Chemical Prices Today (June 2, 2026): Daily Market Trends & Price Changes

China's chemical market showed divergent movements on June 2. Borax and Sodium carbonate recorded the strongest gains, supported by replenishment buying and improved procurement activity from glass and detergent sectors, while Acetone and Methanol edged higher on firmer spot sentiment and stable feedstock costs. In contrast, solvent products including Dichloromethane, Ethyl acetate, Propylene glycol and Isopropyl alcohol remained under pressure as downstream consumption stayed cautious and market participants focused on inventory reduction. Copper sulfate and Sulfuric acid also weakened following softer industrial demand and ample supply conditions. Phosphoric Acid continued to outperform on a monthly basis, with prices remaining more than 13% above the previous month, supported by phosphate fertilizer demand and steady industrial procurement. Meanwhile, Lithium carbonate extended its correction trend, reflecting persistent market caution despite a broadly improving long-term demand outlook from the EV and energy storage sectors. Recent industry reports highlighted that global lithium demand growth continues to be driven by electric vehicle production and battery energy storage projects, while near-term pricing remains affected by ongoing supply expansion and inventory adjustments across the supply chain.

The fine chemicals market exhibited heightened volatility on June 2, with several products posting significant daily price movements. Oleic acid, Water softener salt, and Tetrahydrofuran (THF) led the gains, supported by active replenishment demand and tighter spot availability in selected segments. Castor oil and Trichloroethylene also advanced, reflecting firmer feedstock costs and stable downstream purchasing interest. On the downside, Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) recorded the sharpest decline, falling more than 12% day-on-day and over 17% month-on-month, as oversupply conditions and weak demand from pharmaceutical and industrial applications continued to weigh on market sentiment. Petroleum jelly, Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), Sodium thiosulfate, and Retinol also softened amid cautious buying activity and sufficient inventories. Despite recent corrections, Tetrahydrofuran maintained strong weekly and monthly gains, indicating sustained demand from the spandex, engineering plastics, and solvent sectors. Meanwhile, ongoing market reports suggest that demand for specialty ingredients used in personal care, pharmaceutical formulations, and high-performance materials remains resilient, although buyers continue to prioritize inventory management and short-term procurement strategies in response to uncertain global economic conditions.

The energy, plastics, and related materials markets delivered mixed performance on June 2. Carbon posted the strongest gain, surging more than 13% day-on-day, supported by tighter spot availability and renewed procurement activity from downstream industrial users. In the energy segment, WTI Crude Oil advanced nearly 6%, providing cost support for parts of the petrochemical value chain, while Asphalt and Gasoline recorded moderate gains amid steady transportation and infrastructure-related demand. Conversely, Kerosene moved lower after recent increases, reflecting short-term market adjustments and softer purchasing activity. Within plastics, PVC remained broadly stable with slight weekly improvement, whereas POM continued to face downward pressure, with prices declining more than 6% on a weekly basis amid cautious demand from the automotive, consumer goods, and industrial manufacturing sectors. Recent market developments indicate that crude oil price volatility, infrastructure investment activity, and manufacturing sector demand trends remain the primary drivers influencing pricing across energy and polymer markets. Despite short-term fluctuations, market participants continue to monitor global energy supply conditions, refinery operating rates, and downstream industrial consumption for clearer indications of price direction in the coming weeks.