Sodium metabisulfite price rises
Domestic sodium metabisulfite prices rose 2.86% this week.
The domestic market price of industrial-grade sodium metabisulfite (96.5% purity) increased this week. Upstream soda ash prices remained stable, while sulfur prices rose 7.15%, and downstream caprolactam prices rose 3.78%. The continued upward trend in sulfur prices drove up sodium metabisulfite prices. (The above prices refer to quotations from major domestic companies; some companies that did not submit quotations are not included in this range. Prices are for reference only and are not related to the final pricing by manufacturers. Please contact the respective manufacturers for details.)
Rising domestic sodium metabisulfite raw material costs are supporting prices, and the domestic market price is expected to fluctuate with a slightly upward trend in the short term.
Cyclohexanone prices in Shandong rose for five consecutive days.
1.Price trend
From March 1st to 5th, the price of cyclohexanone in Shandong Province continued to rise, with the price center of gravity constantly adjusting towards higher levels. Major Shandong manufacturers raised prices by a cumulative 950 yuan/ton over the five days, driving the overall market price upward.
2. Analysis of core influencing factors
Geopolitical tensions drive up costs: Continued tensions in the Middle East and high international crude oil prices have led to price increases for upstream raw materials such as benzene. Benzene is a key raw material for cyclohexanone, and its recent price rise provides cost support for cyclohexanone production, increasing production costs and strengthening companies’ willingness to adjust prices.
Improved supply-demand transmission: Tight supply and recovering demand combine to drive up prices. Currently, some cyclohexanone plants are undergoing maintenance in March, reducing effective market supply. Spot inventories are low, and downstream industries such as chemical fibers and coatings are gradually recovering demand. Market expectations for a recovery in cyclohexanone demand have strengthened, boosting market confidence and shifting the supply-demand balance towards a tighter trend.
3. Market Outlook
Currently, supported by both costs and tight supply, cyclohexanone prices are expected to remain high in the short term, with the possibility of further slight increases. In the long term, close attention should be paid to the progress of new capacity coming online and the recovery of downstream demand. If supply-side pressure increases, prices may face downward pressure.
Butyl ketone (MEK) prices rose more than 18% in five days.
1. Market Trends
Influenced by the macroeconomic situation, starting from March 1st, the domestic price of methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) has shown a rapid, step-by-step increase. Prices rose steadily from the beginning of the month, reaching a high point in the first quarter, with a cumulative increase of 18.57% within 5 days.
2. Key Influencing Factors
Macroeconomic Situation: Geopolitical Conflicts Dominate Costs
On February 28, Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait carries approximately 20% of global crude oil trade and 30% of liquefied natural gas trade. The closure directly led to a sharp rise in Brent crude oil prices, with the increased cost of crude oil impacting the entire chemical industry chain. As crude oil is an upstream raw material for methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), the surge in crude oil prices directly pushed up MEK production costs.
On the supply side: Some MEK plants underwent maintenance or reduced production, resulting in a tight spot market supply. Leading companies successively raised their MEK prices, driving up industry prices.
On the demand side: The traditional peak season of “Golden March and Silver April” coupled with the resumption of work and production in downstream industries such as coatings and adhesives, the recovery of the domestic macroeconomy, and the gradual release of restocking demand for methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) have provided demand-side support for the rise in MEK prices.
3. Market Outlook
In the short term, given the ongoing geopolitical conflicts and high crude oil prices, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) prices are expected to remain high, and there is even a possibility of further increases. In the long term, however, if geopolitical conflicts ease, crude oil prices fall, or downstream demand falls short of expectations, MEK prices may face the risk of a correction.
Post time: Mar-09-2026