From January 4th to 9th (as of 15:00), the price of methanol at East China ports in the domestic market rose by 0.93% during the period, up 8.93% month-on-month, and down 15.27% year-on-year. Boosted by anticipated reductions in imports and the instability of the international situation, the port methanol market mainly operated with a strong upward trend. Supported by rising port prices, increased external procurement of olefins, and downstream restocking after the holiday, methanol prices in many parts of the domestic market rose.
Methanol spot price comparison chart:
On the cost side, slow restocking demand for coal will limit the rebound in coal prices, offering limited support for methanol prices.
Comparison chart of coal/thermal coal (upstream raw material) and methanol price trends:
On the demand side, domestic olefin demand remained relatively stable, while consumption in traditional sectors declined, widening the supply-demand gap. Most downstream products were affected by methanol prices, resulting in a generally bearish impact on methanol demand.
Price trend comparison chart of methanol and acetic acid (downstream products):
Comparison chart of methanol-MTBE (downstream products) price trends:
On the supply side, Inner Mongolia Jiuding’s plant is undergoing maintenance; Zhongyuan Dahua’s plant has resumed operations; overall losses exceed recoveries, resulting in reduced output. However, due to a decrease in the effective capacity base, capacity utilization has increased month-on-month. These factors are generally bearish for methanol supply.
Market outlook: A significant reduction in methanol imports is expected, leading to a substantial supply contraction. This is likely to drive down inventory, potentially shifting the market to a tight balance and providing upward price support. Domestic methanol spot market prices are expected to rise again.
Post time: Jan-13-2026