The Messenger of Chile reported on January 21 that Ensorcia, a US company, invested $220 million in the exploitation and production of lithium in the Aguilar Salt Lake in the third largest region (Atacama) in the fourth quarter of this year in cooperation with Enami.

Unlike the traditional lithium extraction technology in solar evaporation pools, Ensorcia will adopt a technology called MU, in which mobile devices are installed near Salt Lakes to extract lithium mixtures and then inject lake water and other minerals back into salt lakes. This technology has been successfully tested in the United States and is expected to be commercialized in Chile.

Ensorcia has negotiated cooperation with the Chilean government since 2016 and has reached an agreement, with Enami holding 10% of the shares. The project plan is divided into two stages: the initial stage is to produce 40% lithium chloride and 90% brine is injected back into the salt lake; the second stage will produce 99.9% battery-grade lithium carbonate. Ensorcia said that the first stage of investment comes from the company’s own funds, and the second stage will be financing from banks, which are currently in talks with several Chilean and foreign banks.

Price Trend

The domestic dimethyl ether market fell first and then rose this week. At the beginning of the week, the average domestic dimethyl ether market price was 3436.67 yuan/ton, and at the end of the week, it was 3300 yuan/ton. Within the week, it rose by 3.98%, and the price fell by 25.03% compared with the same period last year.

II. Market Analysis

Product: This week, the dimethyl ether market fell first and then rose, and the trading atmosphere improved. Hebei Yutai dimethyl ether plant stopped for maintenance on September 13 and has not been opened up yet. Henan Lankao Huitong resumed its quotation on June 16. As of January 25, the ex-factory price of Shengxin dimethyl ether in Qinyang, Henan is 3280 yuan/ton, Lankao Huitong, Henan is 3300 yuan/ton, Yima, Henan is 3320 yuan/ton, Hebei Jichun Chemical Co., Ltd is 3450 yuan/ton, Shengdeyuan, Dezhou, Shandong is 3350 yuan/ton, and Yuhuang, Shandong is 3350 yuan/ton. The ex-factory price of dimethyl ether in Shanxi Orchid Science and Technology Venture Co., Ltd. is 3140 yuan/ton.

Industry chain: This week, the domestic methanol market has experienced a narrow fluctuation. At the beginning of the week, the average domestic methanol market price was 2214 yuan/ton, which was 0.18% higher than that of the same period last year, and 14.40% lower than that of the same period last year. The domestic liquefied petroleum gas market dropped broadly this week. The average price of domestic liquefied petroleum gas market was 4100 yuan/ton at the beginning of the week and 3890 yuan/ton at the end of the week. The price fell by 5.12% in the week, 17.7% compared with the same period last year. At the beginning of the week, the liquefied petroleum gas market and methanol market continued to weaken, which affected the market mentality. The downstream market is full of hollowness, replenishment is on demand, and the enthusiasm for entering the market is not high. Continuous shipments from manufacturers were blocked and inventories increased. At the end of the weekend, the seller rebounded strongly and tried to purchase in the market under the influence of fear of rising in some terminals. With the end of the year approaching, a new round of terminal replenishment work is about to start and prices rebound.

Industry: According to the price monitoring of business associations, there are 6 kinds of commodities in the rising and falling list of commodity prices in the energy sector in the 03rd week of 2019 (1.21-1.25). The top three commodities are power coal (0.47%), naphtha (0.42%) and asphalt (70) (0.42%). There are 8 kinds of commodities with a decline of more than 5%, accounting for 12.5% of the monitored commodities in this sector. The products with the first three declines are liquefied natural gas (-15.33%), liquefied gas (-5.12%) and dimethyl ether (-3.98%). Average gains and losses this week were -1.93%.

3. Future Market Forecast

Dimethyl ether business analysts believe that near the Spring Festival, most end users intend to replenish goods strongly. It is expected that there will be a rebound in future stock market.

Since New Year’s Day, black varieties have stepped out of a relatively smooth upward trend, with the overall increase of nearly 10%. Today, iron ore main I1905 holds 955,000 hands, volume turnover 1.25 million hands, a substantial increase of 13,000 hands, up 1.61% to 535.5 yuan/ton, leading the rise in black goods. Next, we will make a further detailed analysis of the future market and trend.

