Huizhou Yuxin Chemical has revised its domestic butanone offers higher, reflecting firmer sentiment in the Chinese solvents market. According to an industry source in China, the company increased its ex-works prices by Yuan 100 per metric ton, bringing the new offer level to Yuan 7,000/mt.
Market participants noted that the upward adjustment comes against the backdrop of gradually tightening supply and a mild recovery in buying interest from downstream industries. While overall demand remains relatively soft compared with peak consumption periods, producers have been cautious in their pricing strategies, seeking to maintain margins in the face of rising input costs and fluctuating crude oil benchmarks.
Butanone, widely used as a solvent in paints, coatings, adhesives, and chemical intermediates, has seen modest improvements in order volumes in recent weeks, particularly from the coatings sector as construction-related activity shows signs of stabilizing in certain regions. Traders commented that Huizhou Yuxin’s price increase is likely a reflection of both improved sentiment and the need to align ex-factory levels with broader market trends, where regional suppliers have resisted deeper discounts despite muted downstream consumption.
Industry observers added that while the Yuan 100/mt adjustment is not dramatic, it signals an attempt by producers to test the market’s acceptance of higher prices after a prolonged period of subdued trading. The reaction of buyers will be key in determining whether other producers follow suit in the coming weeks. For now, the move underscores a cautious but notable shift in the Chinese solvents market, with prices edging upward as suppliers seek balance between supply-side discipline and tentative demand recovery.
