This week, the market price of epichlorohydrin showed a significant downward trend in China (9.15-9.19)

September 19, News

This week, the market price of epichlorohydrin showed a significant downward trend. According to the monitoring and analysis system, as of September 19, the benchmark price of epichlorohydrin was 12,200 CNY/ton, a decrease of -6.15% from the beginning of the week (September 15) in China.

Price influencing factors:

On the raw materials front: This week, both propylene and glycerol prices have shown an upward trend. Meanwhile, profit margins for epichlorohydrin produced via different manufacturing processes continue to expand. Notably, the glycerol-based process has shifted from losses to profitability, boosting manufacturers' production enthusiasm and gradually increasing market supply. Overall, cost pressures still provide support to the epichlorohydrin market. According to market analysis systems, as of September 19, the benchmark price for propylene stood at 6,730.75 CNY per ton—up 1.01% compared to the beginning of the month (6,663.25 CNY per ton).

Device status:

After the price of epichlorohydrin surged to record highs, glycerol-based epichlorohydrin production turned profitable again. As a result, several companies—including Shandong Minji, Hubei Minteng, and Zibo Feiyuan—have resumed operations one after another, boosting the industry's capacity utilization rate to around 50% and easing the tight supply situation. Meanwhile, the increased availability of epichlorohydrin has intensified market competition, leading to a significant drop in prices across the board.

On the demand side: Downstream epoxy resin manufacturers are showing weak demand for high-priced raw materials, opting instead to purchase only as needed. As a result, industry players remain largely cautious and adopt a wait-and-see approach, leading to a decline in inquiry activity. Consequently, the epichlorohydrin market has shifted from its previous highs, with prices now experiencing broad-based downward movements.

Market Forecast: Epoxy Chloropropane analysts believe that high prices of key raw materials—glycerol and propylene—continue to provide strong cost support. However, with ample market supply and waning buyer interest from downstream users—who are reluctant to purchase at elevated prices—expectations point toward a downward trend in the epoxy chloropropane market in the near term. Market participants will need to closely monitor raw material prices as well as shifts in supply and demand dynamics.