1. Steady development measures have been introduced continuously, but macro downward pressure is still in place.

Recently, measures such as rapid and substantial reduction of the central bank, TMLF and early issuance of bonds have effectively boosted market sentiment. Various government departments at all levels have approved numerous projects of “capital construction supplement shortcomings board”. Some cities have introduced the “one city one policy” of marginal relaxation of real estate policy, which shows that the policy side is further turning to “moderate relaxation” to prevent the steady development of risk.

However, if we do not solve the problems of monetary transmission channels, mutual restriction of policies at all levels, and restriction of residents’consumption capacity, the effect and time of these policies will be greatly reduced. At the same time, the recently published economic data can only be understood as excessively pessimistic expectations that slightly exceed the market before, GDP in the fourth quarter will fall back to the lowest value since 1992, industrial added value and retail sales of social consumer goods. The total amount has also fallen to the lowest level in recent years, and the reports of some government documents and the recent “provincial and ministerial leading cadres adhere to the bottom line thinking and focus on preventing and resolving major risks” more intuitively show that macro-economy is still facing downward pressure, and iron ore should not be overly optimistic in the short term.

2. Iron ore fundamentals remain stable, but it is difficult to break through independently.

(1) Although the first quarter is traditionally off-season, short-term supply remains high.

Usually, in the first quarter, due to weather and other reasons, it is the traditional off-season for overseas mines; however, the data of overseas mines’shipment and arrival show that the short-term supply of foreign mines remains at a high level: as of January 20, the total shipment volume of Pakistan and Australia is 66.92 million tons, up 4.2 million tons/6.7% year-on-year; the arrival volume of northern ports is 30.47 million tons, down 74 million tons/2.4% year-on-year; and the expected arrival volume of northern ports is 21.67 million tons/year-on-year 10,000 tons, down 60,000 tons/0.3% year on year.

Due to the continuous improvement of environmental protection facilities, equipment and certificates, the domestic environmental safety supervision policy has been relaxed marginally over the same period of the year, and there are no major conferences or accidents in the near future, so the situation of geological and mining start-up is better. As of January 18, the productivity utilization rate of 266 mines in China was 60%, and the lunar calendar rose by 0.2 percentage points over the same period last year.

(2) The demand for replenishment of warehouses before the holidays is basically over, and the accumulation of port stocks will be accelerated.

At present, the demand for replenishment of steel plants before the festival has basically ended. According to WIND data, as of January 18, the available days of stock in steel mills were 32 days, and the lunar calendar increased by 3 days compared with the same period last year. According to MYSTTEL data, as of January 25, the available days of stock in steel mills were 34 days, and the lunar calendar decreased by 1 day compared with the same period last year.

And since late last month, the depot reduction cycle of iron ore ports has ended for nearly half a year, and the accumulation of port stocks will accelerate after the completion of pre-festival replenishment. As of January 18, port iron ore stocks stood at 143.73 million tons, which fell by 8 million tons/5.3% in the lunar calendar compared with the same period last year, and increased by 4.88 million tons/3.5% compared with the stocks on December 21, 2018.

(3) The demand for replenishment after the festival is higher, but the rhythm may be lengthened.

Due to the relaxation of environmental protection margin and the good overall profit of steel mills, the utilization rate of blast furnace capacity is on the high side, which makes the steel mills have a certain demand for normal replenishment. As of January 18, the national blast furnace start-up rate was 64.92%, and the lunar calendar increased by 0.83 percentage points over the same period of last year.

However, in terms of rhythm, due to the difficulty of rapid and clear overall black trend after the year, high stock and stable arrival of ports and other factors, the total amount of iron ore is guaranteed. Steel mills are likely to adopt a prudent attitude, lengthen the procurement rhythm, and avoid periodic centralized procurement to stimulate market sentiment.

3. Material production will lead the direction of later period. It still needs to be prudent whether it can recover quickly after the festival.

In the near future, due to factors such as real estate rush-up and other factors, the off-season consumption of finished products exceeds expectations, the cumulative inventory speed of finished products is slower and the overall inventory level is lower at higher output; and based on the current inventory base, output and consumption level, the total inventory of finished products after saving is lower than that of the same period of last year; due to factors such as inertia of real estate construction and steady recovery of infrastructure, the short-term demand for finished products will still be maintained. Therefore, it is expected that the supply and demand fundamentals of “leading sheep” in the later stage will be relatively stable.

