Core Viewpoint - The launch of pure benzene futures and options on July 8 by Dalian Commodity Exchange is expected to provide effective risk management tools for the pure benzene industry, with companies eager to participate in initial trading [1][4]. Industry Overview - Pure benzene is a key organic chemical raw material with downstream applications in various sectors including electrical appliances, construction materials, packaging, and fiber materials. China is the largest producer and consumer of pure benzene globally [2][3]. - The rapid changes in the supply-demand structure of the spot market have increased uncertainties for companies in the pure benzene industry, highlighting the urgent need for suitable risk management tools [2]. Challenges Faced by Companies - Companies face several operational challenges, including a lack of pricing power in the domestic pure benzene market, increased credit risk due to price volatility, and mismatched product liquidity between pure benzene and its derivatives [3]. - The reliance on traditional methods such as long-term contracts and inventory adjustments for risk management is insufficient, especially during extreme market fluctuations [2][3]. Futures and Options Details - The first batch of pure benzene futures will consist of four contracts, with a trading unit of 30 tons per contract and physical delivery [4]. - Initial trading limits are set at 7% of the previous day's settlement price, with a 14% limit on the first trading day. The margin requirement is 8% of the contract value [4]. Participation and Expectations - Companies have expressed strong interest in participating in the futures and options market to enhance their risk management capabilities and improve price discovery [5]. - The expectation is that the futures market will enhance liquidity, optimize the structure of market participants, and attract more industry clients and financial institutions [5].

Core Viewpoint - The domestic caprolactam (CPL) industry in China is experiencing significant growth in both production capacity and consumption, with a projected capacity of approximately 6.94 million tons and a production of 6.543 million tons in 2024, reflecting a consumption growth rate of around 27% [1]. Industry Overview - Caprolactam is a crucial organic chemical raw material in the nylon industry, characterized by its excellent thermal stability, processability, mechanical properties, and chemical resistance [3]. - The industry is supported by government policies aimed at enhancing domestic production capabilities and promoting innovation within the sector [5][7]. Production and Consumption - In 2024, the overall operating rate of caprolactam enterprises is expected to remain high, indicating robust demand and supply dynamics [1]. - The apparent consumption of caprolactam is projected to reach 6.49 million tons in 2024, with a strong growth trajectory in both supply and demand [1]. Price Trends - The price of caprolactam is anticipated to experience fluctuations, with a general trend of decline throughout 2024. Price rebounds are primarily supported by favorable cost factors, while downward pressures stem from the release of new production capacities [1]. Policy Environment - Recent government initiatives, such as the "Implementation Plan for the Innovative Development of the Fine Chemical Industry (2024-2027)," aim to enhance the supply chain capabilities and promote green and intelligent technologies within the caprolactam sector [5][7]. - The introduction of restrictions on production capacities below 100,000 tons per year is expected to raise entry barriers for new companies, thereby consolidating the market [12]. Industry Development History - The caprolactam industry has evolved through several stages, from initial development in the 1950s to rapid capacity expansion in the 2010s, culminating in recent environmental upgrades and industry consolidation [8]. Competitive Landscape - The production of caprolactam involves significant technical and financial barriers, with established players like Sinopec and Hengshen Group holding advanced technologies and large-scale production capabilities [10][11]. - New entrants face challenges in meeting stringent quality requirements and securing sufficient funding for production facility development [11].

Industry Overview - Chlorobenzene is a key organic chemical intermediate with irreplaceable strategic importance in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, dyes, and polymer materials [1][5] - In the first half of 2025, China's chlorobenzene industry is expected to experience a concentrated release of production capacity, leading to a significant increase in output, which is projected to reach 211,300 tons, a year-on-year growth of 71.43% [1][5] Industry Chain - The upstream of the chlorobenzene industry includes raw materials such as benzene, chlorine gas, and catalysts, as well as production equipment like chlorination reactors and distillation towers [3] - The midstream involves the production and manufacturing of chlorobenzene, while the downstream applications span agriculture, pharmaceuticals, dyes, pigments, fine chemicals, and synthetic materials [3] Current Industry Status - As of June 2025, the price of chlorobenzene is 4,964 yuan per ton, a year-on-year decrease of 33.25% due to increased market supply and reduced upstream raw material costs [7] - The industry operating rate in June 2025 is 55.69%, a decrease of 8.00 percentage points month-on-month but an increase of 21.21 percentage points year-on-year, driven by new production capacity and improved downstream demand [9] - The inventory level in the last week of June 2025 is 8,630 tons, a year-on-year increase of 643.97%, indicating a supply-demand imbalance [11] Key Enterprises - The chlorobenzene industry in China is highly concentrated, with a few large enterprises dominating the market. Anhui Bayi Chemical Co., Ltd. is the largest producer with an annual capacity of 320,000 tons [13] - Sinopec Nanjing Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. has an annual capacity of 150,000 tons and is a significant player in production technology and product quality [13] Industry Development Trends 1. The industry is transitioning from "scale expansion" to "quality upgrade," with technological advancements such as catalytic chlorination expected to reduce energy consumption and emissions [19] 2. The demand for chlorobenzene is expanding into high-value-added fields, particularly in pharmaceuticals and electronic chemicals, driven by the expiration of patents for key drugs [20] 3. Stricter environmental policies are pushing for a green transformation, leading to increased industry concentration as smaller firms face elimination due to rising compliance costs [21]

