October 10th News
According to the commodity market analysis system, from October 1st to 10th, the price of MTBE in China increased from 8,012 CNY/ton to 8,350 CNY/ton, with a price increase of 4.21% during the period, up 7.04% month-over-month, and up 62.93% year-over-year.
The Chinese MTBE market has shown a fluctuating upward trend. During the National Day holiday, the Chinese MTBE market exhibited a volatile upward trend, with many manufacturers focusing on delivering export orders. The availability of spot MTBE in China was relatively tight, and there were still ongoing export orders being signed. Raw material prices remained high. After the holiday, the crude oil market showed a positive trend, and with the continued high cost of raw materials, the transaction focus shifted further upward.
MTBE China production price average trend chart:
Cost Side: On the crude oil front, international oil prices have declined. The main bearish factors include ongoing communication between the U.S. and Iran, which has raised expectations of an easing of geopolitical tensions. Coupled with the possibility that the Federal Reserve may still raise interest rates, these developments are weighing on the oil market.
Demand Side: On the downstream front, international crude oil futures initially rose before reversing lower, while refined‑product prices trended weakly downward. During the National Day holiday, highway restrictions on hazardous‑chemical tanker trucks across regions disrupted transportation, and mid‑to‑downstream traders largely worked off prior inventories. As a result, refineries posted lackluster sales, with production‑sales figures remaining subdued for several consecutive days, leading to a build-up in overall inventories. This put downward pressure on regional oil prices, and market trading activity remained subdued. Meanwhile, MTBE demand was weighed by bearish factors.
Supply side: After the Hailisi facility in Henan starts operation, it is expected to increase production, which may lead to an increase in resource supply. The MTBE supply side is affected by bearish factors.
As of October 10, statistics on MTBE factory prices from selected producers:
| Enterprise | Unit | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chengtai Chemical | 200,000 tons/year isomerization unit shut down | 8,350 CNY/ton |
| Shida Shenghua | 200,000 tons/year isomerization unit operating steadily, normal shipments | 8,400 CNY/ton |
| Shenchi Chemical | 400,000 tons/year mixed-alkane dehydrogenation unit co-producing 350,000 tons of MTBE | / CNY/ton |
| Lihua Yi | Isomerization and isobutane dehydrogenation units running normally | 8,350 CNY/ton |
| Dongming Petrochemical | 350,000 tons/year mixed-alkane dehydrogenation unit operating steadily, producing 1,000 tons per day | 8,300 CNY/ton |
As of the close on October 9, Asian MTBE prices fell by $43.29 per ton compared with the previous trading day, settling at $1,168.99–$1,170.99 per ton FOB Singapore. European MTBE prices rose by $3 per ton from the prior session, closing at $1,761.49–$1,761.99 per ton FOB ARA. U.S. MTBE prices increased by $22.03 per ton from the previous day, with FOB Gulf prices settling at $1,611.80–$1,612.15 per ton ($455.10–$455.20 per gallon).
| Region | Country | Closing Price | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asia | FOB Singapore | $1,168.99–$1,170.99 per ton | -$43.29 per ton |
| Europe | FOB ARA | $1,761.49–$1,761.99 per ton | +$3 per ton |
| United States | FOB Gulf | $1,611.80–$1,612.15 | +$22.03 per ton |
Market Outlook: Some major producers continue to prioritize export deliveries, resulting in limited domestic sales. Coupled with persistently high raw material prices, cost pressures remain substantial, and MTBE producers are inclined to maintain firm pricing. MTBE analysts expect the market to remain largely range-bound at elevated levels.
