Release Date: April 27, 2026

Summary: Entering the final trading week of April, the domestic chlor-alkali industrial chain is showing clear price divergence. While liquid caustic soda and PVC spot prices have shifted slightly lower due to weak demand and inventory pressure, the liquid chlorine market has seen a substantial rebound since the weekend, driven by increased demand and cost-side maneuvering. Wuxi High Mountain provides this analysis of today's core market dynamics.

1. Caustic Soda: Liquid Soda Adjusts Downward, Flake Soda Consolidates

Liquid Caustic Soda: Localized Price Corrections The domestic liquid caustic soda market followed a downward trend today.

• East China & Shandong: Demand in Shandong has not shown significant improvement, with downstream procurement limited to essential needs. As some plants see inventory levels rise, localized price concessions have been made to stimulate movement. Similarly, markets in Jiangsu and Zhejiang remain at low-level consolidation.

• Central & Southwest China: Trading sentiment is tepid, with producers focusing on active shipments, leading to a downward shift in transaction centers.

Flake Caustic Soda: Steady Operations Await New Quotes The flake caustic soda market maintained price stability today.

• Supply Side: With previously offline units gradually resuming production, market supply is recovering.

• Demand Side: Downstream feedstock inventories remain relatively ample. Coupled with the upcoming May Day holiday, restocking enthusiasm is modest. Most producers are maintaining steady shipment rhythms.

• Price Reference: The current reference price for solid caustic soda in China is approximately 3,114 RMB/ton (Ex-warehouse, tax inclusive).

2. Liquid Chlorine & Hydrochloric Acid: Liquid Chlorine Rebounds Strongly

Liquid Chlorine: Significant Price Rally Since the weekend, transaction centers for the domestic liquid chlorine market have surged.

• Shandong: Demand has increased due to the ramp-up of downstream methane chloride units and epoxy propane facilities. This has significantly alleviated shipment pressure for chlor-alkali enterprises, leading to cumulative price hikes of 250–300 RMB/ton.

• East China: Following the trend in Shandong, sentiment in Northern Jiangsu has turned positive, with cumulative price increases reaching approximately 400 RMB/ton.

Hydrochloric Acid: Narrow Fluctuations The hydrochloric acid market saw narrow adjustments today. While transaction prices remain stable due to supply contractions and essential demand support, some regions may see minor downward corrections influenced by the volatility in the liquid chlorine market.

• Price Reference: Prices for 31% synthetic hydrochloric acid are mostly concentrated between 50–250 RMB/ton.

3. Calcium Carbide & PVC: Futures Volatility Weighs on Sentiment

Calcium Carbide: Centers Shift Upward, Holding Firm After Gains The domestic calcium carbide market trended upward today. Ex-factory prices in Ningxia and Wuhai rose by approximately 100 RMB/ton to around 2,250 RMB/ton. Supply contractions caused by last week’s maintenance have strengthened producer sentiment.

PVC Market: Bearish Consolidation, Cautious Participation

• Carbide-based PVC: Impacted by the weak performance of the V2609 futures contract in the night session, market participants are cautious. Transaction centers in mainstream East and South China markets shifted slightly lower. Prices are expected to fluctuate around 4,830–5,080 RMB/ton (Ex-warehouse, tax inclusive).

• Ethylene-based PVC: Trends remain stable with flexible producer quotes, but downstream demand has yet to show significant volume growth. Price references are between 5,600–6,150 RMB/ton (Tax and freight inclusive).

4. HM Perspective: Strategic Guidance Ahead of the Long Holiday

Based on current data, Wuxi High Mountain recommends that partners focus on the following dimensions:

1. Impact of Liquid Chlorine Volatility: The rapid rebound in liquid chlorine prices will directly increase production costs for chlorinated chemicals. Downstream manufacturers should plan their procurement rhythm accordingly.

2. Holiday Logistics Management: With the May Day holiday approaching, logistics capacity may become restricted. We advise partners with essential needs to complete restocking before the holiday to ensure production continuity.

3. Core Product Assurance: High Mountain remains dedicated to providing stable supplies of PVC Paste Resin, MCAA, and Rongalite (SFS). Our professional supply chain team will tailor the most competitive solutions for you based on market volatility.