Core Viewpoint - The launch of pure benzene futures and options on the Dalian Commodity Exchange provides a crucial risk management tool for the aromatic industry, enabling companies to hedge against price volatility effectively [1][5]. Group 1: Trading Performance - On the first day of trading, four contracts were listed: BZ2603, BZ2604, BZ2605, and BZ2606, with a total trading volume of 26,900 contracts and a cumulative transaction value of 4.788 billion yuan [3]. - The closing price for the main contract BZ2603 was 5,931 yuan/ton, reflecting a 0.53% increase from the benchmark price of 5,900 yuan/ton, indicating a stable market response [3]. - A total of 230 institutional clients participated in the trading, with institutional holdings accounting for 62.7% of the positions, highlighting strong interest from major industry players [3]. Group 2: Industry Context - Pure benzene is a critical organic chemical raw material, linking upstream oil and coal resources to downstream industries such as synthetic resins, fibers, and rubber, with applications in textiles, home appliances, automotive, and construction [4]. - China is the world's largest producer, consumer, and importer of pure benzene, with a projected production of 25.13 million tons and a consumption of 29.26 million tons in 2024, leading to a market size of 208.6 billion yuan [4]. - The volatility of pure benzene prices has increased significantly, with prices dropping from a peak of 7,780 yuan/ton to 5,375 yuan/ton since 2025, a decline of 31% [4]. Group 3: Risk Management Demand - The introduction of pure benzene futures and options addresses the strong demand for risk management tools within the industry, allowing companies to lock in prices and mitigate risks associated with price fluctuations [5]. - Companies like Hengshen Holdings and Xuyang Group actively participated in the first day of trading, indicating a proactive approach to managing raw material procurement costs through futures contracts [4].

Core Viewpoint - The listing of pure benzene futures and options on the Dalian Commodity Exchange is expected to provide effective risk management tools for the pure benzene industry and enhance China's international pricing power in pure benzene trade [1] Industry Summary - Pure benzene is an organic chemical raw material widely used in electrical appliances, building materials, packaging materials, and fiber materials [1] - China is the world's largest producer and consumer of pure benzene, indicating a significant role in the global market [1] - The introduction of futures and options is anticipated to strengthen the international influence of pure benzene prices [1]

Core Viewpoint - The introduction of benzene futures and options on July 8, 2025, is expected to provide effective risk management tools for companies in the benzene industry, enhance the resilience of China's pricing system, and increase the international influence of China's benzene prices [1][4][6]. Industry Overview - Benzene is a key organic chemical raw material widely used in various sectors, with China being the largest producer, consumer, and importer globally. In 2024, China's benzene production capacity is projected to reach 32.34 million tons, with a production volume of 25.13 million tons, accounting for 39% of global production [1][2]. - The industry faces challenges such as supply-demand mismatches, significant price fluctuations, and insufficient international pricing influence, necessitating efficient risk management tools [1][2]. Market Dynamics - The benzene industry has experienced inconsistent capacity adjustments across different segments, leading to repeated issues with profit transmission. The downstream capacity growth has outpaced that of benzene, resulting in a tight balance in supply and demand over the long term [2][4]. - Recent years have seen significant mismatches in supply and demand relationships, with instances of oversupply and tight market conditions occurring at different times [2][4]. Trading Characteristics - The current benzene spot market exhibits three main characteristics: increased trading volume with higher demands for efficiency and safety, diverse derivative trading methods requiring financial tool proficiency, and a rising need for price locking from downstream sectors [3][5]. Derivative Tools and Stability - The upcoming listing of benzene futures and options is anticipated to enhance risk management capabilities for companies, allowing them to hedge against price volatility effectively [4][5]. - Companies can utilize futures to lock in raw material costs and product prices, improving operational stability and enabling better management of price fluctuations [5][6]. Price System Development - The listing of benzene futures and options is expected to create a transparent and authoritative "Chinese benzene price," enhancing China's pricing power in the global market [6][7]. - The futures and options market will provide a unified pricing benchmark and risk hedging platform for the industry, promoting stable development across the supply chain [6][7]. Future Expectations - Industry leaders express optimism about the future development of the benzene futures and options market, emphasizing the need for increased liquidity and participation from both industry clients and financial institutions [7]. - The participation of major producers and trading companies is expected to enhance market liquidity and maturity, contributing to a more rational pricing system and supporting high-quality development in the aromatic hydrocarbon industry [7].