However, the following two issues still need to be concerned: (1) after a long period of real estate rush, whether the demand for early start of construction after the festival is still urgent, whether the large-scale resumption time is after the Lantern Festival or after the two sessions in early March, and the variables that may be brought by the statistics of non-inventory, will have a greater impact on inventory accumulation and market sentiment; (2) under the background of marginal relaxation of environmental protection, Tangshan’s new production limit has recently been put in place. It is still unknown when, how and how to implement the draft for soliciting opinions. Under the condition that the profit of the steel mill is still acceptable and the capacity of increasing production has been greatly improved, the steel mill will still try its best to maintain a high production level, and the supply of finished products will be increased in the later period.

Generally speaking, the replenishment of iron ore before and after the festival has basically ended, although the demand for replenishment is high, the supply will increase steadily, and the overall fundamentals are relatively stable. Although the market is optimistic about the post-festival market such as “leading sheep” finished products, the impact of factors such as rework time and sustained high production still needs to be carefully verified; therefore, it is not appropriate to be overly optimistic in the short term, and due to the rapid base difference. After repair and rapid price rise, iron ore has been on the high side, and it is difficult for iron ore to continue to break through independently and substantially in the near future. And we should guard against the risk of falling back and repeated shocks near key positions.

Price Trend

According to the price monitoring of business associations, as of January 23, the average price of domestic aggregated MDI market was 12900 yuan/ton, and the overall market was running smoothly.

II. Market Analysis

Products: Domestic aggregate MDI market is running steadily. North China and East China Wanhua negotiated 12800-13000 yuan/ton, Shanghai negotiated 12500 yuan/ton, South China Wanhua negotiated 12800 yuan/ton, and Shanghai negotiated 12500-12600 yuan/ton. Downstream delisting early, market inquiries weakened, and on-site offers were scarce.

On the market side, the aggregate MDI market in North China is running steadily. The downstream market is leaving the market one after another. The atmosphere of market inquiry has weakened obviously, and the intention of middlemen is not high. East China Polymerization MDI market is running steadily. Spot market is still tight, but the Spring Festival is approaching, the downstream is leaving, market inquiries are weak, middlemen are mainly stable price delivery, but the actual single-track is insufficient. South China Polymerization MDI market consolidation operation. The market atmosphere is strong, the downstream leaves the market ahead of schedule, and market inquiries are weak.

Industry chain: In terms of raw materials, East China aniline Market is weaker. Although Nanhua and Xinpu have limited market volume, the North has lowered the ex-factory offer, while East China has fallen positively and the focus of negotiations has fallen.

3. Future Market Forecast

Business Cooperative Viewpoint: On the positive side, the factory has a limited capacity, the market is very tight spot, and the overhaul and recovery device has a low load. On the bearish side, terminal demand is weak, and the enthusiasm of downstream and middlemen to hoard goods is weakened after price increases. Business Association aggregate MDI analysts expect that in the short term aggregate MDI market rise and fall dilemma, mainly stalemate.

First, crude oil rebounded in the beginning of the year

In January 2019, crude oil prices rebounded, thanks to Saudi Arabia’s reduction in crude oil exports to the United States and China. In addition, Saudi Arabia reiterated its efforts to balance the crude oil market. If necessary, further production cuts would effectively boost oil prices, OPEC production cuts would gradually play a role in significantly reducing crude oil production, significant reduction in active drilling in the United States, and continued rebound in the stock market would help to rebound risk sentiment. Rising, multiple factors to boost oil prices. Brent charged $61.32 a barrel and WTI $52.31 a barrel on the 16th.

Global crude oil demand growth will slow down in 2019, mainly due to the continued fermentation of major global economic events in 2018. For example, the Sino-US trade war, the progress of Britain’s “de-Europe” and the sanctions imposed by the United States against Russia and Iraq will all be cumbersome to the economic development of the United States. In addition, the economic development situation of the United States itself deserves attention. The global crude oil supply will continue to increase in 2019, and the United States will truly become the world’s largest oil producer, which will surely make the Middle East countries and Russia feel a sense of urgency. OPEC + countries are committed to reducing production to boost crude oil prices, and the shrinking market share is likely to become a new market for the United States to increase crude oil production. The U.S. energy policy advocating inventory reduction will continue. Increasing crude oil production and increasing exports are the basic strategies for 2019. This part of the resources released outside the U.S. will occupy the market share of OPEC + countries and increase the pressure of crude oil stocks outside the U.S.

