October 23rd, according to reports
According to the commodity market analysis system, from October 16 to 23, the price of MTBE first increased and then decreased from 8,212 CNY/ton to 8,162 CNY/ton. The price decreased by 0.31% within the period, increased by 1.94% month-over-month, and increased by 67.69% year-over-year.
The supply and demand in China's MTBE market are in a tug of war, with the MTBE market experiencing slight fluctuations. The weak demand for gasoline exerts some pressure, but the high volume of export orders to some extent alleviates the supply pressure. As a result, the market shows sporadic and slightly weak performance.
MTBE China production price average trend chart:
Cost Side: On the crude oil front, international oil prices showed mixed movements. The main influencing factors were the U.S.-Iran standoff and Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, which have heightened regional instability, coupled with a sharp decline in U.S. production, providing support to oil prices. Meanwhile, Russia and Ukraine’s hints of willingness to engage in peace talks weighed on prices, resulting in a complex interplay of bullish and bearish forces.
Demand Side, in the downstream sector, for gasoline, as temperatures drop in northern China, there is an increase in private car usage among the public. It is expected that international oil prices have room for growth, and the anticipated adjustment of the wholesale and retail price cap for refined oil products is positive news for the oil market. The refined oil market is likely to remain strong. The demand for MTBE is also influenced by favorable factors.
Supply side: After the shutdown of Shida Shenghua's facility, production has been affected, potentially reducing resource supply. The supply side for MTBE is influenced by positive factors.
As of October 23, statistics on MTBE factory prices from selected producers:
| Enterprise | Unit | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chengtai Chemical | 200,000 tons/year isomerization unit shut down | RMB 8,100/ton |
| Shida Shenghua | 200,000 tons/year isomerization unit running steadily, normal shipments | RMB 8,250/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 operating normally | RMB 8,200/ton |
| Dongming Petrochemical | 350,000 tons/year mixed-alkane dehydrogenation unit running steadily, producing 1,000 tons per day | RMB 8,150/ton |
As of the close on October 22, Asian MTBE prices fell by $5.62 per ton compared with the previous trading day, settling at $1,150.75–$1,152.75 per ton FOB Singapore. European MTBE prices rose by $17 per ton from the prior session, closing at $1,697.74–$1,698.24 per ton FOB ARA. U.S. MTBE prices declined by $27.98 per ton versus the previous day, with FOB Gulf prices settling at $1,231.53–$1,231.88 per ton ($347.73–$347.83 per gallon).
| Region | Country | Closing Price | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asia | FOB Singapore | $1,150.75–$1,152.75 per ton | -$5.62 per ton |
| Europe | FOB ARA | $1,697.74–$1,698.24 per ton | +$17 per ton |
| United States | FOB Gulf | $1,231.53–$1,231.88 per ton | -$27.98 per ton |
Market Outlook: Raw material prices remain at elevated levels, with isobutane in particular trading at a premium, keeping cost pressures substantial. International crude oil prices are expected to stay high, while bearish and bullish factors continue to vie for dominance. MTBE analysts anticipate that the MTBE market will largely consolidate at current high levels.
