1. Pure Benzene: Cost Relaxation Meets Demand Negative Feedback
As of May 25, domestic pure benzene mainstream market daily average price fell to 8,050 yuan/ton, down 2.45% daily, 3.34% weekly, 2.62% monthly, though still up 18.83% year-on-year. Three factors drove this decline: (1) consecutive international crude oil drops weakening cost support; (2) concentrated port arrivals lifting inventory pressure; (3) downstream styrene and phenol/acetone operating rates declining, accumulating negative feedback. Looking ahead, June pure benzene faces continued dual suppression: sustained import arrivals and lackluster downstream demand. Expected range: 7,800-8,300 yuan/ton.
2. Vinyl Acetate: Follow-Down Sentiment Prevails
Vinyl acetate morning notes show mainstream producers quoting lower, downstream buying mood cautious. Along the chain: upstream acetic acid prices retreated, weakening cost support; downstream PVA sector operating rates steady but export orders show no improvement. Near-term fundamentals lack highlights; downstream restocking willingness unlikely to improve materially until the raw material downtrend confirms.
3. Outlook: Weak Oscillation Dominant
Zibo Chemical Product Price Index latest reading: 838.95 points, weekly loss 0.48%, index declining for consecutive weeks. Overall chemical market confidence remains low, with weak terminal demand coexisting with feedstock volatility, enterprises mainly destocking with limited proactive restocking appetite. Synthesizing: June chemical market expected to maintain weak oscillation pattern, awaiting clearer crude direction and confirmation of downstream demand pickup.
