This Week, Anhydrous Hydrogen Fluoride Prices Remain Steady at High Levels in China (4.20-4.24)

April 24 news

This week, the price of anhydrous hydrogen fluoride remained stable at a high level. According to the analysis system, as of April 24, the benchmark price of hydrofluoric acid in China was 15,100 CNY per ton, an increase of 2.95% from the beginning of the month.

On the raw material front: Regarding fluorite, as mines in northern regions gradually resume production and operating rates increase, coupled with the continued arrival of imported fluorite (from countries such as Mongolia) at lower prices—typically 300 to 500 CNY per ton below domestic products—the tight supply situation for fluorite has eased somewhat, and prices have shifted into a period of stabilization and weakening. As for sulfuric acid, with some previously shut-down units restarting recently, market supply has marginally improved, causing the upward pressure on sulfuric acid prices to subside. Overall, although fluorite prices have softened somewhat, the tight supply situation in the main producing regions in southern China continues to provide some support; sulfuric acid prices remain relatively high. The combined costs of these two key raw materials continue to serve as strong bottom support for hydrofluoric acid prices. According to analysis system data, as of April 24, the benchmark price for fluorite was 3,537.50 CNY per ton, down 0.53% from the beginning of this month (3,556.25 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 robust, generating a relatively rigid demand for hydrofluoric acid. However, buyers remain cautious and are not very receptive to high-priced raw materials. Procurement is mainly focused on replenishing stocks as needed, resulting in moderate trading volumes in the market.

Comprehensive Forecast: The rigid support for raw material fluorite and sulfuric acid remains in place, while downstream buyers remain cautious, focusing primarily on replenishing stocks as needed and showing limited acceptance of higher-priced raw materials. We forecast that the market price of anhydrous hydrogen fluoride will fluctuate narrowly within the current range in the short term. Further attention should be paid to changes in the supply of raw materials and downstream demand.