2. Collective decline of US stocks/rebound of RMB

Recent fears of a global slowdown continued to weigh on U.S. stocks for the first trading day of the week, with three major indices closing down for two consecutive days. As the economy slows down and oil prices remain low, it is expected that corporate earnings growth will become more difficult later. With the collective decline of U.S. stocks, the U.S. dollar and crude oil markets also fell slightly. As investors’demand for risky assets weakened, market instability also intensified.

Last Monday (January 14), the RMB rose 349 basis points to 6.7560 against the US dollar, the highest since July 19, 2018. Influenced by news, the onshore RMB early trading rose more than 200 points, approaching 6.74, and then narrowed down. The offshore renminbi has risen 1.1% against the dollar since last week, after surging more than 1,000 points a week. China’s measures to promote economic growth will help the renminbi appreciate. Especially under the background of trade slowdown, the average value of RMB exchange rate returns, but due to the short-term rise of RMB, some passengers hesitate slightly, the market’s cautious mood revives, and the subsequent rise is expected to slow down.

Third, China’s domestic economic growth has slowed down

On January 12, Ning Jitao, deputy director of the National Development and Reform Commission, said at the 23rd China Capital Market Forum that the expected GDP growth of about 6.5% in 2018 could be achieved. At the same time, the expected goal of basically synchronizing the growth of residents’income and economic growth in 2018 can be achieved. The growth of per capita residents’ income has outperformed the growth of per capita GDP and achieved the basic synchronization. However, compared with the GDP in 2017, the growth rate slowed down year-on-year, indicating that the follow-up economic pressure still exists.

Generally speaking, crude oil and Renminbi have both stopped falling and rebounded, US stocks have fallen, and GDP has been growing steadily throughout the year. Many economic indicators indicate that the beginning of 2019 will be stable. Polyethylene market has been in a stable stage since New Year’s Day. Petrochemical has actively cleared stocks before the festival and is relatively ideal. As of the 18th day, two barrels of oil stocks have remained at a low level of about 500,000 tons. In addition, stocks in the lower reaches of the year before the festival have not At the end, the spot market is limited, traders and downstream inventories are low, so the overall polyethylene market is expected to continue to stabilize. Macroeconomics continues to maintain a “L” type of steady development, so the market need not be too pessimistic. The overall trend of 2019 is expected to be moderate and progressive, but there are still many difficulties and challenges in the economic operation. With the combination of multiple factors, the market still needs to respond at random.

On January 21, the Asian phenol market closed at a stable price of $944-946 per ton CIF.

On January 21, the closing price of methanol in Europe and the United States fell, with FOB closed in the Gulf of the United States; FOB of methanol in Europe, Rotterdam, 270.5-271.5 euros/ton, fell 3.5 euros/ton

According to data released by Korea Customs, coal imports from January to December 2018 reached 148.726 million tons, an increase of 464,000 tons, an increase of 0.3%, of which 11.748 million tons were imported in December, a decrease of 4.9%.

Since graphene won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2010, scientists and industry have been chasing graphene enthusiastically. In the pursuit of graphene, a large number of graphene-like two-dimensional materials have also been found, how to define them accurately is related to the development of related materials industry. Reporters learned from Taizhou Juana New Energy Co., Ltd. on the 17th that the first national standard of graphene GB/T 30544.13-2018, drafted by the company, was officially released: Part 13 of nanotechnology terminology: graphene and related two-dimensional materials. This standard is also the first national standard in the field of two-dimensional materials. The family of graphene-like two-dimensional materials involves a wide range of disciplines and a wide range of types. It has been showing a trend of multi-point blossom, new phenomena and new applications.

Two-dimensional materials are one of the most advanced research and application fields. They cover printing electronics, flexible electronics, supercapacitors, solar cells, quantum dots, sensors, semiconductor manufacturing and so on. They have excellent mechanical, thermal and optical properties, and are the basis of subversive innovation in many fields. According to the definition of national standard, it consists of one or several layers, in which the atoms in each layer are closely bonded with the neighboring atoms in the layer. One dimension (i.e. its thickness) is in the nanometer or smaller scale. The other two dimensions are usually in the larger scale of materials, called two-dimensional materials. What are the excellent properties of two-dimensional materials? Because the surface atoms of single-layer two-dimensional materials are almost completely exposed, compared with bulk materials, the atomic utilization rate is greatly improved. The band structure and electrical properties can be easily controlled by thickness control and element doping. Therefore, two-dimensional materials are more conducive to chemical modification and electron transfer. At the same time, they have high flexibility and transparency, and have attractive prospects in wearable smart devices, flexible energy storage devices and other fields. The first national standard for graphene and two-dimensional materials in China was drafted by Taizhou Juana New Energy Co., Ltd. and Southeast University. The former was established in 2010 and is one of the earliest companies engaged in graphene research, testing, application and standardization in China.

