Monthly Archives: March 2024

Inventory accumulation and post holiday correction of magnesium prices in February

On February 28, 2024, the cash and tax inclusive prices of magnesium ingots (99.9%, non acid washed, simple packaging) from various major production areas in China remained stable, with an overall range of 19200-19300 yuan/ton. Negotiations on actual orders were the main focus.

 

Azodicarbonamide (AC foaming Agent)

The specific price ranges for each region are as follows:

 

The ex factory tax inclusive spot exchange in Fugu area is 19200-19300 yuan/ton; Current exchange rate in Taiyuan area is 19300-19400 yuan/ton; The current exchange rate in Wenxi area is 19400-19500 yuan/ton; The current exchange rate in Ningxia is 19200-19300 yuan/ton.

 

Magnesium ingots are native magnesium ingots in accordance with the national standard (GB/T3499-2011); Non acid washing, no wooden pallets, and non payment acceptance price, actual order negotiation is the main focus.

 

Overview of the trend of metallic magnesium in February

 

According to data from Business Society, the average domestic market price on the 28th was 19433.33 yuan/ton, a decrease of 4.74% compared to the average market price of 20400 yuan/ton in early February (2.1); Compared to the beginning of the year (1.1), the average market price was 20600 yuan/ton, a decrease of 5.66%.

 

Since the resumption of the market in February, the price of magnesium ingots has been continuously declining. In early February, metal magnesium remained stable and consolidating at a low level, and the market gradually entered a holiday mode. The overall market will enter a calm period, and the price of magnesium ingots will remain around 20000 yuan/ton. After the end of the Spring Festival, the prices in the main production areas have been lowered, and the overall downstream demand is insufficient after the holiday. Coupled with stable production of magnesium plants during the holiday period, there has been seasonal accumulation of inventory on the supply side, resulting in significant inventory pressure on manufacturers. At the same time, some manufacturers have a strong demand for revolving funds and a pessimistic attitude towards the future market, with prices mostly negotiated at low levels.

 

In terms of supply and demand

 

In terms of factories, the northern region was affected by blizzard weather before the holiday, and downstream customers restocked in advance. Most enterprises have already completed their stocking needs, but transactions have slowed down, and the supply side continues to accumulate inventory; During the Spring Festival, manufacturers basically maintained normal production, and the inventory pressure of magnesium factories increased again. Some manufacturers lowered prices to ship.

 

EDTA

In terms of demand, the overall market demand is still poor, with downstream enterprises operating insufficiently, and most enterprises still having inventory consumption for pre holiday stocking, resulting in a strong wait-and-see atmosphere in the overall market. In terms of exports, there has been a slight increase in overseas orders, but it is difficult to change the overall demand issue.

 

Ferrosilicon experienced a cumulative decline of 0.22% in February

 

In terms of raw materials, the silicon iron market fell first and then rose in February. On February 28th, the market price of silicon iron (grade: FeSi75-B; particle size grade/mm: natural block) in Ningxia was around 6250-6450 yuan/ton. In February, the blue charcoal market remained stable, with insufficient downstream demand. Inventory accumulation in the blue charcoal market continued, and the entire industry’s funding chain was tight. Many magnesium factories chose to ship at low prices according to market conditions.

 

Future Market Forecast

 

The imbalance between supply and demand in the magnesium ingot market is obvious. Currently, most magnesium factories are producing normally, but there has been no significant improvement in the downstream, which has accelerated the decline in magnesium prices. However, the decrease in magnesium prices poses a risk of losses for magnesium factories, and coupled with expectations of downstream enterprises resuming production, it is expected that the downward space for magnesium prices will be limited. Overall, it is expected that there will still be downward pressure on the price of magnesium ingots in the short term, and there is limited room for downward adjustment.

http://www.lubonchem.com/

Cost increase: Nylon filament prices rise in February

In February, during the Spring Festival holiday, downstream weaving enterprises had insufficient production and there was not much demand for nylon filament. However, due to the cost side impact, the price of nylon filament followed the upward trend of raw materials. After the holiday, the market trend of raw materials and lactam has been strong, and the production of enterprise equipment has resumed. Nylon filament manufacturers have gradually returned to the market, and the market atmosphere has improved. Confidence in the market has increased, and the price of nylon filament has followed the rise of raw materials. Nylon factories have started construction one after another, and the supply of goods is sufficient. Downstream demand is gradually recovering, but on-demand procurement is still the main trend, and the situation of supply exceeding demand is still ongoing.

