China and Germany are the leading exporters of dimethyl malonate (CAS 108-59-8), collectively accounting for a majority of global export value, while the United States, South Korea, and India represent the largest importers. Dimethyl malonate prices have remained relatively stable amid steady cross-border flows, reflecting consistent industrial demand in pharmaceuticals and agrochemical synthesis. Export volumes from China have increased modestly since 2022, while German exports have held steady, and U.S. imports have risen slightly—indicating sustained reliance on imported supply despite domestic production capacity.
Market Intelligence on Dimethyl Malonate
I. Price Trends
1. Domestic Market:
- East China: Main transaction price range: CNY 12,500–13,200/ton, up 2.3% week-on-week.
- South China: Main transaction price range: CNY 12,800–13,500/ton, up 1.8% month-on-month.
- North China: Main transaction price range: CNY 12,200–12,900/ton, up 1.5%.
2. International Market:
- Southeast Asia FOB Price: USD 1,850–1,920/ton, up 1.9% week-on-week.
- Europe CFR Price: USD 2,050–2,120/ton, unchanged.
II. Supply and Demand Dynamics
1. Supply Side:
- Domestic Capacity Utilization: Approximately 78%, up 2 percentage points from the previous week, primarily due to the restart of some units under maintenance.
- Imports: October imports decreased by 12% month-on-month, mainly due to reduced exports caused by tight supply in Europe.
- Inventory: East China port inventory decreased to 12,000 tons, down 8% month-on-month, reaching a three-month low.
2. Demand Side:
- Downstream Industry Operating Rates:
- Pharmaceutical Intermediates: 85% (up 3% month-on-month), with stable and growing demand.
- Pesticide Intermediates: 78% (up 2% month-on-month), driven by increased seasonal stockpiling.
- Flavors and Fragrances: 82% (unchanged month-on-month), primarily driven by essential demand.
- Export Orders: October exports increased by 15% year-on-year, with strong demand from Southeast Asia and India.
III. Costs and Profits
1. Raw Material Prices:
- Methanol: Main price in East China: CNY 2,450–2,520/ton, up 1.2% week-on-week.
- Chloroacetic Acid: Main price: CNY 4,800–5,200/ton, unchanged.
2. Production Margins:
- Theoretical Gross Margin: Approximately CNY 800–1,000/ton, up 5% from the previous week, indicating eased cost pressure.
IV. Policy and Industry Developments
1. Environmental Policies:
- Some small-capacity plants in Jiangsu Province have been suspended due to environmental inspections, leading to a short-term tightening of supply.
2. Industry Events:
- A leading enterprise plans to conduct maintenance in late November, expected to impact approximately 15% of its production capacity.
V. Analysis and Assessment
1. Short-Term Driving Factors:
- Supply: Coexistence of domestic unit restarts and maintenance, combined with reduced imports, has led to regionally tight supply.
- Demand: Improved operating rates in downstream industries and growth in export orders are supporting demand.
- Costs: Methanol prices have risen slightly, but overall cost pressure remains manageable.
2. Market Sentiment:
- Traders are increasingly reluctant to sell, with some regions exhibiting hoarding behavior in anticipation of price increases.
- Downstream buyers are primarily purchasing for essential needs and have limited acceptance of higher prices.
VI. Price Forecast
1. Short-Term (1–2 Weeks):
- Price Range: Domestic: CNY 12,800–13,500/ton; International: USD 1,880–1,950/ton.
- Trend: Prices are expected to remain firm, supported by tightened supply and strong demand, although higher prices may suppress some procurement.
2. Medium-Term (1–2 Months):
- Risk Factors:
- Further supply contraction due to maintenance at the leading enterprise.
- Significant fluctuations in methanol prices.
- Seasonal decline in downstream demand.
- Forecast: If there is no unexpected increase in supply, prices are likely to remain at high levels with volatility. Attention should be paid to maintenance progress and inventory changes.
Dimethyl malonate is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a mild, fruity odor and moderate volatility; it has a boiling point of approximately 198–200 °C and a melting point near 4–5 °C. It is classified as an aliphatic diester and serves primarily as a versatile C3 building-block intermediate in organic synthesis. Its most significant industrial applications are in the production of pharmaceuticals (e.g., barbiturates and antihypertensive agents), agrochemicals (including fungicides and plant growth regulators), and specialty chemicals such as dyes and polymer modifiers. It is widely employed in Knoevenagel condensations and as a precursor to substituted acetic acids, pyrazoles, and heterocyclic compounds across fine chemical manufacturing.
It is used in fragrances and some artificial flavorings .
liquid
This chemical is included in Fine Chemicals. See more about what is Dimethyl malonate and Dimethyl malonate SDS information.
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