China Dimethyl Carbonate Prices Strengthen 3.7% as Battery-Electrolyte Demand Improve

China’s Dimethyl Carbonate market strengthened toward late August as robust battery-related demand met newly added domestic capacity. Early August benefited from firm electronic-grade purchases for lithium-ion electrolytes and commissioning-related operating adjustments, while softer polycarbonate, coatings and industrial-solvent demand limited discretionary spot activity. The commissioning of a large high-purity unit in late July increased merchant availability, creating a balanced supply-demand backdrop. Consequently, Dimethyl Carbonate offers became increasingly sensitive to export enquiries, feedstock costs and inventory movements rather than broad-based restocking.

End-market performance remained divided across sectors. Battery and lithium-ion electrolyte applications continued to provide the strongest support, with electronic-grade Dimethyl Carbonate procurement sustaining contract pull-through as electrolyte manufacturers expanded installations. Conversely, weaker polycarbonate and coatings activity curtailed discretionary solvent purchases, while downstream resin prices softened by about *.** during July. DMC FOB Shenzhen averaged USD ***.**/MT in July ****, compared with USD ***.**/MT previously, reflecting...