港口库存接近130万吨！甲醇期货价格持续走弱

Core Viewpoint - The methanol futures market has been experiencing a downward trend since August, with the main contract dropping over 5% and reaching a two-month low due to weak fundamentals and high supply pressure [1][4]. Supply Analysis - Domestic methanol production remains high, with operating rates at 83%-85% and daily output at 270,000 tons. The recovery of previously shut-down facilities is expected to further increase production [1]. - Iran's methanol shipments are projected to exceed 1 million tons in August, contributing to a potential record high in monthly imports to China [1]. - High upstream production profits and capacity utilization rates indicate that the supply surplus is unlikely to change in the near term [1]. Demand Analysis - Core downstream sectors are facing significant losses, with MTO facilities in East China reporting a loss of 789 yuan per ton, which is suppressing operational and purchasing willingness [1]. - Traditional downstream products like formaldehyde and dimethyl ether are in a consumption lull, leading to low overall operating rates [1]. - There is a notable divergence in profits between upstream and downstream sectors, with high upstream profits not being effectively transmitted to the downstream due to strong resistance to high raw material prices [1]. Inventory Situation - As of August 27, methanol port inventory in China reached 1.2993 million tons, an increase of 223,300 tons, nearing historical highs. The sellable inventory also hit a record high of 670,000 tons, putting downward pressure on spot prices [2]. - The current market shows a "two-tier" inventory situation, with high port inventories and low inland inventories. Inland methanol inventories are approximately 200,000 tons, significantly lower than the average for the same period in previous years [4]. Price Dynamics - Weak cost support from domestic coal prices and declining international natural gas prices are contributing to the downward pressure on methanol prices [3]. - The market is expected to remain bearish in the short term due to high supply and weak demand, with limited potential for price rebounds until inventory levels are effectively reduced [4]. Future Outlook - The high inventory situation at ports is likely to persist, but the potential for further significant increases in inventory is low. Supply is expected to gradually decrease as autumn maintenance approaches [5]. - Two potential positive factors for the market include the upcoming "golden September and silver October" demand season and expectations of reduced methanol supply from countries like Iran due to natural gas production limits [5].