To assist clients and partners in understanding market trends across domestic chemical raw materials and the chlor-alkali supply chain, Wuxi High Mountain Hi-Tech Development Co., Ltd. presents the market report for October 20, 2026:

I. Liquid Caustic Soda: Subdued Supply and Demand, Regional Prices Adjust Based on Demand

On October 20, shipping activity in the domestic liquid caustic soda market remained flexible. Facilities in Liaocheng completed maintenance, while plants in Binzhou planned restarts, contributing to an overall increase in liquid caustic soda supply.

• North & Northwest China: Unloading at alumina enterprises remained steady. Non-alumina downstream demand remained moderate, keeping plants focused on active dispatching. Supply-demand dynamics in Northwest China remained subdued.

• East & Southwest China: Select facilities in Jiangsu underwent maintenance, yet market supply remained adequate. High-concentration caustic soda prices in northern Jiangsu saw reductions. Production in Southwest China remained stable with steady dispatching.

II. Flake Caustic Soda: Smooth Dispatching, Caution Surrounding New Contracts

On October 20, the domestic flake caustic soda market focused primarily on contract signing. New quotation offers in Northwest China remained pending. Ongoing maintenance at select units kept spot availability constrained.

• Supply, Demand & Sentiment: Supported by pre-sale orders, major producers reported smooth dispatching. Given limited downstream tolerance for higher prices, select traders offered flexible pricing. Lower-priced lots curbed upward movement on new orders. Market participants maintained a watch-and-see stance, keeping new contract transactions cautious.

III. Liquid Ammonia: Regional Divergence, Prices Show Mixed Movements

On October 20, performance across regional liquid ammonia markets diverged.

• Shandong & Central China: Completion of maintenance in Liaocheng created expectations of increased supply. Combined with weak demand from downstream propylene oxide sectors, mainstream liquid ammonia prices in Shandong adjusted downward by 100 RMB/ton. In Henan, supply conditions remained largely unchanged with steady producer dispatching.

• East China: Chlor-alkali plants in Anhui maintained stable production, with localized liquid ammonia prices increasing by 50 RMB/ton during the week. Facilities in Jiangsu underwent maintenance, resulting in narrow price fluctuations.

IV. Crude Salt: Stable Trajectory, Ex-Factory Tax-Inclusive Average at 219 RMB/Ton

On October 20, the industrial salt market operated stably. The national ex-factory tax-inclusive average price held at 219 RMB/ton.

• Well/Rock Salt: Operating rates remained steady alongside lower inventory levels. Downstream buyers purchased according to immediate demand. Transactions were finalized via negotiation with stable operations.

• Sea Salt: Sea salt inventories remained ample with sufficient spot supply. Producers held firm against low-price sales, maintaining a steady market course.

V. Hydrochloric Acid: Overall Market Steady, Localized Prices Maintain Firm Posture

On October 20, the hydrochloric acid market was expected to remain steady, with firm liquid chlorine prices offering cost-side support.

• Regional Dynamics: Unrestored units in Shandong and firm liquid chlorine prices supported costs. Maintenance in Henan tightened local supply, easing inventory pressure for producers. Tight supply in southern Jiangsu prompted select enterprises to raise quotations. Spot availability in Guangdong remained tight with producers holding firm offers.

• Price Range: Prices for 31% synthetic hydrochloric acid were concentrated between 150 and 250 RMB/ton.

VI. Calcium Carbide: Market Adjusts Downward, Wuhai Ex-Factory at 2,350–2,400 RMB/Ton

On October 20, the domestic calcium carbide market continued its downward adjustment. Ex-factory prices in Wuhai, Ningxia, were reduced by 50 RMB/ton to 2,350–2,400 RMB/ton. Delivered prices to select downstream plants in Shanxi, Hebei, and Shandong adjusted downward in tandem.

• Supply & Demand Analysis: Operating rates at calcium carbide plants remained elevated, increasing inventory pressures. Downstream operating loads showed no significant changes, keeping procurement focused on immediate needs. Producers offered concessions and lowered ex-factory quotations to ease warehouse pressure.

VII. PVC Market: Steady-to-Firm Movements and Oscillations Coexist

On October 20, performance across the carbide-method and ethylene-method PVC segments developed as follows:

• Carbide-Method PVC: The market demonstrated a steady-to-firm tone with spot price centers shifting slightly higher. Futures contracts extended upward trends, though cautious sentiment persisted. Affected by prolonged margin pressures, select producers adjusted quotations upward. Expected spot price ranges in East and South China for carbide-method PVC were 4,600–5,000 RMB/ton (tax-inclusive, self-pickup).

• Ethylene-Method PVC: Spot markets remained largely stable without major price fluctuations. Elevated ethylene-method PVC cost prices provided market support. Ongoing shutdowns at select plants kept supply tight, though weak downstream demand limited spot absorption. Expected delivered price ranges in East and South China for ethylene-method PVC were 5,300–5,510 RMB/ton (tax-inclusive, including freight).

Wuxi High Mountain: Bulk Chemical Supply Chain Solutions

Wuxi High Mountain Hi-Tech Development Co., Ltd. supplies reliable bulk chemicals (including caustic soda, flake caustic soda, liquid ammonia, hydrochloric acid, and PVC resin) to global manufacturing partners. We monitor market fluctuations to deliver tailored procurement strategies and supply security.

• Official Website: www.wxhmchem.com

• Russian Market Platform: www.highmountainchemru.com

• Business Contact: Mr. Fan (+86-13382223993)

• Office Line: +86-510-85881876

• E-mail: sales1@wxhmchem.com / Harold2@high-mountain.cn