October 22nd, according to news from China,
This week, the market price of anhydrous hydrogen fluoride in China remained stable. According to the monitoring and analysis system, as of October 22, the benchmark price of hydrogen fluoride was 16,400.00 CNY/ton, unchanged from the beginning of the month.
Raw Materials: Fluorite prices have edged down from their earlier highs, and sulfuric acid prices have also softened, leading to a marginal weakening of cost‑driven support. Although sulfuric acid still accounts for a significant share of anhydrous hydrogen fluoride production costs, the overall upward price momentum on the raw‑material side is no longer as strong as it was before the holiday period. According to the analytical system, as of October 22, the benchmark fluorite price stood at RMB 3,681.25 per tonne, down 0.67% from the beginning of the month (RMB 3,706.25 per tonne).
Supply side: The industry operating rate remains above 70%, and the short-term oversupply situation has not seen a substantial reversal. However, there is a clear regional disparity. Jintian Fluorine Chemical in Xiwuzhumuqin Banner has halted production for maintenance, while companies like Duofluoro and Zibo Feiyuan are mainly using their output for internal use. Henan Yellow River New Materials has also stopped production and is not currently quoting prices, resulting in limited actual sales volume. In some areas of Jiangxi and Fujian, supply is tight, which is the direct reason for the price increases in these regions.
Demand side: Refrigerants remain the largest downstream segment, but major R32 producers are operating at around 40% capacity. R22 has entered its seasonal low season, with the market primarily focused on destocking. In the refrigerant sector, procurement of anhydrous hydrogen fluoride continues to follow a steady, essential‑demand pattern, with no significant expansion plans in the near term. Demand in other segments, such as lithium hexafluorophosphate and electronic‑grade hydrofluoric acid, is also expected to grow only modestly.
Outlook: Hydrofluoric acid analysts predict that with a slight decline in the price of raw material fluorspar, the cost support for hydrofluoric acid will weaken. The situation of oversupply is expected to remain unresolved in the short term, and demand is also expected to decrease later. Under the tug-of-war between supply and demand, the upward space for prices is limited. It is expected that in the short term, the market for anhydrous hydrofluoric acid in China will mainly undergo narrow-range adjustments. More attention needs to be paid to the raw material end, as well as the maintenance status of downstream refrigerant companies.
