What is driving the recent price movements in China's dimethyl carbonate market?

What is driving the recent price movements in China's dimethyl carbonate market?
China's DMC market has shown contrasting price signals depending on the period. In one September snapshot, industrial-grade DMC rose 100 yuan/ton in Shandong and up to 150 yuan/ton in South China, supported by low inventories, tight supply, producer price support, and stable export orders. However, in a later weekly assessment, DMC turned weaker, with the market guidance price at 3,760 yuan/ton, down 15 yuan/ton week-on-week. Downstream demand was sluggish, spot circulation slowed, and several idled plants were planning restarts, heightening bearish sentiment. Many producers including Hongsifang, Qingdao Soda Ash, Hubei Sanning, Satellite Chemical, and others kept units shut, keeping operating rates low, yet this was insufficient to offset weak offtake from solvents and electrolyte applications.