SunSirs: The Domestic Chloroform Market Was Fluctuating Within a Narrow Range, Caught in a Stalemate Between Rising and Falling

Since the beginning of May, the domestic chloroform market has exhibited a pattern of high-level, narrow-range fluctuation, characterized by a stalemate between upward and downward movements. According to the commodity market analysis system of SunSirs, as of May 26, the bulk price of chloroform in the Shandong region stood at 2,800 RMB/ton, remaining unchanged from the price recorded at the start of the month.

This month, mainstream ex-factory quotes have remained consistently stable within the range of 2,800–2,900 RMB/ton. In major production hubs such as Shandong, price fluctuations have been minimal; only a few individual enterprises have made slight price adjustments, and the market exhibits no discernible upward or downward trend. Compared to the same period in previous years, current prices are hovering near a one-year high; cost-side factors provide solid underlying support for market conditions, leaving virtually no room for any significant price decline.

In May, the price of methanol—a key raw material—continued to trade at elevated levels, directly driving up the comprehensive production costs for chloroform; however, the liquid chlorine market experienced a downward trend, which partially offset this cost pressure to some extent. This mixed landscape of raw material prices—characterized by one strong component and one weak—has kept manufacturers' production costs within a reasonable range. Consequently, corporate profitability remains stable, and producers currently show no inclination to proactively lower prices in order to boost sales. As of May 26, the spot price of methanol stood at 3,178 RMB/ton—a decline of 3.57% compared to the beginning of the month—yet it continues to hover at a high level.

Demand remains weak; downstream sectors—such as pharmaceuticals, refrigerants, and cleaning agents—are primarily engaging in procurement on an as-needed basis. End-user operating rates have not shown any significant improvement, providing only limited support from essential demand. Intermediaries remain cautious regarding inventory replenishment, largely adopting a "buy-as-you-go" strategy, which makes it difficult to drive prices upward.

Market Outlook

According to an analyst specializing in chlorinated methane data at SunSirs, the trajectory of raw material prices is expected to continue providing underlying support to the market in the short term. On the supply side, there are minimal changes in production facility operations, and spot inventories remain at healthy levels. Regarding demand, a concentrated surge in volume is unlikely in the immediate future; consequently, chloroform prices lack the momentum for sustained upward movement. The market is expected to remain predominantly stable overall, with little likelihood of experiencing a unilateral upward or downward trend.

SunSirs has been continuously tracking price data for over 200 commodities for nearly 20 years, please contact support@sunsirs.com for subscription.