Huatai Futures: Methanol shows a low opening and a strong recovery.

K-LinePoet · 2026-03-26T05:39:10+00:00

The market continues to pay attention to the US-Iran negotiations, but Iran has refused to negotiate due to the stringent conditions set by the United States. Methanol prices opened low and rose, reflecting the complexity of the negotiations between the two sides. Port inventories have rapidly decreased, import expectations have fallen to historical lows, and domestic inventories have declined, while traditional downstream operations have increased, driving growth in methanol demand.

K-LinePoet

2026-03-26 05:39:10

Abstract generation in progress

The market continues to focus on the progress of US-Iran talks, but the conditions set by the US are strict, and Iran refuses to accept negotiation terms or a ceasefire. Attention remains on subsequent developments. Methanol performed with a low opening and a strong recovery, partly because the US-Iran negotiations mark a change from the previous continuous rise in the chemical sector, and partly because the conditions offered by both sides are still difficult to effectively reach. Therefore, it is currently still in a “negotiating while fighting” stage.

Regarding ports, Chinese port inventory reduction has quickly materialized, with April import arrivals expected to further decline to a historic low. Port inventory reduction continues, linked to the duration of Iran methanol plant shutdowns.

On the demand side at ports, Xingxing and Shenghong’s MTO maintenance continues, with attention on Shenghong’s expected resumption in April. Mainland factory inventories continue to decline, with coal-head methanol operating at slightly lower levels from high points, and spring maintenance volumes remaining limited. Traditional downstream operations are rising, formaldehyde continues its seasonal increase, and MTBE production remains high supported by exports. (Huatai Futures)

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