Core Viewpoint - The Dalian Commodity Exchange announced that pure benzene futures and options will officially start trading on July 8, which has garnered significant attention from the industry, with multiple companies expressing their intent to actively participate in the initial trading [1]. Industry Challenges - Companies in the pure benzene industry are currently facing multiple operational pressures, with price volatility being the primary challenge. The prices of pure benzene and its downstream derivatives are influenced by various factors including crude oil prices, import arbitrage, and new production capacity [3]. - The frequent occurrence of wide price fluctuations creates uncertainty for companies, necessitating more effective risk management tools to improve their operational stability [3]. - Domestic companies lack sufficient pricing power in the pure benzene market, as the liquidity of spot transactions primarily relies on imported goods, which are priced based on the Platts Korea offshore price model. This limits domestic companies' ability to control absolute pricing [3]. Corporate Preparations for Trading - Industry companies have shown strong interest in the launch of pure benzene futures and options, with many already participating in preliminary contract research and familiarizing themselves with relevant rules [4]. - The core application area of these derivative tools for companies is the hedging function, allowing them to conduct prudent hedging operations based on their spot exposure and risk preferences, thereby better managing price risks [4]. - Companies are also considering point pricing transactions, which would provide a more transparent pricing benchmark and reduce information asymmetry in trading [4]. - Participation in the delivery process is another important consideration for companies, as it would facilitate regional circulation of pure benzene resources and optimize resource allocation within the industry [4].

Core Viewpoint - The launch of pure benzene futures and options on July 8 by Dalian Commodity Exchange is expected to provide effective risk management tools for the pure benzene industry, with companies eager to participate in initial trading [1][4]. Industry Overview - Pure benzene is a key organic chemical raw material with downstream applications in various sectors including electrical appliances, construction materials, packaging, and fiber materials. China is the largest producer and consumer of pure benzene globally [2][3]. - The rapid changes in the supply and demand structure of the spot market have increased uncertainty for companies in the pure benzene industry, highlighting the urgent need for suitable risk management tools [2]. Challenges Faced by Companies - Companies face several operational challenges, including a lack of pricing power in the domestic pure benzene market, increased market credit risks due to price volatility, and mismatched product liquidity between pure benzene and its downstream derivatives [3]. - The reliance on traditional methods such as long-term contracts and inventory adjustments for risk management is insufficient, especially during extreme market fluctuations [2][3]. Expectations from Futures and Options - The introduction of pure benzene futures and options is anticipated to enhance market trading methods, improve hedging mechanisms, and provide a reliable trading platform for industry participants [3][4]. - Companies plan to actively engage in the futures and options market to utilize hedging and price discovery functions, thereby supporting domestic resource circulation and industry chain transfer [4][5]. Contract Details - The first batch of pure benzene futures contracts includes four contracts with a trading unit of 30 tons per lot and a delivery method of physical delivery. The initial price fluctuation limit is set at 7% of the previous day's settlement price [4][5]. Future Market Development - Industry participants hope that the futures market will enhance liquidity, optimize the structure of market participants, and attract more industry clients and financial institutions. Continuous optimization of rules by the exchange is also desired to ensure alignment with industry changes [5].

