According to the Commodity Market Analysis System of Shengyi Society, the mixed xylene market fluctuated within a certain range this week, with a slight overall downward adjustment. From March 10 to March 17, 2025, the mixed xylene price dropped from 6550 yuan/ton to 6360 yuan/ton, a decrease of 2.9%. The decline in the crude oil market during this cycle has dragged down the mentality of the mixed xylene market. The overall performance of the domestic xylene market is weak, and the performance of various regions is basically consistent, with slight differences in the magnitude of the decline. Among them, the Shandong region is affected by the surrounding market and has a weak mentality. The overall weakness on the demand side during the week has led to local refining companies lowering prices and releasing inventory this week, resulting in weak transactions. The overall inventory in the East China region is relatively low, but the liquid chemical market has generally weakened during the week, and the xylene market has clearly followed suit. On exchange trading is generally weak, and downstream stocks are replenished as needed

Cost wise: The crude oil price trend has been weak during this period. As of the 13th, the settlement price of the main contract for WTI crude oil futures in the United States was $66.55 per barrel, and the settlement price of the main contract for Brent crude oil futures was $69.88 per barrel. The international oil price trend has declined. As of the 13th, the settlement price of the main contract for WTI crude oil futures in the United States was $66.55 per barrel, and the settlement price of the main contract for Brent crude oil futures was $69.88 per barrel. On the one hand, the United States is increasing its crude oil production, coupled with escalating trade tariffs that may suppress global economic growth, which is bearish for the international oil market. On the other hand, the situation between Russia and Ukraine has eased. If the geopolitical situation between Russia and Ukraine ends, the US oil sanctions against Russia will also be relaxed, and international oil prices will fall due to this impact.

Supply side: Sinopec xylene quotation summary. Currently, the company is operating normally, with stable production and sales. The company’s quotation remains the same as the previous day. As of March 17th, East China Company quoted 6300 yuan/ton, North China Company quoted 6150 yuan/ton, South China Company quoted 6500-6550 yuan/ton, and Central China Company quoted 6400 yuan/ton.

Demand side:

On March 17th, the price of xylene in the petrochemical sales company was temporarily stable, and the current execution price is 7600 yuan/ton. This price is implemented in East China, North China, Central China, and South China. The operation of Yangzi Petrochemical, Zhenhai Petrochemical and other units is stable, and sales are normal. As of March 14th, the closing prices of the xylene market in Asia were 812-814 USD/ton FOB Korea and 837-839 USD/ton CFR China.

Market forecast: The crude oil market will continue to operate weakly in the near future, with insufficient cost support. Recently, trading in the Shandong region has been relatively weak, and overall demand for essential purchases has been maintained. The purchasing intention in the oil blending market is still acceptable, and there will be some support in the future. The inventory in the East China market continues to decline, and the overall inventory in the region is running at a low level, resulting in tight supply. Overall, the xylene market still has some positive support in the short term, but the boost is limited, and it is expected to have a strong and volatile trend in the short term.