The acetone market saw a narrow upward trend in October. According to the analysis system of Business Society, the national acetone market reported an average of 5865 yuan/ton on October 1st, rising to 6005 yuan/ton on October 31st, an increase of 2.39%. Looking at the acetone market in East China, it reported an average of 5680 yuan/ton on October 1st, rising to 5780 yuan/ton on October 31st, an increase of 3.35%.

In the first half of the month, the concentration of port cargo increased, and the mentality of traders was positive, which was boosted. The offer was pushed up, but there was no intention to lower it. Downstream sporadic terminal factories made purchases, and the trading atmosphere improved. In the second half of the month, port inventory continued to decline, and the supply of goods was mainly concentrated in the hands of a few traders. Traders had a high upward sentiment, and the average price at the end of the month exceeded 6000 yuan/ton.

In terms of supply, as of the end of the month, the inventory at Jiangyin Port was 20500 tons, including 18000 tons in Huaxi and 2500 tons in Hengyang.

In terms of equipment: Jilin Petrochemical’s 150000 tons/year phenol ketone unit will be shut down for maintenance starting from March 4th, and is expected to undergo maintenance for about a year; Jiangsu Ruiheng 650000 tons/year phenol ketone plant will shut down from October 9th to 14th; Changchun Chemical’s 480000 tons/year phenol ketone plant will be shut down for maintenance on October 10th, with an estimated 45 days.

From the demand side, the top two downstream industries have relatively stable production, with bisphenol A production at 60% and acetone cyanohydrin MMA production at 50%. The overall production of bisphenol A and MMA downstream is stable, with limited export orders for isopropanol and domestic facilities maintaining a level close to 50%.

It is expected to remain stable and rise in November. Upstream, the external environment is weak, and the cost support is weak. On the supply side, Sinopec Mitsui will shut down for maintenance in mid to late November. Changchun Chemical Plant is expected to resume operation in mid November, and Dongying New Plant is expected to have goods for export in November. The expected import volume is between 32000 and 35000 tons, and Business Society expects the market to steadily advance in November. The overall monthly average price may be higher than that in October, and the market price in East China is around 5700-6150 yuan/ton.