This week, the cost pressure has risen, and the price of anhydrous hydrogen fluoride in China has risen again. According to the analysis system of Shengyi Society, as of April 9th, the benchmark price of hydrofluoric acid in Shengyi Society was 15100 yuan/ton, an increase of 2.95% from the beginning of the month.
Raw material side: The continuous shortage of sulfur supply upstream of sulfuric acid has pushed up the production cost of sulfuric acid. In addition, with low inventory levels and some companies still undergoing maintenance, the market supply has further tightened, driving the sulfuric acid market to heat up again. The pricing increase space faced by hydrofluoric acid enterprises is basically occupied by the cost of sulfuric acid, and some manufacturers have expectations of subsequent negative pressure reduction due to the difficulty in obtaining raw materials. In terms of fluorite, due to the impact of mining accidents in Zhejiang Province, fluorite mines in the province have been suspended for investigation, affecting Jiangxi and delaying resumption of work until mid April. There is a strong sentiment among businesses to raise prices and be reluctant to sell, with tentative price increases. As a result, the price of newly signed spot orders for hydrofluoric acid has been forced to increase by 500-800 yuan/ton. According to the analysis system of Shengyi Society, on April 9th, the benchmark price of Shengyi Society’s fluorite was 3575.00 yuan/ton, an increase of 0.53% compared to the beginning of this month (3556.25 yuan/ton). The benchmark price of sulfuric acid in Shengyi Society is 2000.00 yuan/ton, which has increased by 26.58% compared to the beginning of this month (1580.00 yuan/ton).
Demand side: Downstream refrigerants are gradually entering the traditional production peak season, and some models of refrigerants have good demand, with a certain rigid demand for hydrofluoric acid. But buyers are more cautious and do not have a high acceptance of high priced raw materials. Procurement is mainly based on on-demand replenishment, and market trading volume is average.
According to the Commodity Market Analysis System of Shengyi Society, the 10 day moving average of hydrofluoric acid prices has been above the 20 day moving average since the end of March, indicating an upward trend in hydrofluoric acid prices.
Since early April, the price of hydrofluoric acid has remained at a high level throughout the cycle (10 days, 20 days, 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, one-year level), and has been consistently experiencing a year long surge. The high position of the fifth gear indicates that the price of hydrofluoric acid is currently on an upward trend, but the upward space is limited. It is recommended to be cautious.
Comprehensive prediction: The high price of raw material fluorite sulfuric acid supports downstream procurement with caution, mainly replenishing on demand, and low acceptance of high priced raw materials. It is expected that the market price of anhydrous hydrogen fluoride will mainly consolidate at a high level in the short term. More attention should be paid to the supply and demand as well as price changes in the raw material market.