 

Azodicarbonamide (AC foaming Agent)

Market price trend

 

According to the commodity market analysis system of Business Society, in February 2024, the price of nylon filament followed the rise of raw materials. As of February 29, 2024, the quotation for DTY nylon filament (premium product; 70D/24F) in Jiangsu region is 19560 yuan/ton, an increase of 400 yuan/ton from the beginning of the month, with a monthly increase of 2.09%; Nylon POY (premium product; 86D/24F) is priced at 17325 yuan/ton, an increase of 375 yuan/ton from the beginning of the month, with a monthly increase of 2.21%; The price of nylon FDY (premium product: 40D/12F) is reported at 20500 yuan/ton, an increase of 325 yuan/ton from the beginning of the month, with a monthly increase of 1.61%.

 

Strong trend in raw materials

 

In February, the upstream raw material of nylon filament, caprolactam, had a strong market trend, with a positive cost side. After the holiday, the market opened well, and the upstream cost of pure benzene was strongly boosted. Caprolactam actively followed suit. The production of enterprise facilities has resumed, and downstream markets have gradually returned to the market after the holiday. Demand is stable, and the market atmosphere is improving. As of February 29th, the reference average price of caprolactam in the domestic market was 13912 yuan/ton, an increase of 150 yuan/ton or 1.20% compared to the beginning of the month. But at the end of the month, the raw material pure benzene showed a slight decline, and it is expected to follow the operation of raw material sorting in the later stage.

povidone Iodine

 

Supply and demand

 

In February, there was sufficient supply of nylon, and downstream demand gradually recovered after the holiday. Currently, the price of nylon silk is at a high level, and downstream weaving factories purchase according to demand. The transaction atmosphere is weak, and the downstream’s ability to receive raw materials is limited.

 

Future Market Forecast

 

The cost of raw material caprolactam is supporting, and the market may tend to be strong in consolidation and operation. Nylon filament factories have sufficient inventory, downstream demand is cautious, and new orders on the market follow steadily. However, with the arrival of textile gold, silver, and four, the demand side will increase. Nylon costs will be strong, and demand will gradually improve. Social analysts predict that the price of nylon filament is prone to rise but difficult to fall in the short term, mainly following the strong consolidation and operation of raw materials.

http://www.lubonchem.com/

In February, lithium carbonate remained stable with a slight upward rebound, but in the short term, it tended to be stronger

According to the monitoring of the commodity market analysis system of Shengyishe, the prices of industrial grade and battery grade lithium carbonate remained stable with minor fluctuations in February, and stopped falling and rising at the end of the month. On February 29th, the average domestic mixed price of industrial grade lithium carbonate was 92800 yuan/ton, an increase of 1.53% compared to the average price of 91400 yuan/ton on February 1st. On February 29th, the average domestic mixed price of battery grade lithium carbonate was 101200 yuan/ton, an increase of 0.4% compared to the average price of 100800 yuan/ton on February 1st.

 

Sodium Molybdate

By observing market changes, it can be seen that in early February, due to the impact of the Spring Festival holiday, the price of lithium carbonate remained stable, with most companies offering stable prices. In terms of supply, the market continues to adopt a price boosting shipping strategy. A small number of lithium salt enterprises that purchase lithium mines have gradually reduced production and stopped production in the near future after experiencing long-term losses. Some large lithium salt factories will undergo routine seasonal maintenance during the Spring Festival period, and there is no inventory pressure in the short term. Therefore, the price of lithium carbonate remains stable.

 

In terms of demand, downstream positive electrode enterprises still have a low willingness to accept the high price of lithium carbonate. Due to the impact of holidays, the market purchasing demand is gradually weakening. Downstream manufacturers have basically completed pre holiday stocking, and most small and medium-sized enterprises have entered a state of shutdown. In addition, logistics have been hindered due to rainy and snowy weather and the impact of the Spring Festival, resulting in a trend of light trading volume and a stable market situation.

 

The price of lithium carbonate remained weak in the first week after the holiday in late February, but rebounded towards the end of the month. In terms of supply, the overall recovery of salt production after the holiday is relatively slow, and during the Spring Festival, maintenance and production reduction enterprises maintain a low operating rate. In addition, due to the rainy and snowy weather caused by this cold wave, the roads in the salt lake area have been obstructed, and the transportation cycle has been extended, resulting in an overall tight supply situation. Therefore, some salt factories currently have a strong mentality of price support, and some enterprises have a mentality of hoarding goods, leading to an increase in the price of lithium carbonate.

 

In terms of demand, downstream enterprises such as the positive electrode market have restocked and stocked up before the Spring Festival holiday, so there is no urgent procurement demand after the holiday, and the willingness to purchase is not strong, resulting in limited market acceptance. With the rebound of lithium carbonate prices after the holiday, the downstream market is still picking up goods according to the plan, supplemented by small batch zero order rigid demand purchases. Currently, there is still resistance to price increases, and the market has a strong gaming sentiment, with only a slight increase in transaction focus.

 

Benzalkonium chloride

The lithium hydroxide market is mainly characterized by large stability and small fluctuations, with a slight decline in upstream spodumene concentrate prices and limited cost support. The industry is operating at a low level, and downstream demand is weak. Inquiries and purchases are mainly followed up on demand, and enterprise shipments are average, creating a strong wait-and-see atmosphere. With the correction of lithium carbonate prices at the end of the month, it may provide positive support for lithium hydroxide.