Core Viewpoint - The aniline industry in China has experienced significant changes in production capacity and market dynamics, with a notable increase in capacity from 338,000 tons in 2020 to 449,500 tons in 2023, but is expected to stabilize around 450,000 tons in 2024 due to slowed growth in MDI production capacity [1][5][20]. Industry Overview - Aniline, also known as aminobenzene, is a crucial organic compound with the chemical formula C6H7N, characterized as a colorless to pale yellow oily liquid [2][3]. - The aniline industry is structured into three segments: upstream raw material supply, midstream production, and downstream application, with key applications in MDI, rubber additives, dyes, and pharmaceuticals [3][11]. Production Side - From 2017 to 2020, China's aniline production capacity decreased from 3.91 million tons to 3.38 million tons due to supply-side reforms and stricter environmental policies [5]. - In 2021, the trend reversed as new aniline facilities were commissioned, leading to a recovery in production capacity, which reached 4.495 million tons in 2023 [5][20]. - The growth in MDI production capacity is expected to slow significantly in 2024, limiting the demand for new aniline capacity [5][20]. Import and Export - China has achieved self-sufficiency in aniline, with imports remaining below 0.1 thousand tons from 2018 to 2024, indicating strong domestic supply capabilities [7]. - Aniline exports saw a significant decline in 2023, dropping to approximately 97,900 tons, a year-on-year decrease of 65.49%, but are projected to rebound to 213,400 tons in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 117.98% [7][9]. - The average export price of aniline has risen from 4,874.17 yuan/ton in 2020 to 9,765.64 yuan/ton in 2024, marking a cumulative increase of 100.35% [9]. Consumption Side - The MDI industry is the largest consumer of aniline, accounting for about 80% of market consumption in 2024, driven by the growing demand for high-performance materials in various sectors [11][19]. - Domestic MDI production capacity has expanded significantly since 2000, with projections indicating a continued annual growth rate of 6% to 8% over the next five years, further driving aniline demand [11][19]. Key Enterprises - The aniline industry in China is characterized by high entry barriers and is dominated by major players such as Wanhua Chemical, China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec), and Shandong Haihua, which possess integrated advantages and strong market positions [13][15]. - Wanhua Chemical leads the industry with an aniline production capacity of 2.16 million tons, accounting for nearly 50% of the national total [17]. Development Trends - The regulatory environment is becoming stricter, promoting standardized and green development within the aniline industry, with policies focusing on environmental protection and safety production [19]. - The supply-demand balance in the aniline market remains tight, with production capacity steadily increasing while new capacity additions are limited [20][21]. - China's aniline industry is expanding its export market, with increasing international competitiveness, particularly in Europe, where demand for imported aniline is rising [22].

