Cost Pressure Rises, Anhydrous Hydrogen Fluoride Prices Increase in China

April 9th News

This week, cost pressures have climbed, and the price of anhydrous hydrogen fluoride in China has risen again. According to the analysis system, as of April 9th, the benchmark price for hydrofluoric acid was 15,100 CNY per ton, an increase of 2.95% from the beginning of the month.

On the raw material side: The supply of sulfur—upstream from sulfuric acid—remains persistently tight, driving up the production costs of sulfuric acid. Coupled with low inventory levels and ongoing maintenance at some enterprises, market supply has further tightened, once again boosting sulfuric acid prices. For hydrofluoric acid producers, the room for price increases has largely been absorbed by rising sulfuric acid costs; some manufacturers, facing difficulties in securing raw materials, are already anticipating reduced production volumes in the future. As for fluorite, due to a mine accident in Zhejiang Province, all fluorite mines across the province have been temporarily shut down for safety inspections, an impact that has spread to Jiangxi, where resumption of operations has been postponed until after mid-April. Market participants are strongly inclined to hold onto their stocks and resist selling, leading to tentative upward adjustments in quoted prices. As a result, the prices of newly signed spot orders for hydrofluoric acid have been forced to rise by 500–800 CNY per ton. According to analysis system data, as of April 9, the benchmark price for fluorite stood at 3,575.00 CNY per ton, up 0.53% from the beginning of this month (3,556.25 CNY per ton). Meanwhile, the benchmark price for sulfuric acid reached 2,000.00 CNY per ton, representing a 26.58% increase compared to the beginning of this month (1,580.00 CNY per ton).

On the demand side: Downstream refrigerant manufacturers are gradually entering the traditional peak production season, and demand for certain refrigerant models remains relatively strong, generating a certain rigid demand for hydrofluoric acid. However, buyers remain cautious and are not very receptive to high-priced raw materials. Most purchases are made on an as-needed basis to replenish inventory, resulting in generally moderate market transaction volumes.

Spot market trend forecast: