According to the Business Society commodity market analysis system, the mixed xylene market experienced a volatile decline this week. From February 2 to February 9, 2026, the mixed xylene market price decreased from 5,780 yuan/ton to 5,680 yuan/ton, a drop of 1.73%. During this period, the market retreated under pressure from high levels, primarily driven by weakened cost support due to fluctuating crude oil prices, the conclusion of pre-holiday stockpiling by downstream users, gradually easing regional supply, and a more cautious market sentiment. Prices showed a slight weakening trend, with insufficient momentum for continued upward movement at high levels, resulting in an overall weak consolidation within a range.

Cost Aspect:
According to the Business Society commodity market analysis system, international crude oil prices fluctuated and declined during this period. Geopolitical premiums gradually dissipated, and market expectations for demand turned cautious, compounded by the impact of certain macroeconomic data. The oil price center shifted slightly downward, leading to a phased weakening of cost support for the xylene market. Domestic crude oil futures followed the fluctuations in the international market, with previous high-level support diminishing and market sentiment turning cautious. Naphtha prices also trended weakly, with overall upward momentum insufficient in the cost aspect of the aromatics industry chain. The xylene market lacked sustained upward momentum from the cost side, and coupled with increased market expectations for future oil price volatility, the enthusiasm for chasing gains in the xylene market was significantly suppressed, creating room for price corrections. As of February 6, the settlement price for the March contract of U.S. WTI crude oil futures was reported at $63.55 per barrel, while the settlement price for the April contract of Brent crude oil futures was reported at $68.05 per barrel. (Business Society Brent-WTI crude oil price comparison chart.)

Supply Aspect:
During this period, the domestic supply of mixed xylene shifted from tight to loose overall. Significant differentiation was observed across regions due to variations in plant operations, cargo arrivals, and inventory levels. The previously tight supply situation eased somewhat, weakening price support. In Shandong, the tight supply-demand balance slightly eased, with narrowing premiums in refinery auctions and reduced price support momentum compared to earlier periods. In Jiangsu, cargo arrivals at storage areas gradually increased, alleviating the tight spot supply situation. Sellers' reluctance to sell loosened, and prices followed the market downward. In Guangdong, cargo arrivals continued, increasing spot circulation volume and leading to slight inventory accumulation, putting noticeable pressure on prices. Domestic major refineries maintained stable operations, with mixed xylene primarily used for internal consumption and contract supply. The overall supply of market circulation remained stable, with no significant contraction expected in the short term. Suppliers' pricing sentiment loosened compared to earlier periods, with some companies offering discounts to recoup funds before the holiday. Sinopec's xylene price summary indicates normal plant operations, stable production, and steady sales, with prices unchanged from the previous day. As of February 9, the East China branch quoted 5,800 yuan/ton, the North China branch quoted 5,350–5,450 yuan/ton, the South China branch quoted 5,850 yuan/ton, and the Central China branch quoted 5,350–5,550 yuan/ton.