0 |
| East China | R410A | Bulk | 57,000-59,500 | 57,000-59,500 | 0/0 |
| East China | R507A | Bulk | 52,500-54,000 | 52,500-54,000 | 0/0 |
Data Source: Chempricehub Information
Note: The above prices for mainstream refrigerant models refer to ex-factory prices (tax-inclusive) for domestic trade in the East China market.
Based on the East China bulk market, mainstream plants have maintained high prices for refrigerant R32 by controlling supply volumes to support pricing. As of press time, offers from major East China plants are referenced at 65,500 RMB/ton (coordinated for both domestic and export markets); mainstream East China market offers are referenced at 63,500–64,500 RMB/ton, consistent with morning expectations. Market intelligence indicates that channel inquiries for bulk R32 have remained passively low over the long term. Fixed supply guarantees for main OEMs continue, but shipment frequency for small packages has slowed. Consequently, source factories are strictly controlling spot inventory increments. Statistics show that the industry-wide operating load for R32 remains near 40–50%. Recently, factory production schedules and consumption forces have contracted further. With R32 prices holding steady at high levels, channel holders are seeking opportunities to offload inventory and reduce stock. Buyers show little interest in purchasing high-cost inventory and are waiting for clear offer signals from major plants. Chempricehub predicts that short-term R32 strategy will focus on volume control to maintain prices, with commercial negotiations determining contract prices while monitoring industry equipment dynamics and production scheduling rhythms.
The overall capacity utilization rate for fluorocarbon refrigerant R32 is near 40–50%, with major enterprises primarily maintaining supply guarantees for air conditioner manufacturers.
Fluorocarbon refrigerant R32 continues to exhibit seller's market characteristics. Major plants maintain firm offers, with production pacing centered on medium-level supply guarantees. Chempricehub predicts that R32 will continue to consolidate at high levels.
Anhydrous Hydrogen Fluoride (AHF) Market: Today, the domestic AHF market fluctuated within a range. Recent market sentiment has shown some recovery. Most producers completed their monthly orders at the beginning of the month and are currently focused on delivering goods. However, traders remain cautiously observing the resumption of operations at large northern plants. Some spot inquiries have entered the market, boosting sentiment. Raw material prices have shown mixed trends. As previously speculated, fluorspar prices have largely settled at high levels as the mainstream price, while sulfuric acid prices continue to soften. Profit margins remain under pressure. As of press time, the mainstream delivered price for domestic AHF in September is referenced at 15,050–15,200 RMB/ton.
Dichloromethane (DCM) Market: Based on the Shandong region, DCM closed today at 2,340 RMB/ton (range: 2,330–2,350 RMB/ton), weakening slightly compared to the previous working day. The domestic DCM market softened downward today. Current DCM prices remain at high levels, but downstream and trader demand follow-up lacks momentum. Trading activity within the market is limited. Under the dominance of holders selling inventory, competitive bidding has pushed the market center lower. Although chloromethane enterprises face significant cost pressures, their willingness to adjust prices is weak. However, driven by the "buy on rise, wait on fall" psychology among downstream buyers, most are adopting a wait-and-see approach, with insufficient demand-side momentum. Additionally, with the upcoming National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays, some enterprises intend to keep low inventory levels during the break. Therefore, Chempricehub expects the domestic DCM market still has room for decline, requiring attention to subsequent news developments.
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