What is driving the recent surge in isopropylamine prices in China?

What is driving the recent surge in isopropylamine prices in China?
Isopropylamine prices in China have been under significant upward pressure, with a notable 18.18% week-on-week spike reported in mid-March. The primary driver is the sharp rise in upstream crude oil prices, which pushed benzene, toluene, and ethylene costs higher, directly inflating production costs for key pesticide intermediates like isopropylamine. This cost-push dynamic is forcing downstream pesticide manufacturers, such as Limin Group, to raise prices on end products by 5-15%. However, the domestic market remains insulated from international price surges due to government measures prioritizing domestic supply stability, including the release of national fertilizer reserves and export controls. This creates a bifurcated market where domestic prices are supported by costs but capped by policy, while export opportunities are constrained.