Isopropanol Weekly Market Report: Prices Rose Then Corrected (23–29 Oct 2026)

Isopropanol prices climbed early in the week on a sharp jump in feedstock acetone, then corrected as buyers refused the higher levels. The weekly average still finished above the previous week in both Jiangsu and Guangdong — but the gains came at the start, and momentum faded fast.

1. Key Focus Points This Week

• The average operating rate of the isopropanol sector stood at 55.73% this week.
• As of 29 October, the production margin of sample plants using the acetone route was CNY -300/t, while plants using the propylene route earned CNY +265/t.

Why two margins: isopropanol is made commercially by two routes — hydrogenation of acetone, and direct hydration of propylene. They have different cost curves, so their margins can diverge sharply in the same week, as they did here. The gap matters when you compare supplier quotations.

2. Market Review

Regional price comparison

Unit: CNY per tonne, Chinese domestic ex-works levels.

East China. Prices climbed and then retreated within a band of CNY 9,300–9,800/t. Feedstock acetone surged, and producers actively lifted offers on the cost push, dragging negotiated prices higher. But end users showed limited acceptance of the higher levels and buying interest weakened quickly. Cargo holders turned bearish from bullish and became more willing to cut prices to clear stock. Negotiating room on physical orders widened, traded prices drifted lower, and volume did not grow.

South China. The market followed the same path. Producers held firm offers early on while intermediaries stayed on the sidelines. Poor trading then dragged prices down, and overall activity stayed muted.

3. Market Drivers

• Total isopropanol output this week reached 14,800 t.
• Average operating rate: 61.93% for propylene-route plants, 48.74% for acetone-route plants.

The roughly 13-point gap between the two routes mirrors the margin gap: acetone-route units are running at a loss and have cut rates, while propylene-route units remain profitable and are running harder.

4. Outlook for Next Week

Isopropanol prices are expected to fluctuate within a range. Three factors to monitor:

• Supply — the industry operating rate will edge down next week, but incoming cargoes for domestic trade will replenish stock, keeping spot supply ample.
• Demand — downstream buyers remain cautious about high-priced feedstock. Trading is quiet and deals are mostly rigid restocking. New export inquiries are scarce and can hardly lift the market.
• Cost — feedstock prices remain firm, offering solid cost support. Most participants are waiting on the sidelines.

Overall, the isopropanol market is likely to stay range-bound in the near term. Watch feedstock prices and downstream demand.

What This Means for Buyers

• This was a cost-push rally that failed to hold. Prices rose because acetone rose, not because demand improved — and once buyers stepped back, the gains began to unwind. Waiting for the correction has been the better strategy this week.
• Route economics tell you how much room a supplier has. Acetone-route producers at a loss of CNY 300/t have little scope for further discounts; propylene-route producers at +265/t have more flexibility. Knowing which route a supplier runs helps you judge a quotation.
• Scarce export inquiries work in your favour on terms. With new export business thin, suppliers are generally more open on volume, scheduling and payment terms.
• Specify grade before comparing prices. Industrial grade (≥99.5%) and pharmaceutical/electronic grade (≥99.9%) carry different price levels and documentation requirements.

This report reflects market conditions at the time of publication and is provided for reference only. Prices change frequently — please contact us for a current quotation against your specification, volume and delivery point.