 

Downstream prices of lithium iron phosphate fluctuate, and after the Spring Festival holiday, the market negotiation atmosphere is lukewarm, with slow shipments and weak prices. The price range is narrow and weak, and downstream demand is insufficient. The upward momentum is not obvious. With the rebound of lithium carbonate prices, the cost side has increased, leading to a slight increase in prices towards the end of the month.

In terms of futures, after the Spring Festival holiday in February, the price of lithium carbonate futures was stimulated by rumors such as the resurgence of environmental protection issues or restrictions on enterprises that cannot properly handle lithium slag in Yichun, which swept away the previous decline and started a rebound path. As of February 29th, the main lithium carbonate futures have maintained seven consecutive increases, and the price has even reached the level of 120000 yuan/ton. On February 29th, the opening price of the LC2407 contract for lithium carbonate futures on the Guangzhou Futures Exchange was 108450 yuan/ton, with a highest price of 119800 yuan/ton and a closing price of 119200 yuan/ton, with a daily increase of 9.21%. The trading volume was 590400 lots and the position was 209410 lots.

 

According to lithium carbonate analysts from Business Society, with the recent rise in futures prices and the emergence of arbitrage opportunities, the market has a good demand for low-priced lithium carbonate, leading to a slight increase in lithium carbonate prices. The upstream salt side is gradually showing a positive attitude towards price, but the downstream is still in a state of reducing raw material inventory and mainly relying on long-term purchasing. Therefore, although the market focus has increased, it is still limited and needs to be watched. It is expected that the price of lithium carbonate will remain strong in the short term.

http://www.lubonchem.com/

The DMF market weakened narrowly (2.22-2.29)

According to data monitored by Business Society, as of February 29th, the average price quoted by domestic premium DMF enterprises was 4587.5 yuan/ton. This week, DMF prices were mainly weak, with a narrow downward trend. Currently, the mainstream price is around 4600 yuan/ton, and the overall market supply and demand is balanced. Enterprises mainly offer discounts and take orders, with smooth logistics and stable operating rates.

 

Chitosan oligosaccharide

This week, the overall DMF market is mainly weak and downward, with a narrow decline of 1.34% compared to the same period last week. Currently, the mainstream price range is 4600.00 yuan/ton, and manufacturer quotations have declined. Recently, the demand for upstream methanol market has improved, with stable to strong fluctuations, and the synthetic ammonia market has also shown a trend of adjustment. Currently, the cost side of DMF is slightly supported, and the downward space is limited. It will continue to operate steadily in the near future. Downstream enterprises need to purchase and operate, The transaction atmosphere is slightly dull, and currently the overall market supply and demand balance is the main focus.

 

Chemical index: On February 28, the chemical index was 869 points, a decrease of 1 point from yesterday, a decrease of 37.93% from the highest point of 1400 points in the cycle (2021-10-23), and an increase of 45.32% from the lowest point of 598 points on April 8, 2020. (Note: The cycle refers to 2011-12-01 present).

 

Business Society DMF analysts believe that in the short term, the DMF market will maintain a stable, moderate, and weak operation, with prices remaining around 4600 yuan/ton, and limited room for price increase.

http://www.lubonchem.com/

The price of sodium metabisulfite continues to weaken and decline

According to the Commodity Market Analysis System of Business Society, the price of domestic sodium metabisulfite continued to decline weakly this week. The average price of industrial grade sodium metabisulfite on February 25th was 2333.33 yuan/ton, and on February 29th it was 2316.67 yuan/ton, a decrease of 0.71% for the week.

 

Sodium Molybdate

In late February, as raw material prices continued to fall under the low-pressure system, some enterprises lowered the factory price of sodium metabisulfite again, driving the domestic market price of sodium metabisulfite to continue to decline weakly. This week, the domestic industrial grade sodium metabisulfite market price range was 2200-2400 yuan/ton, and enterprise inventory continued to be around 30%. The overall supply and demand of the sodium metabisulfite market remained stable, with enterprises mainly completing orders from old customers. (The above prices refer to quotes from mainstream domestic enterprises, and some companies that have not been quoted are temporarily not within their scope. The prices are for reference only and are not related to the final pricing of the manufacturer. For more details, please contact each manufacturer for consultation.).

 

As of February 29th, domestic soda ash prices fell by 3.52% during the week, while sulfur prices fell by 0.65%. The continued weakness of raw material prices will further suppress the market price of sodium metabisulfite in the future.

 

Future Market Forecast

 

Business Society analysts believe that raw material costs continue to decline, and the domestic market price of sodium metabisulfite is weak and difficult to improve in the short term.

http://www.lubonchem.com/