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Beyond quotas, watch feedstock costs. R134a production relies on trichloroethylene and anhydrous hydrogen fluoride; any tightness in fluorite or HF supply directly lifts production costs. Also, counterfeit and low-quality R134a has surged as prices exceed 60,000 yuan/ton, so buyers should verify product purity and source certification to avoid equipment damage.
For buyers, the practical issue is retrofitting. R134a systems cannot simply switch to R290 or R410A without changing lubricants, seals, and expansion devices. Also, R134a has strong water absorption, 20 times that of R22, so drier maintenance is critical. Factor in total lifecycle cost, not just refrigerant price, when selecting a system.
Also note that while R134a itself is not an ODS, it is an HFC controlled under the Kigali Amendment. China's quota system already limits production, but future phasedown schedules will gradually reduce allowable volumes. Buyers should plan for potential supply tightening after 2027 and consider securing long-term contracts with licensed producers.