China's dimethyl carbonate market weakened through May as subdued spot appetite collided with ample domestic output. Early May showed neutral conditions and steady buying interest, but mid-month softness emerged as buyers pulled back and inventories built. By late May, sellers trimmed offers to move stock, extending a multi-week bearish pattern. Overall, the dimethyl carbonate market was characterized by falling bids and competitive selling as producers maintained high run-rates amid limited uplift in demand, leaving the near-term tone biased toward further downside unless demand improves. Spot market dynamics were the primary driver of the decline, with buyers shifting from steady early-month activity to muted enquiries in mid- and late May. Upstream methanol volatility influenced producer cost sensitivity and discounting. Domestic producers largely kept run-rates high, enlarging inventories and prompting supply-side discounting. Looking ahead, the market may soften further unless counteracted by firmer demand or a recovery in methanol costs. Key factors to watch include output levels, operating rates, and spot enquiry activity.
