[Chempricehub] Sep 4: With instability in the U.S.-Iran situation continuing and supply risk concerns still lingering, international oil prices rose. NYMEX crude oil futures for October settled at $91.48/bbl, up $0.18/bbl, or +0.20% day-on-day; ICE Brent futures for November settled at $96.28/bbl, up $0.76/bbl, or +0.80% day-on-day. China's INE crude oil futures 2610 contract fell 7.8 yuan/bbl to 683.1 yuan/bbl, then rose 7.6 yuan/bbl in the night session to 690.7 yuan/bbl.
Domestic cyclohexanone capacity utilization is around 59.5% today. The cyclohexanone integration trend is well advanced, with most units also producing caprolactam in tandem. Commercial supply is stable, and downstream chemical fiber orders are being placed on an as-needed basis.
Sinopec refineries in East China, South China, and Central China have raised pure benzene prices by 150 yuan/ton to 9,050 yuan/ton, effective September 7.
Table 1 Domestic cyclohexanone price summary (unit: yuan/ton)
| Market | Specification | September 4 | September 7 | Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| East China | Cyclohexanone | 10,000 | 10,100 | +100 | +1.00% |
Data source: Chempricehub Information
Taking the East China market as the benchmark, cyclohexanone prices are currently quoted at 10,050–10,150 yuan/ton, up 100 yuan/ton from the previous trading day, an increase of about 1.00%. With pure benzene raw materials running at high levels, cost pressure is significant. Cyclohexanone spot supply is stable, and market prices have moved up on cost support.
At present, cyclohexanone–caprolactam integration is well established, commercial cyclohexanone supply is stable, and overall market availability remains steady.
Raw material pure benzene is rising from high levels, providing strong cost support. Cyclohexanone spot supply is stable, while downstream buyers remain cautious at high prices. In the short term, the cyclohexanone market is expected to track pure benzene and maintain a firm tone.
Pure benzene market: The East China pure benzene market continued its firm trend today, although the pace of gains narrowed. Mainstream discussions were heard at 8,950–9,090 yuan/ton, broadly in line with earlier forecasts. Pure benzene prices remain closely correlated with crude oil. As long as crude oil sees no significant correction, downstream buyers at ports are actively lifting cargoes, port inventories continue to draw down, and spot circulation is tightening further. Holders remain inclined to support prices and are reluctant to sell, supporting pure benzene to stay in high-level consolidation.
Caprolactam: Today, the East China caprolactam market price was 13,650 yuan/ton on a delivered, acceptance basis, unchanged from the previous working day. The caprolactam market was in a wait-and-see mode at the start of the week. With upstream pure benzene list prices being raised further, cost support continues to strengthen.
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