July 17 news
According to the commodity market analysis system, from July 13 to 17, the market price of polymeric MDI in China increased. The average price at the beginning of the week was 17,066 CNY/ton, and by July 17, it had risen to 17,366 CNY/ton, a weekly increase of 1.76% and a year-on-year increase of 15.14%. During the week, major manufacturers maintained their prices, pushing up the prices with significant support from news segments. Intermediaries actively followed the price increases, but downstream buyers were cautious, showing low enthusiasm for inquiries, resulting in poor transaction volumes. After the price hike, the prices stabilized.
Supply side: The 80,000-ton/year MDI plant of Tosoh in Japan will be shut down for maintenance at the end of July, lasting about one month. The 800,000-ton/year MDI plant of Wanhua in Fujian, China, began a shutdown for maintenance on June 23, 2026, with an expected duration of around 20 days; the 1,100,000-ton/year MDI plant of Wanhua in Yantai, China, has a scheduled maintenance plan for August.
Cost Perspective: This week, the price of pure benzene has risen sharply. The escalation of U.S.-Iran tensions and reports of a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz triggered a significant increase in naphtha prices, boosting costs and providing upward momentum for pure benzene. In addition, with China’s pure benzene production capacity dropping to low levels, the supply situation remains tight, and port inventories have declined, further driving up pure benzene prices.
Demand Side: Downstream demand inquiries are moderate, with small-volume transactions predominating after the price increase, indicating insufficient demand support in China.
Market forecast: With expectations of tightening supply in the polymeric MDI market, factories' intention to maintain prices remains strong. However, the demand side is weak, and it is expected that the resistance to price increases in the short term will increase. Closely monitor changes in market supply and demand as well as news developments.
