Chemical Prices Today (July 27, 2026): Daily Market Trends & Price Changes

China's Basic Chemicals market showed mixed performance on July 27, with upstream petrochemical products remaining under pressure while selected industrial chemicals and specialty materials posted gains. Benzene (-4.78%), Methanol (-4.76%), Propylene (-7.28%), Sulfur (-4.55%), PET (-3.92%) and Xylene (-3.55%) declined as weaker feedstock sentiment, softer crude-linked aromatics pricing and cautious downstream procurement weighed on the market. Recent industry reports also indicate that aromatics trading sentiment has softened amid slower spot buying despite structurally tight inventories in parts of China. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} Meanwhile, EVA (+3.14%), Hydrochloric Acid (+3.13%), Lithium Carbonate (+2.10%), Isopropyl Alcohol (+2.38%), Propylene Glycol (+2.40%) and Magnesium Sulfate (+8.33%) recorded gains, supported by replenishment demand, improved procurement from downstream sectors and selective supply tightening. Although Ferrous Sulfate plunged 47.83% day-on-day following a sharp market correction, its monthly gain remained above 40%, highlighting continued price volatility after previous supply-driven increases. Overall, the market continues to exhibit product-specific divergence, with energy-linked bulk chemicals facing downward pressure while demand-driven specialty chemicals remain relatively resilient.

China's Fine Chemicals market presented a mixed performance on July 27, with prices diverging across solvents and inorganic chemicals. Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC) (+1.60%) and Melamine (+2.08%) advanced on improved downstream replenishment demand and relatively firm production costs, while industry attention remained focused on green chemical technologies. Recent research highlighting a more energy-efficient separation process for Dimethyl Carbonate is expected to support long-term industry investment and reinforce demand expectations for this environmentally friendly solvent. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} Meanwhile, Sodium Metabisulfite remained largely stable (-0.10%), reflecting balanced supply and demand conditions. In contrast, Sodium Thiosulfate (-17.50%) and Trichloroethylene (-21.82%) posted sharp declines as ample market supply, weaker spot transactions and cautious downstream purchasing pressured prices. Despite the significant daily correction, Trichloroethylene remained higher than a month ago, indicating that the market is still trading above earlier levels following previous supply-side support. Overall, the fine chemicals market continues to exhibit product-specific differentiation, with environmentally friendly and value-added chemicals showing greater resilience while traditional industrial chemicals remain under pressure from subdued demand and inventory adjustments.

China's Energy and Plastics markets softened on July 27, as declining crude oil prices and cautious downstream procurement weighed on both upstream energy products and polymer markets. WTI Crude Oil fell 3.26% to USD 89/barrel, reflecting weaker global oil sentiment amid concerns over slowing fuel demand and expectations of improved supply, which in turn pressured domestic Gasoline (-1.98%) and Asphalt (-0.95%). Anthracite recorded the sharpest decline, dropping 10.00% day-on-day as coal inventories remained sufficient and industrial purchasing activity slowed despite prices still standing above year-earlier levels. In the plastics segment, ABS (-1.68%) and HDPE (-0.82%) edged lower as converters maintained a cautious buying strategy and weaker feedstock costs reduced pricing support. Recent industry news also highlighted continued pressure across the global petrochemical value chain from softer energy prices and subdued manufacturing demand, limiting upward momentum for commodity polymers. Nevertheless, both ABS and HDPE remained higher on a monthly basis, suggesting that underlying demand from packaging, consumer goods and infrastructure sectors continues to provide medium-term support despite the latest market correction. Overall, the Energy and Plastics markets remain closely linked to crude oil movements, with short-term sentiment staying cautious while downstream consumption provides selective resilience.