Summary: As we progress through mid-to-late April, the domestic chlor-alkali industrial chain is showing a trend of consolidation at high levels. Influenced by planned maintenance and fundamental downstream demand, the markets for Liquid Caustic Soda, Liquid Chlorine, and PVC are exhibiting distinct regional characteristics. Wuxi High Mountain provides this refined analysis based on the latest Baiinfo data to assist your supply chain decisions.

1. Caustic Soda Market: Stable Supply-Demand with Minor Softening

Liquid Caustic Soda: On April 17, the domestic market remained steady but showed signs of consolidation.

• North China: Supply remains relatively ample, but downstream demand continues to be lackluster. The market is stable as chlor-alkali enterprises prioritize active shipments.

• Central China & Henan: Supply is consistent with moderate procurement from end-users. Alkali plants are shipping without significant pressure, leading to steady transactions.

• East China: In Zhejiang, some units have planned maintenance, leading to an expected contraction in supply. Downstream buyers are maintaining procurement based on immediate needs.

• Southwest China: Producers are primarily fulfilling long-term contracts. While shipment status is positive, the market sentiment is cautious due to recent price drops in the broader caustic soda sector.

Flake Caustic Soda: The market is expected to continue its stable operation today.

• Supply Side: Maintenance at individual major plants in Xinjiang provides support. Although terminal consumption is limited, the rising logistics costs and improved stockpiling sentiment ahead of the May Day holiday are expected to gradually reduce inventory.

• Price Reference: The current reference price for solid caustic soda in China is approximately 3,110 RMB/ton (Ex-warehouse, tax inclusive).

2. Liquid Chlorine, Hydrochloric Acid, and Industrial Salt: Regional Tightness

Liquid Chlorine: The market continues to trend lower. In Shandong, stable operating loads and ample supply contrast with a lack of significant downstream improvement. To facilitate shipments, liquid chlorine prices were adjusted downward by 100 RMB/ton. Conversely, Jiangsu is seeing a supply reduction due to neighboring maintenance, which may support the market in the coming days.

Hydrochloric Acid: Prices are expected to fluctuate within a narrow range. Due to average downstream demand and weakening feedstock support, there is a potential for price pressure. Supply in Guangdong and Hubei is sufficient, leading to a quiet trading atmosphere.

• Price Reference: Today's price for 31% synthetic hydrochloric acid is concentrated between 50–250 RMB/ton.

Industrial Salt: The market remains in a consolidation phase.

• Well/Mineral Salt: Most enterprises are running at stable loads. Some units in Hubei have resumed production, ensuring ample supply and stable quotes.

• Sea Salt: The mainstream transaction price for salt used in soda ash production in Shandong remains at 160–180 RMB/ton (Tax inclusive, ex-factory). Small-scale harvesting is expected to begin later this month, maintaining a steady supply.

3. Calcium Carbide and PVC: Narrow Gains Amid Cautious Sentiment

Calcium Carbide: The market is operating steadily today. Ex-factory prices in Ningxia and Wuhai are maintained at approximately 2,250–2,300 RMB/ton.

• Supply-Demand: Supply from calcium carbide enterprises has contracted this week, easing the supply-demand conflict. Manufacturers report acceptable shipment conditions, though buyers still hold a slight procurement advantage.

PVC Market:

• Carbide-based PVC: The market has moved slightly upward, with spot transaction centers shifting higher. The rally in PVC futures has boosted sentiment in the spot market. Social inventory is showing a slight decline, with price fluctuations in East/South China ranging between 4,750–5,050 RMB/ton.

• Ethylene-based PVC: Trends remain stable with flexible corporate quotes. Operating rates are at 62.05% with ample supply. Ahead of the weekend, some producers are showing firm pricing intentions. Mainstream prices are fluctuating between 5,800–6,600 RMB/ton (Tax and freight inclusive).

4. HM Perspective: Market Insights Ahead of May Day Holiday

Wuxi High Mountain analyzes that the chlor-alkali sector is currently entering a "pre-holiday stockpiling cycle."

Strategic Advice for Partners:

1. Monitor Logistics Costs: With the holiday approaching, cross-regional freight rates may fluctuate. We recommend that clients with long-term requirements arrange shipments in advance.

2. Inventory Management: While the PVC market has seen a slight rebound, social inventory remains high. We suggest downstream manufacturers maintain a "just-in-time" strategy to avoid chasing price peaks.

3. Stability through Partnership: High Mountain remains committed to providing premium Rongalite (SFS), Thiourea, and PVC Paste Resin. Amidst market fluctuations, our stable supply system is here to protect your production continuity.