Core Viewpoint - The launch of pure benzene futures and options on July 8 at the Dalian Commodity Exchange is expected to provide essential risk management tools for companies in the industry, enhancing price stability and transparency in the market [1][2][3]. Industry Overview - China is the world's largest producer, consumer, and importer of pure benzene, with a production capacity of 32.34 million tons and a consumption volume of 29.26 million tons in 2024, accounting for 39% and 43% of global totals, respectively [2]. - The industry has faced challenges with profit transmission and price volatility, leading to a pressing need for effective risk management tools [2]. Market Dynamics - The introduction of futures and options is anticipated to help companies lock in prices and manage risks associated with price fluctuations, thereby improving their risk management capabilities [3][4]. - The futures market is expected to enhance China's pricing influence in the international market, contributing to a more transparent pricing mechanism for pure benzene [3][4]. Initial Market Response - The first day of trading for pure benzene futures was stable, with significant participation from major industry players, indicating strong market interest and confidence [4][5]. - A total of 26,900 contracts were traded on the first day, with a transaction value of 4.788 billion yuan, reflecting active engagement from 230 institutional clients [7]. Price Movement - The initial contracts showed a slight increase from the base price of 5,900 yuan per ton, with the main contract closing at 5,931 yuan, up 0.53% [7]. - Analysts noted that the futures prices were primarily anchored to spot market fluctuations, indicating a cautious market outlook amid current supply-demand conditions [7]. Future Outlook - Industry experts believe that the futures market will continue to evolve, with increased participation from related enterprises, leading to improved liquidity and market functionality [8].

Core Insights - The 2025 Shanghai Derivatives Market Forum will be held on May 22-23, focusing on enhancing international influence and promoting openness in the derivatives market [1] - Over the past 20 years, the forum has witnessed the evolution of China's futures market from initial internationalization to deep participation in the global pricing system [2] Group 1: Internationalization of Futures Market - The first internationalized futures product, crude oil futures, was launched in 2018, becoming an essential part of the global oil pricing system and establishing Shanghai as a hub for Asia-Pacific oil trade [2] - The shipping index futures launched in 2023 have filled a gap in the domestic shipping derivatives market, with an average daily trading volume of 132,800 contracts and a trading value of 11.465 billion yuan as of April 2025 [3] - The Shanghai Futures Exchange has authorized the delivery settlement price of natural rubber futures to the Osaka Exchange, marking a significant step in the internationalization of "Shanghai prices" [3] Group 2: Institutional Innovation and Cross-Border Connectivity - The Shanghai Futures Market is continuously innovating to meet the needs of cross-border trade, implementing measures to enhance financial openness and attract global participants [4] - The establishment of a "three-tier market circulation system" aims to assist small and medium-sized enterprises in international procurement, enhancing international cooperation in the copper industry [4] - Recent collaborations with international exchanges, such as the Gulf Commodity Exchange, aim to deepen market connections with Belt and Road countries [4] Group 3: Enhancing Global Influence of "Chinese Prices" - By 2029, a framework for a distinctive Chinese futures regulatory system is expected to be established, with a goal of creating a world-class futures exchange by 2050 [6] - Shanghai aims to increase its commodity trade scale to over 10 trillion yuan by 2027, with a focus on enhancing the global trading volume of commodities priced based on "Shanghai prices" [6] - The Shanghai Futures Exchange plans to introduce more internationalized products and expand cooperation channels to attract more foreign enterprises to participate in futures trading [7]

Group 1 - The recent policy document emphasizes the opening of the futures market, focusing on specific domestic futures products, which is expected to enhance market development and attract more domestic and foreign investors [1] - The current global commodity pricing power is dominated by Western markets, and there is a pressing need for China to enhance its influence in the international commodity futures market to stabilize its supply chain and promote high-quality economic development [2][3] - The authorization of domestic futures product settlement prices to foreign exchanges is seen as a way to increase the international dissemination and influence of Chinese futures prices, making "Chinese prices" a significant reference in global commodity trade [2] Group 2 - The diversification of the futures market is anticipated to improve its competitiveness, transparency, and stability, necessitating a gradual exploration of suitable opening paths based on market conditions and investor needs [3] - The China Securities Regulatory Commission has been steadily promoting the opening of the futures market, with plans to expand the range of tradable products for qualified foreign institutional investors, increasing the number of futures and options products available [4] - The number of effective foreign clients in China's futures market has seen a 17% year-on-year increase, while the participation of foreign clients in trading has also grown, with a 28% increase in their positions [4] Group 3 - The opening of the futures market is directly related to China's financial market competitiveness and influence, with expectations that it will attract more international capital and promote the prosperity of the domestic financial market [5] - The increasing diversity of opening paths for the futures market is expected to broaden its service scope for the national economy and enhance the influence of "Chinese prices" in international markets [5]