On January 16, the PX commodity index was 68.80, up 4 points from yesterday, down 32.81% from the peak of 102.40 points in the cycle (2013-02-28), and up 51.04% from the low of 45.55 points on February 15, 2016. (Note: Period refers to 2013-02-01 to date).

Recently, the domestic market price trend of p-xylene has been temporarily stable. Pengzhou Petrochemical Plant has been running steadily in the field. Urumqi Petrochemical Plant has started 50% of its operation. Fuhaichuang Aromatic Hydrocarbon Plant has been restarted. Other plants have been running steadily for the time being. The domestic market supply of p-xylene has increased, and the market price trend of p-xylene has been temporarily stable. The opening rate of PX plant in Asia rose to about 80%. On January 16, the closing price of p-xylene in Asia dropped by 4 US dollars per ton. The closing price was US$1052-1054 per ton FOB in Korea and US$1071-1073 per ton CFR in China. More than 50% of domestic imports were needed. The decline of foreign prices had a negative impact on domestic market price of p-xylene. The domestic market price was 8600 yuan per ton.

On January 16, the price of WTI crude oil in February rose to 52.31 U.S. dollars per barrel, an increase of 0.20 U.S. dollars. Brent crude oil in March rose to 61.32 U.S. dollars per barrel, an increase of 0.68 U.S. dollars. Crude oil closing price rose slightly, which supported the price of downstream petrochemical products, while the price of paraxylene market was stable. Recent textile industry volatility, PTA prices have maintained stability in the near future, the average price of East China bid in the vicinity of 6400-6600 yuan/ton, as of 16 days domestic PTA start-up rate is about 72%, polyester industry start-up rate is about 82%, plus the general market of hobby production and marketing, PTA market price high volatility, is expected to maintain the PX market price of 8600 yuan/ton in the later period.

Elo Copper announced its output data for the whole year and the fourth quarter of 2018 for Curaca, Bahia, a 99.6% stake in Brazil, and its corresponding financial results will be released after the closing of the Toronto Stock Exchange on Thursday, March 14, 2019.

Output highlights in 2018: 1. Total copper production in 2018 was 30,426 tons, and in 2017 it was 20,133 tons, up 51% year-on-year, exceeding the original output target of 2018 by 15%; 2. Copper production in the fourth quarter was 12,104 tons, up 55% year-on-year; 3. Total annual gold and silver production in NX gold mine with 97.6% of the company was 39,808 ounces and 24,573 ounces respectively.

Outlook highlights in 2019: 1. Copper production target in 2019 is 36,000 to 38,000 tons; 2. C1 cash cost target is $1.00 to $1.10 per pound of copper, in dollar terms: BRL foreign exchange rate is 3.70; 3. Capital expenditure target is $62 million; 4. Additional $20 million is used to fund the exploration plan in 2019. The plan focuses on 130,000 meters of planned exploration drilling, including 112,500 meters of near-mine exploration drilling (including continued exploration of the eastern Vermelhos and Western Pilar wings), and additional 17,500 meters of planned exploration drilling tests for green land.

Commodity Name: Acetone

Market Price (East China January 14): 3600 yuan/ton

Analysis points: Domestic acetone market intends to bid last week, but all aspects of support is limited, the market is in a stalemate. At present, although the port inventory has declined slightly and the mindset of on-site cargo holders has been boosted. In order to stimulate the downstream receipt of goods, the offer has been narrowly pushed up, but the mood of the downstream terminal factories entering the market is not high enough to support the high-level operation of the market, and the volume of the actual transaction is insufficient. Business associations predict that the main negotiation area of East China market is 3550-3600 yuan/ton, and that of South China market is 3700 yuan/ton.

