October Aniline Market Stably Rises in China

October 29th, according to news,

I. Price Trends

According to the commodity market analysis system, the aniline market in China was firm and rising in October. The price of aniline was 7,750 CNY/ton on October 1st and 7,995 CNY/ton on October 28th, with a 3.06% increase during the period, which is a 14.95% decrease compared to the same period last year.

II. Analysis and Commentary

In October, the aniline market was primarily boosted by positive developments on the supply side. After the National Day holiday, major manufacturers began reducing production capacity and scheduling maintenance shutdowns. For instance, Shandong Huatai’s operating rate dropped to 70%, while Shandong Jinling planned a complete halt of its two 30,000-ton/year units from October 13 to 23, with two other 100,000-ton/year units running at half capacity during the same period. With plant maintenance in key producing regions leading to tighter supply and upward price pressures from suppliers, the market initially saw some support. However, as maintenance units gradually resumed operations, the supply-side boost weakened. Meanwhile, downstream demand remained steady but limited, keeping raw material prices under continued downward pressure. As a result, the aniline market entered a period of stalemate, trading sideways amid these conflicting dynamics.

Pure benzene: As crude oil weakened, the downstream of pure benzene continued to incur losses, leading to low enthusiasm for purchasing raw materials, and the market sentiment was cautious. Coupled with the lack of follow-up increases in the downstream and insufficient new orders from the end-users, the pure benzene market in China continued to decline in October.

III. Future Market Outlook

Currently, the aniline market in China is facing weak cost factors, coupled with soft demand. After the positive supply-side factors have been fully realized, it is expected that the aniline market in China will likely weaken in the short term.