Trends, Influencing Factors, and Future Projections with Dual Currency Pricing (CNY and USD)
Abstract
This report provides a detailed analysis of the n-hexane market prices in Shandong, China, as of April 25, 2025. The mainstream price of n-hexane is recorded at 8366.18 CNY/ton (approximately 1160.39 USD/ton), with a slight decline of 0.7% compared to March 2025, but a year-on-year increase of 5.23% from December 2024. Historical price trends from October 2024 to April 2025 are examined, revealing a 6.0% fluctuation range. Key influencing factors include supply-demand dynamics, raw material costs (driven by crude oil prices), macroeconomic conditions, and environmental regulations. Short-term price stability is expected within the range of 8300–8500 CNY/ton (1150–1180 USD/ton), while mid-to-long-term trends depend on global oil prices and downstream demand. Recommendations are provided for producers, downstream users, and investors to navigate market uncertainties.
Keywords
n-Hexane, Shandong Market, Price Analysis, Supply-Demand, Crude Oil Impact, Environmental Policy, Currency Exchange, Market Forecast, Chemical Industry, 2025 Trends
1. Market Overview
As of April 25, 2025, the n-hexane market in Shandong, China, reflects a mainstream price of 8366.18 CNY/ton (approximately 1160.39 USD/ton), a highest price of 8416.18 CNY/ton (1167.42 USD/ton), and a lowest price of 8289.71 CNY/ton (1149.98 USD/ton). The data encompasses the Shandong and Jiangsu regions, as well as n-hexane with 60% content. The mainstream price shows a slight fluctuation compared to recent days, with the overall trend remaining relatively stable. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of price trends, influencing factors, and future projections, with all prices presented in both Chinese Yuan (CNY) and US Dollars (USD) based on the exchange rate of April 24, 2025 (1 USD = 7.2098 CNY, 1 CNY ≈ 0.1387 USD).
2. Price Trend Analysis
2.1 Recent Price Movements
- Mainstream Price: In April 2025, the mainstream price of n-hexane stands at 8366.18 CNY/ton (1160.39 USD/ton), down by 58.82 CNY/ton (8.26 USD/ton) from March 2025’s 8425 CNY/ton (1168.65 USD/ton), representing a decline of approximately 0.7%. Compared to January 2025’s 8065.79 CNY/ton (1118.73 USD/ton), the price has risen by 300.39 CNY/ton (41.66 USD/ton), a 3.73% increase.
- Highest Price: The highest price in April 2025 is 8416.18 CNY/ton (1167.42 USD/ton), a decrease of 58.82 CNY/ton (8.18 USD/ton) from March 2025’s 8475 CNY/ton (1175.60 USD/ton), a 0.69% drop. Compared to January 2025’s 8136.84 CNY/ton (1128.58 USD/ton), it has increased by 279.34 CNY/ton (38.84 USD/ton), up by 3.43%.
- Lowest Price: The lowest price in April 2025 is 8289.71 CNY/ton (1149.98 USD/ton), down by 35.29 CNY/ton (4.90 USD/ton) from March 2025’s 8325 CNY/ton (1154.88 USD/ton), a 0.42% decrease. Compared to January 2025’s 7994.74 CNY/ton (1108.87 USD/ton), it has risen by 294.97 CNY/ton (41.11 USD/ton), a 3.69% increase.
The data indicates a slight downward trend in n-hexane prices in April 2025, but prices remain higher than the beginning of the year, suggesting a recovery from early 2025 lows followed by a recent adjustment.
2.2 Historical Price Comparison
- Year-on-Year Comparison: In December 2024, the mainstream price was 7950 CNY/ton (1102.67 USD/ton). By April 2025, the mainstream price of 8366.18 CNY/ton (1160.39 USD/ton) reflects an increase of 416.18 CNY/ton (57.72 USD/ton), a year-on-year rise of 5.23%.
- Annual Fluctuation: From October 2024 to April 2025, the mainstream price fluctuated between 7950 CNY/ton (1102.67 USD/ton) and 8425 CNY/ton (1168.65 USD/ton), with an overall fluctuation range of approximately 6.0%. Prices peaked at 8425 CNY/ton (1168.65 USD/ton) in early 2025 but declined slightly by April.
3. Influencing Factors Analysis
3.1 Supply and Demand Dynamics
n-Hexane is a critical organic solvent widely used in vegetable oil extraction, rubber production, and chemical manufacturing. The price increase in early 2025 may be attributed to heightened downstream demand, such as seasonal growth in the edible oil processing sector. However, the price decline in April could reflect weakened demand or an increase in supply, possibly due to fluctuations in crude oil prices affecting production costs.
3.2 Raw Material Costs
n-Hexane production is heavily dependent on the petrochemical industry, with crude oil prices serving as a primary cost driver. In early 2025, a potential rise in global oil prices likely increased n-hexane production costs, supporting price growth. However, a possible oil price decline in April may have reduced production costs, exerting downward pressure on n-hexane prices.
3.3 Macroeconomic and Policy Factors
The global economic environment in 2025 may impact the n-hexane market. Economic slowdowns could reduce demand from downstream industries, suppressing prices. Additionally, stricter environmental regulations, such as controls on volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions in some regions, may limit n-hexane production and usage, affecting market demand.
4. Market Trend Forecast
4.1 Short-Term Outlook
n-Hexane prices in April 2025 have shown a slight decline, but the overall fluctuation remains limited, indicating a relatively stable market. Given that prices are still higher than last year and have risen since the beginning of 2025, short-term prices are expected to oscillate between 8300 CNY/ton (1150 USD/ton) and 8500 CNY/ton (1180 USD/ton).
4.2 Mid-to-Long-Term Outlook
In the mid-to-long term, n-hexane price trends will depend on a combination of crude oil prices, downstream demand, and environmental policies. If global oil prices stabilize and rise, or if demand from the edible oil and chemical sectors continues to grow, prices could climb above 8500 CNY/ton (1180 USD/ton). However, if the global economy slows or environmental regulations tighten further, prices may face downward pressure.
5. Recommendations
5.1 For Producers
With current n-hexane prices at a relatively high level, producers may consider selling inventory to lock in profits. They should also monitor crude oil price trends and environmental policy developments to adjust production plans and mitigate potential risks.
5.2 For Downstream Users
Edible oil processing and chemical companies can take advantage of the slight price dip in April to make purchases, but they should remain cautious of future price volatility. A staggered procurement strategy is recommended to minimize cost risks.
5.3 For Investors
Investors focusing on petrochemical-related products should closely track crude oil prices and n-hexane supply-demand dynamics. In the short term, a wait-and-see approach may be prudent, with action taken once clearer trend signals emerge.
6. Conclusion
In April 2025, the n-hexane market in Shandong, China, exhibits a slight downward trend, with the mainstream price at 8366.18 CNY/ton (1160.39 USD/ton), a 0.7% decrease from the previous month but a 5.23% increase compared to the same period last year. Price movements are influenced by supply-demand dynamics, raw material costs, macroeconomic conditions, and policy factors. The market is expected to remain stable in the short term, with potential fluctuations in the mid-to-long term driven by crude oil prices and downstream demand. Stakeholders should stay informed of market developments and adopt strategic measures to address potential price risks.
7. Notes
- USD prices are calculated based on the April 24, 2025, CNY to USD exchange rate (1 USD = 7.2098 CNY, 1 CNY ≈ 0.1387 USD).
- Actual exchange rates may vary due to market fluctuations, transaction timing, or specific trading platforms. Real-time exchange rates should be referenced for precise calculations.
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