1.Price Trend

According to the business community urea price monitoring, this week the domestic urea market quotation shocks weakly downward, the market purchases on demand. At the beginning of the week, the mainstream ex-factory quotation in the domestic urea market was 1915 yuan/ton. At the weekend, the mainstream ex-factory quotation in the domestic urea market fell to 1897 yuan/ton, with a weekly decline of 0.91%.

II. Market Analysis

Products: This week’s domestic urea market shocks fell sharply, but on Friday there were some price rises, part of the plant overhaul. At present, the mainstream in Shandong has rebounded from the bottom and started to rise slightly. Some manufacturers offer 1860-1920 yuan/ton, while those in Anhui offer 1940-1960 yuan/ton. The overall trading atmosphere in the market has been reduced. Recently, the domestic environment protection inspection atmosphere has eased, coal shortage after heating, many urea enterprises are limited by gas, high price gas and so on, which results in high cost pressure. Some enterprises are forced to limit or stop production, which also results in the decline of start-up and poor performance in demand. The overall industry start-up rate of domestic compound fertilizer enterprises remains low, and the price of raw material urea is unstable. In some enterprises, production reduction or overhaul remains unchanged, and the equipment load is still acceptable.

Market Demand: Agricultural market is mostly in a gap period. Winter storage market is affected by the psychology of “buying up, not buying down”. The wait-and-see mood is strong. There is no obvious start-up of light storage market. It still takes time for the improvement of agricultural demand market. The purchase of industrial compound fertilizer and rubber board industry has come to an end. It is difficult for the market to find a new advantage for the time being, and the market will adjust its trend at a high level in the near future.

Industry chain: Anthracite market supply in the upstream is still tight, coal prices are still rising in recent days, the supply of urea raw materials and natural gas is tight, the price of liquid ammonia market has slightly declined, and urea cost support is strong. Compound fertilizer started at a low level, and raw materials trading was limited.

3. Future Market Forecast

In the short term, the domestic urea market has insufficient stamina, weak demand, light market atmosphere, cautious downstream traders sign orders, many visitors, insufficient follow-up of new orders, and obvious bidding psychology of enterprises. In the long run, the international urea market continues to decline, pessimism in the industry increases, manufacturers have strong willingness to ship, more price reduction orders, and heating season, gas limitation and production reduction, raw material supply is tight. The urea market is expected to rebound from the bottom next week and rise slightly.

On January 9, the hydrofluoric acid commodity index was 119.10, which was the same as yesterday. It was 15.19% lower than the peak of 140.43 points in the cycle (2018-02-21), and 122.24% higher than the low of 53.59 points on November 30, 2016. (Note: Period refers to 2011-09-01 to date)

According to statistics, the price trend of domestic hydrofluoric acid market has been lower recently. The domestic market price of hydrofluoric acid is 12775 yuan/ton as of the 10th day. The domestic starting rate of hydrofluoric acid is more than 50%. Enterprises reflect that the supply of hydrofluoric acid on the spot is sufficient, the situation of goods on the spot has been worse recently. Some enterprises have increased their hydrofluoric acid stocks and lowered the ex-factory price slightly, but due to the high support of raw material market. The price decline of hydrofluoric acid market is very limited. At present, the mainstream of hydrofluoric acid negotiations in the southern region is about 12 500 yuan/ton, while the price of hydrofluoric acid in the northern market is between 12 500 and 13 000 yuan/ton. Domestic hydrofluoric acid market price trend is slightly lower, spot supply is sufficient, due to the recent high prices of raw materials market, fluorite prices are in a high state, but the price of raw materials fluorite slightly declined, the market price of hydrofluoric acid slightly lower.

Recent downstream refrigerant product maintenance devices are more, the demand for upstream fluorite and hydrofluoric acid has weakened, the recent downstream refrigerant trading market has declined, and the price of hydrofluoric acid products has slightly decreased. Recent downstream refrigerant market transactions are cool, R22 refrigerant facility starts at 70%, R22 refrigerant facility start-up rate declines, the main production enterprise bulk water out-of-factory offer price drops to 17500-18500 yuan/ton, but the production enterprise does not have bulk water spot, mainly with a small number of cylinders shipped. In addition, the actual demand side of the market has declined, and the shipment market trend is poor. The domestic market price of R134a is slightly lower, the start-up rate of production enterprises is lower, the market demand for refrigerants is weakened, and manufacturers mainly export their products. However, the on-site transaction price does not change much, and the merchants purchase on demand. Recently, due to the impact of equipment maintenance, the upstream market demand for hydrofluoric acid has weakened.

