Chemical Prices Today (June 23, 2026): Daily Market Trends & Price Changes

Basic chemicals remained under mixed pressure on June 23, with solvents and bulk petrochemicals continuing to soften amid cautious downstream purchasing and ample supply conditions. Acetone, Methanol, Benzene, and Isopropyl alcohol all recorded noticeable daily declines, reflecting weak demand from coatings, resins, and chemical intermediates sectors. Aniline also fell sharply as downstream MDI consumption remained subdued, while EVA and Lithium carbonate extended their monthly losses due to persistent oversupply concerns in new energy materials markets. Meanwhile, Acetic acid, Acetonitrile, and Propylene glycol posted moderate gains, supported by replenishment demand and tighter spot availability. Ammonium chloride surged nearly 11% on the day, indicating active fertilizer procurement and improved industrial demand. Although Phosphoric Acid eased slightly from recent highs, monthly gains remained close to 18%, while Sulfur continued to maintain strong year-to-date momentum as global sulfur and phosphate fertilizer markets remained tight. Recent industry news indicates that elevated sulfur costs and fertilizer supply constraints continue to support phosphate-related products, while the lithium market remains pressured by excess supply despite improving long-term battery demand expectations. Overall, the market remains characterized by weak petrochemical demand, selective replenishment activity, and divergent performance between energy-transition materials and traditional bulk chemicals.

Fine chemicals showed strong divergence on June 23, with several products recording significant upward movements driven by tight supply conditions and active replenishment demand. Imidazole posted an exceptional daily increase of more than 100%, indicating a sudden supply disruption or limited spot availability in the pharmaceutical and electronic chemical sectors. Sodium thiosulfate, Trichloroethylene, and Stearic acid also registered notable gains, supported by improved industrial procurement and tighter market circulation. Poly(ethylene glycol) rebounded nearly 8% on the day despite remaining under weekly pressure, suggesting short-term restocking activity after previous declines. Meanwhile, Tetrahydrofuran maintained moderate monthly gains as downstream demand from engineering plastics and solvent applications remained relatively stable. In contrast, Castor oil declined nearly 3% due to weaker export demand and softening vegetable oil markets, while Petroleum jelly and Sodium metabisulfite remained largely stable amid balanced supply and demand conditions. Recent market developments indicate that supply-side disruptions and low inventories continue to drive volatility in several specialty chemical segments, whereas demand recovery in pharmaceuticals, electronics, and industrial applications is providing selective support to high-value fine chemicals. Overall, the fine chemicals market is characterized by tightening supply in certain niche products, active downstream replenishment, and widening price divergence across different application sectors.

Energy, plastics, and related industrial materials remained under pressure on June 23 as weakening crude oil prices and cautious downstream demand weighed on market sentiment. WTI Crude Oil declined more than 2.5% on the day and has fallen over 12% during the past month, reflecting easing geopolitical risk premiums and concerns over global demand growth. The correction in crude prices also limited support for refined products, with Gasoline and Asphalt recording slight declines despite maintaining modest monthly gains. In the plastics sector, ABS continued to weaken, with monthly losses exceeding 13%, as sluggish consumption from household appliances, automotive, and consumer goods industries kept buying interest subdued. HDPE also edged lower amid sufficient supply and cautious procurement activity, although monthly declines remained relatively limited. Meanwhile, Carbon prices remained stable to slightly weaker, reflecting balanced supply conditions and moderate demand from industrial applications. Recent market developments suggest that lower energy prices are reducing feedstock costs across petrochemical chains, while uncertainty surrounding manufacturing demand and export orders continues to pressure plastics markets. Overall, the sector remains characterized by soft energy prices, ample polymer supply, and cautious downstream purchasing, with market participants closely monitoring crude oil movements and the pace of industrial demand recovery.