① The domestic fluorspar market is currently characterized by strong wait-and-see sentiment, with limited upside potential for the future. The mainstream price range for 97% wet fluorspar powder in the domestic market is CNY 3,350–3,800/ton.
② The mainstream contract price for anhydrous hydrofluoric acid (AHF) downstream in October is tentatively referenced at CNY 14,500–14,800/ton.
Table 1: Domestic Fluorspar Price Summary (Unit: CNY/ton)
| Market | Specification | Oct 12 | Oct 13 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inner Mongolia | 97% Wet Powder | 3,350–3,450 | 3,350–3,450 | 0/0 |
| Zhejiang, Jiangsu | 97% Wet Powder | 3,500–3,600 | 3,500–3,600 | 0/0 |
| Jiangxi, Fujian | 97% Wet Powder | 3,750–3,850 | 3,700–3,800 | -50/0 |
| Shandong | 97% Wet Powder | 3,550–3,600 | 3,500–3,600 | 0/0 |
| Ningxia, Qinghai | 97% Wet Powder | 3,400–3,500 | 3,400–3,500 | 0/0 |
| Henan, Anhui | 97% Wet Powder | 3,400–3,500 | 3,400–3,500 | 0/0 |
| Key Downstream | ||||
| East China | Anhydrous Hydrofluoric Acid | 14,500–14,800 | 14,500–14,800 | 0/0 |
Data Source: Chempricehub News
The domestic market for 97% fluorspar concentrate is currently facing complex information flows. Overall market sentiment leans towards a wait-and-see approach, with varying attitudes among industry participants. In southern markets, inquiry activity has rebounded compared to previous periods; however, facing continuous pressure from sulfuric acid costs, the demand side shows clear reluctance to accept high prices for fluorspar. Although spot prices for hydrogen fluoride have risen, most enterprises no longer have sufficient inventory to deliver at these higher prices. In northern markets, phased procurement has been completed, and holders remain firm in their stance due to colder weather conditions and shortages of hydrogen fluoride. Current delivered spot price references across domestic regions are as follows: Inner Mongolia at CNY 3,350–3,400/ton; Zhejiang at CNY 3,500–3,600/ton; Jiangxi and Fujian at CNY 3,700–3,800/ton; Shandong at CNY 3,500–3,600/ton; Northwest regions at CNY 3,250–3,350/ton; and Henan and Anhui at CNY 3,250–3,350/ton. As of press time, the mainstream delivered price for domestic 97% wet fluorspar powder is referenced at CNY 3,350–3,800/ton.
The monthly capacity utilization rate for anhydrous hydrofluoric acid in September was 57%.
Fluorspar market momentum is strong but upside space is limited. The anhydrous hydrofluoric acid market is supported by robust cost pressures.
Anhydrous Hydrofluoric Acid (AHF) Market:
Today, the domestic AHF market exhibits strong wait-and-see sentiment. Negotiation activities within the market are active, and the transaction center in the spot market has significantly increased. However, order intake remains limited, primarily because production enterprises are waiting to see how sulfuric acid prices rebound after the holiday period, leading them to secure supply contracts cautiously. Following the holiday, sulfuric acid prices indeed rebounded as expected, squeezing profit margins once again. As of press time, the mainstream delivered price for domestic AHF in October is referenced at CNY 14,500–14,800/ton, while the Shandong market is referenced at CNY 14,760–15,000/ton.
Sulfuric Acid:
Today, the Chempricehub index for 98% sulfuric acid stood at CNY 1,245/ton, down CNY 7/ton from yesterday, aligning with morning expectations. The transaction center continued to decline in multiple domestic regions. In Guangxi, recent consecutive downward adjustments in external acid prices have significantly impacted the local market. Downstream purchasing sentiment has become cautious, with limited enthusiasm for taking delivery and insufficient volume in actual transactions. To adapt to market changes, major acid producers in the region lowered prices by CNY 100/ton today, further dragging down the transaction center. The Henan sulfuric acid market saw localized declines, with overall trends remaining weak. In the Jiyuan area, some acid plants that underwent maintenance earlier resumed operations, slightly increasing regional output. Coupled with the approaching Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, acid producers had a strong desire to reduce inventory before the holidays, leading to price drops in Jiyuan this week. Demand-side performance was flat, with downstream operating rates maintaining low levels and strong wait-and-see sentiment prevailing, expanding negotiation room for actual orders. The Hebei sulfuric acid market operated weakly, with the transaction center declining slightly and heavy wait-and-see sentiment. With the holidays approaching, some end-users anticipate reducing loads, making it difficult for demand to improve. Sulfuric acid enterprises in Henan lowered quotes again, enhancing the penetration of low-priced goods into the Hebei market. Some end-users shifted purchases to Henan, forcing Hebei acid producers to follow suit with discounts. In the short term, the domestic sulfuric acid market is expected to continue its weak downward trend, with the transaction center potentially falling further.
Refrigerants:
Based on the bulk liquid market in East China, mainstream factories for fluorocarbon refrigerant R32 maintained high prices through volume control to protect pricing. As of press time, quotes from major East Chinese manufacturers referenced CNY 65,500/ton (aligned for both domestic and export trade); mainstream market quotes in East China referenced CNY 63,500–64,500/ton, consistent with morning expectations. Market intelligence indicates that inquiries in the channel market for bulk liquid have remained passively low for a long time. Factories are prioritizing fixed supply guarantees for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Recently, quarterly long-term agreement negotiations between enterprises have been active, with actual orders pending finalization. Shipment frequency for small packages has slowed, so source factories are strictly controlling increases in spot inventory. Statistics show that the overall industry operating load for R32 remains around 40%. Recently, factory production schedules and consumption forces have contracted further, and export volumes have declined. Under the high-price plateau for R32, channel holders are seeking opportunities to sell off inventory, showing little intent to purchase high-cost sources. The market awaits clearer quote signals from major manufacturers. Chempricehub forecasts that R32 will focus on volume control and price protection in the short term, with contract pricing negotiated while monitoring industry plant dynamics and production scheduling rhythms.
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