Report Industry Investment Rating No relevant content provided. Core Viewpoints - Researching and developing pure benzene futures and options is an important measure by the Dalian Commodity Exchange (DCE) to serve the real economy. It can combine with the listed styrene futures and options to provide more comprehensive risk management tools and trade pricing benchmarks for relevant industrial enterprises, and contribute to the safe and stable development of the aromatic hydrocarbon industry chain and supply chain [4][9][96]. - After the listing of pure benzene futures and options, industrial chain enterprises can effectively cope with price - fluctuation risks using derivatives tools, and adjust supply and demand according to public and transparent forward price signals, thereby optimizing resource allocation and promoting the long - term and healthy development of the industry chain [5][97]. Summary by Directory 1. Market Review No relevant content provided. 2. Rubber Market No relevant content provided. 3. Conclusion - Pure benzene is an important organic chemical raw material, connecting petroleum and coal at the upstream and three major industries of synthetic resin, synthetic fiber, and synthetic rubber at the downstream. In 2024, China's pure benzene production was 2513000 tons, apparent consumption reached 2926000 tons, and the market scale was 208.6 billion yuan [4]. - The proposed pure benzene futures contract has a trading code of BZ, a trading unit of 30 tons/hand, a minimum price change of 1 yuan/ton, a daily price limit of 4% of the previous trading day's settlement price, and a minimum trading margin of 5% of the contract value. The contract months are from January to December, and the delivery method is physical delivery [4][96]. 4. Pure Benzene Basics Introduction - Pure benzene is a petroleum - chemical basic raw material, a colorless, sweet - smelling, flammable, and carcinogenic liquid at room temperature. It is a good organic solvent, slightly soluble in water and easily soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and ether. Its production and application need to strictly follow safety and environmental protection regulations [10]. 5. Pure Benzene Storage, Transportation Precautions and Uses - During transportation, operators should wear protective equipment and prevent vapor leakage. During storage, it should be stored separately from oxidants and food chemicals in a cool and ventilated warehouse, with a temperature not exceeding 30°C [15]. - Pure benzene is mainly used as a chemical raw material in industry, for synthesizing various alkylbenzenes, and a series of benzene derivatives [15]. 6. Pure Benzene Production Process and Industry Chain Introduction - Pure benzene can be divided into petroleum benzene and coking benzene. Petroleum benzene accounts for 80.7% of the total, with a purity usually over 99%, and is more widely used [16]. - The main production processes include catalytic reforming (about 38% of the total source globally), ethylene - cracking by - product extraction, toluene disproportionation, and coal - processing by - product extraction [16][17]. - Upstream raw materials mainly come from crude oil, naphtha, and coal. Downstream, 47% of pure benzene is used for styrene production, 17% for caprolactam, 13% for phenol, 11% for aniline, 7% for adipic acid, and 5% for other chemicals [22]. 7. Domestic and International Pure Benzene Production Capacity and Demand - Globally, the production capacity of pure benzene exceeds 80 million tons, with major production areas in Northeast Asia, North America, and Western Europe, accounting for 51%, 13%, and 12% of the global capacity in 2024 respectively [28]. - In China, the production capacity increased from 12.47 million tons in 2017 to 25.78 million tons in 2024, and the output increased from 8.495 million tons in 2017 to 20.921 million tons in 2024. China is the world's largest producer and consumer of pure benzene. In 2024, the total output was about 24.955 million tons, and the demand was about 29.259 million tons, with a supply - demand gap of about - 140000 tons [28][29][30]. 8. Pure Benzene Downstream Demand Areas - Styrene is the main downstream product of pure benzene, accounting for 47%. The production of one ton of styrene requires about 0.8 tons of pure benzene, and its downstream products are used in multiple fields such as insulation materials and home appliances [36]. - Caprolactam accounts for 17% of the demand. The production of one ton of caprolactam requires nearly one ton of pure benzene, mainly used for PA6 slices, with downstream applications in textile and clothing [37]. - Phenol accounts for 13%. The production of one ton of phenol requires about 0.92 tons of pure benzene, used in the production of bisphenol A and other products [38]. - Aniline accounts for 12%. The production of one ton of aniline requires about 0.86 tons of pure benzene, used in the production of dyes and drugs [38][39]. - Adipic acid accounts for 7%. The production of one ton of adipic acid requires about 0.75 tons of pure benzene, used for synthetic nylon 66 salt and other products [39]. 9. China's Pure Benzene Import and Export - China is a net importer of pure benzene. In 2024, the total import volume was about 4.164 million tons, mainly from South Korea, Brunei, and Thailand. In 2025, China's production capacity and output are expected to further increase, and the listing of pure benzene futures will improve the aromatic hydrocarbon industry chain [42]. 10. Pure Benzene Cost Calculation and Influencing Factors - Cost calculation formulas include the theoretical cost of petroleum benzene, the rough - calculation cost, and the theoretical cost of hydrogenated benzene [47]. - Influencing factors include raw material cost, production process, supply - demand relationship, inventory level, and macro - economic factors [47][48]. 11. Correlation Analysis between Styrene and Pure Benzene - Pure benzene and styrene are closely related in the chemical industry chain. In the long - term, they show a strong correlation, but due to various factors, their price difference may fluctuate [49]. 12. Pure Benzene Futures and Options Contracts and Business Rules - The pure benzene futures contract has a trading unit of 30 tons/hand, a minimum price change of 1 yuan/ton, a daily price limit of 4% of the previous trading day's settlement price, and a minimum trading margin of 5% of the contract value. The delivery method is physical delivery [53]. - The pure benzene options contract has a contract type of call and put options, a trading unit of one hand (30 tons) of pure benzene futures contract, and an American - style exercise method [53]. 13. DCE Pure Benzene Futures Delivery Quality Standard - The quality requirements include a crystallization point (dry basis) of ≥5.45°C, a purity (mass fraction) of ≥99.90%, and a toluene (mass fraction) of ≤0.05%, etc. For some indicators, only reporting is required [94]. 14. DCE Pure Benzene Futures Margin and Position - Limit Standards - The minimum trading margin standard for pure benzene futures contracts is 5% of the contract value, with different margin standards at different trading stages [95]. - The position - limit standards vary at different trading times, with the maximum unilateral position of non - futures company members and customers limited [95].