China Propylene Carbonate Prices Rise 3.32% in Early September on Supply Constraints

China’s propylene carbonate market strengthened into early September after maintaining a generally firm tone through August, with tightening propylene oxide availability emerging as the dominant market catalyst. The July market had been relatively range-bound, but late-August production disruptions and steady downstream electrolyte demand altered the balance. The supplied assessment shows the August marker at USD *,***/MT, compared with USD ***/MT previously, while the latest weekly assessment reached USD *,***/MT for the week ending September *, up *.*** week on week. The move suggests that upstream constraints are currently carrying more weight than softer import economics.

The demand backdrop remains supportive but not exceptionally aggressive. Propylene carbonate is closely linked to lithium-ion battery electrolytes, particularly where its solvent and high dielectric properties are valued in specialty electrolyte formulations. Electrolyte manufacturers maintained regular procurement through August, while battery-sector production continued providing a stable consumption base. However,...