Chemical Prices Today (July 9, 2026): Daily Market Trends & Price Changes

China's Basic Chemicals market turned broadly firmer on July 9, led by a sharp rebound in Acetone (+5.42%), Dichloromethane (+4.45%), Aniline (+3.87%), Benzene (+3.72%), and Phenol (+3.24%), reflecting stronger feedstock costs and improved spot buying interest. The rally was supported by higher crude oil prices following renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which lifted the regional aromatics market and tightened prompt benzene availability across Asia. Meanwhile, downstream procurement also improved after recent price corrections, providing additional support for phenol-ketone and aromatic chemical chains. In contrast, Lithium carbonate fell 4.29% on the day as battery material demand remained subdued despite stable weekly performance, while Ammonium sulfate, Propylene glycol, and White phosphorus continued to face pressure from cautious downstream purchasing and ample market supply. Although several products posted strong daily gains, monthly performance remained mixed, indicating that the sector is recovering selectively rather than entering a broad-based uptrend.

The Fine Chemicals market remained under pressure on July 9, primarily driven by a sharp correction in Tetrahydrofuran (THF), which plunged 10.26% day-on-day, while Sodium metabisulfite was largely stable with only a marginal 0.08% decline. The significant drop in THF prices reflects persistent weakness in downstream demand from the PTMEG, spandex, and specialty solvent sectors, alongside comfortable domestic supply and cautious procurement strategies adopted by end users. Recent market reports also indicate that Chinese THF prices have softened as inventories remain sufficient and buyers continue to purchase only on a need-to basis despite relatively stable upstream feedstock conditions. In contrast, Sodium metabisulfite maintained stable pricing, supported by balanced supply-demand fundamentals in food processing, water treatment, and mining applications, with no major disruptions reported across the value chain. Overall, the Fine Chemicals market continues to exhibit a cautious tone, as selective demand and adequate supply limit upward price momentum despite isolated cost support from upstream intermediates.

The Energy and Plastics market strengthened overall on July 9, led by a sharp rebound in WTI Crude Oil, which climbed 5.71% to USD 74/barrel, providing cost support across the downstream value chain. Crude prices were boosted by renewed Middle East geopolitical tensions and concerns over potential supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, prompting a stronger risk premium in global energy markets. Supported by higher feedstock costs, ABS prices rose 4.06% as firmer benzene and styrene markets lifted production costs and encouraged restocking activity among downstream manufacturers. Gasoline also posted a modest 1.35% daily increase, reflecting the pass-through effect of stronger crude prices despite remaining below levels seen a month ago. In contrast, Kerosene declined 2.38% on the day as seasonal aviation fuel demand remained relatively soft and sufficient inventories limited upward momentum. Although energy prices have recovered sharply in the short term, monthly performance for both WTI crude and most downstream products remains negative, suggesting that recent gains are primarily driven by geopolitical risk rather than a broad-based improvement in end-user demand.