The cyclohexanone market has recently shown relative weakness, with prices operating at relatively low levels and the industry facing certain profitability pressures.
I. Current Market Prices (Early September 2025)
Data from multiple information platforms indicate that recent cyclohexanone prices have been generally stable but weak. As of August 29, 2025, prices in East China have fallen by 26.13% year-on-year, remaining at the lower end of the range seen in recent years.
II. Market Analysis and Future Outlook
The cyclohexanone market has continued to face pressure recently, mainly due to the following reasons:
1.Insufficient Cost Support:
The price of pure benzene, the main raw material for cyclohexanone, has been fluctuating weakly.
Pure benzene accounts for over 70% of cyclohexanone production costs. Its weak price directly lowers the cost baseline for cyclohexanone, resulting in a lack of strong support on the cost side.
2.Weak Demand Performance:
Downstream demand for cyclohexanone (e.g., caprolactam, solvents) has been negatively impacted by the macroeconomic environment and weak terminal consumption.
Downstream chemical fiber orders have been cautious, with procurement mainly driven by rigid demand, and large-scale centralized purchases are relatively rare.
3.Increased Industry Losses:
Due to cost pressures and low product prices, losses in the cyclohexanone industry have further expanded. Data show that in August 2025, cyclohexanone enterprises using hydration technology incurred a loss of approximately RMB 660 per ton, representing a month-on-month increase.
4.Relatively Stable Supply:
Although some production facilities have undergone changes, overall, the supply of cyclohexanone remains stable. Additionally, the well-integrated cyclohexanone-caprolactam industry chain has also influenced the market commodity volume.
Overall, it is expected that the cyclohexanone market will continue to consolidate in the short term. Under the dual pressures of “insufficient cost support and weak demand,” the market is likely to maintain a weak and volatile trend.
III. Factors to Monitor
In the coming period, the following aspects may significantly impact the cyclohexanone market:
International crude oil price trends: As the source of pure benzene, crude oil price fluctuations will transmit to pure benzene and cyclohexanone.
Recovery of downstream demand: Particularly, whether demand in industries such as caprolactam can effectively improve will be key to the cyclohexanone market breaking out of its weak trend.
Macro policies and import/export dynamics: Relevant tariff policies or changes in the trade environment could also affect market sentiment and actual demand.
IV. Summary
The current cyclohexanone market is characterized by weak supply-demand balance, insufficient cost-side support, and poor demand-side performance, leading to prices hovering at low levels and the industry facing profitability pressures. It is expected that the market will maintain a weak consolidation trend in the short term.
Post time: Sep-15-2025