Refrigerant on-site transaction prices slightly lower, refrigerant industry equipment overhaul increased, the upstream hydrofluoric acid market demand weakened, coupled with the upstream refrigerant industry to resist high prices of raw materials, Business Analyst Chen Ling believes that the hydrofluoric acid market may continue to decline, hydrofluoric acid prices will be around 12,500 yuan/ton.

On January 8, the hydrofluoric acid commodity index was 119.10, down 1.14 points from yesterday, down 15.19% from the peak of 140.43 points in the cycle (2018-02-21), and up 122.24% from the low of 53.59 points on November 30, 2016. (Note: Period refers to 2011-09-01 to date)

According to statistics, the price trend of domestic hydrofluoric acid market has been lower recently. The domestic market price of hydrofluoric acid is 13125 yuan/ton as of the 9th day. The domestic start-up rate of hydrofluoric acid is more than 50%. Enterprises reflect that the supply of hydrofluoric acid on the spot is sufficient, the situation of goods on the spot has been worse recently. Some enterprises have increased their hydrofluoric acid stocks and reduced their ex-factory prices slightly, but due to the high support of raw material market. The price decline of hydrofluoric acid market is very limited. At present, the mainstream of hydrofluoric acid negotiations in the southern region is about 1250-13000 yuan/ton, while the price of hydrofluoric acid in the northern market is about 1250-13500 yuan/ton. Domestic hydrofluoric acid market price trend is slightly lower, spot supply is sufficient, due to the recent high prices of raw materials market, fluorite prices are in a high state, but the price of raw materials fluorite slightly declined, the market price of hydrofluoric acid slightly lower.

Recent downstream refrigerant product maintenance devices are more, the demand for upstream fluorite and hydrofluoric acid has weakened, the recent downstream refrigerant trading market has declined, and the price of hydrofluoric acid products has slightly decreased. Recent market of refrigerant downstream terminal market is cool, R22 refrigerant facility starts at 70%, R22 refrigerant facility start-up rate declines, the main production enterprise’s bulk water ex-factory offer price is between 2000-21500 yuan/ton, but there is no bulk water spot in the production enterprise, mainly a small amount of cylinders shipped. In addition, the actual demand side of the market has declined, and the shipment market trend is poor. The domestic market price of R134a is slightly lower, the start-up rate of production enterprises is lower, the market demand for refrigerants is weakened, and manufacturers mainly export their products. However, the on-site transaction price does not change much, and the merchants purchase on demand. Recently, due to the impact of equipment maintenance, the upstream market demand for hydrofluoric acid has weakened.

Refrigerant on-site transaction prices slightly lower, refrigerant industry equipment overhaul increased, the upstream hydrofluoric acid market demand weakened, coupled with the upstream refrigerant industry to resist high prices of raw materials, Business Analyst Chen Ling believes that the hydrofluoric acid market may continue to decline, hydrofluoric acid prices will be 12,500-13,000 yuan/ton.

At the close of January 8, methanol FOB in the US Gulf dropped 0.25 cents per gallon to 99.5-100 cents (US$331.3-333 per ton), while methanol FOB in Rotterdam, Europe, fell 277-278 (US$317.1-318.2 per ton) to 3.5 euros per ton.

By the end of January 8, methanol CFR in China (LC 0-30 days) was 266-268 US dollars per ton, up 3 US dollars per ton; methanol CFR in Southeast Asia (LC 0-30 days) was 298-300 US dollars per ton.

According to the report on TABNinfo website in Dubai on January 6, 2019, the global petrochemical industry will grow steadily in the next nine years.

A report released on the sidelines of an industry event in Dubai said that nearly 1,158 planned and announced petrochemical plants would be operating mainly in Asia and the Middle East over the next nine years.

The Global Exhibition of Petrochemical, Plastic and Rubber Industries will be held in Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center on January 5, 2019.

The organizers said that the Arab International Plastic Rubber Development in 2019 was a platform for promoting new products, witnessing industry developments, opening up communication channels with industry counterparts and meeting with policy makers in the global plastic, rubber and petrochemical industries.

In the next nine years, Asia, the Middle East and North America will be the top regions contributing to global petrochemical production capacity. It is expected that the annual output of petrochemical products will increase from 1.555 billion tons in 2017 to 2.036 billion tons in 2026.