The domestic cyclohexanone market was weak in March. From March 1st to 30th, the average market price of cyclohexanone in China fell from 9483 yuan/ton to 9440 yuan/ton, a decrease of 0.46%, with a maximum range of 1.19%, a year-on-year decrease of 19.09%.

At the beginning of the month, the raw material pure benzene rose, and cost support increased. “The supply of cyclohexanone has decreased, and manufacturers have raised their external quotations, but only downstream demand is required. Market transactions are average, and the market growth of cyclohexanone is limited.”. At the beginning of this month, the operation of pure benzene raw materials was strong, with good cost support. At the same time, some cyclohexanone shipments have decreased and the supply is favorable, but the terminal demand is weak. Downstream chemical fibers only need to follow up, with average trading volume. In the middle of June, pure benzene raw materials significantly decreased, and cost support weakened.

Downstream chemical fibers and solvents only need to be purchased, and actual order prices weaken. Near the end of the month, the price of pure benzene raw materials fluctuated weakly, and cost support weakened. At the same time, some manufacturers have provided more rings.
Cost: On March 30th, the benchmark price of pure benzene was 7213.83 yuan/ton, up 1.55% (7103.83 yuan/ton) from the beginning of this month. The domestic market price of pure benzene increased slightly, and the output decreased. The pure benzene in East China Port has gone to the warehouse, and there are still maintenance plans for the equipment supplied in the later stage, easing the pressure on the domestic supply of pure benzene. The cost side of cyclohexanone is significantly advantageous.
Comparative chart of price trends of pure benzene (upstream raw materials) and cyclohexanone:

Supply: The equipment operating rate in the cyclohexanone industry has remained at around 70%, with a slight increase in supply. The main production enterprise, Shanxi Lanhua, will park for maintenance on February 28th, with a plan of one month; Jining Bank of China parking maintenance; Shutdown and maintenance of Shijiazhuang coking plant. The short-term supply of cyclohexanone was slightly negative.
Demand: On March 30th, compared to the beginning of the month (12200.00 yuan/ton), the benchmark price of caprolactam decreased by -0.82%. The price of lactam, the main downstream product of cyclohexanone, fell. The recent weakness in upstream crude oil prices has affected downstream purchasing attitudes, and the domestic lactam market as a whole remains cautious. In addition, with the increase in inventory pressure of some enterprises in the north and partial price reduction sales, the overall price center of the cyclohexanone spot market has decreased. Demand for cyclohexanone has been negatively affected.
The market outlook is predicted to be dominated by market fluctuations in cyclohexanone in the short term.