According to the Commodity Market Analysis System of Shengyi Society, the mixed xylene market fluctuated downward this week. From May 1 to May 12, 2025, the price of mixed xylene decreased from 5610 yuan/ton to 5570 yuan/ton, a decrease of 0.71%. This week, the mixed xylene market in Shandong region mainly declined, and the market shipment situation during the May Day holiday did not meet market expectations. Refineries voluntarily lowered prices and shipped, driving some downstream purchases into the market. Market transactions began to improve in the later part of the week, and overall market prices declined. The East and South China regions have been fluctuating and weakening, with port inventories rising during holidays and market demand being more rigid. Overall trading is average, and the market is running weakly.
On the cost side: During the May Day holiday, international oil prices fell significantly, mainly due to OPEC+increasing production beyond expectations, which was negative for international oil prices and led to a sharp decline in the crude oil market. After May Day, with the increasing oil restrictions imposed by the United States on a certain country, as well as the impact of the Israel Palestine conflict and the intention of negotiations between China and the United States, the trend of international oil prices has risen. Overall, in early May, international oil prices remained mainly fluctuating at a low level. As of May 9th, the main contract settlement price of WTI crude oil futures in the United States was $61.02 per barrel, and the main contract settlement price of Brent crude oil futures was $63.91 per barrel.
Supply side:
Sinopec’s xylene quotation summary shows that the company is currently operating normally, with stable production and sales. The company’s quotation remains unchanged from the previous day. As of May 12th, East China Company quoted 5550 yuan/ton, North China Company quoted 5350-5450 yuan/ton, South China Company quoted 5650-5700 yuan/ton, and Central China Company quoted 5600 yuan/ton.
Demand side:
On May 12th, Sinopec Sales Company temporarily stabilized the price of xylene, with the current execution price of 6600 yuan/ton. This price is implemented in East China, North China, Central China, and South China. Yangzi Petrochemical, Zhenhai Petrochemical and other units are operating stably and sales are normal. As of May 9th, the closing prices of the para xylene market in Asia were $760-762/ton FOB Korea and $784-786/ton CFR China.
Market forecast: The trend of crude oil will mainly fluctuate within a certain range in the near future, with significant overall fluctuations. In terms of supply and demand, there will be some purchasing demand in the downstream oil market and chemical industry, which will provide some support for prices. The recent port arrival situation in terms of supply is good, and inventory is expected to increase slightly. Overall, the mixed xylene market is mainly affected by fluctuations in crude oil prices in the short term, with an overall range oscillation trend.