2025 年 8 月 26 日 烧碱：短期回调，关注近月仓单压力 | | 陈嘉昕 | 投资咨询从业资格号：Z0020481 | chenjiaxin2@gtht.com | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 【基本面跟踪】 | | | | | 烧碱基本面数据 | | | | | 11合约期货价格 | 山东最便宜可交割 现货32碱价格 | 山东现货32碱折盘面 | 基差 | | 2732 | 860 | 2688 | -45 | 资料来源：隆众资讯，国泰君安期货 【现货消息】 以山东地区为基准，周末山东主力下游采购 32 碱价格上调 15 元至 815 元，在此之前省内散户已经开 始上调，周末碱厂小幅跟涨 10 元，目前省内液碱库存短期持续低位，关注重点在主力下游送货量的变化上。 【市场状况分析】 目前烧碱市场核心驱动为需求端持续扩张。非铝需求面临旺季改善。氧化铝行业今年年底广西地区存在 360 万吨产能预期投产（如果顺利灌槽囤货需求预计 10 月份开始），广西地区烧碱供应偏紧，灌槽需求的烧 碱大部分只能从外部采购，而片碱-液碱价差已处于年内高位水平，因此后期氧化铝备货将带动国内 50 碱 ...

入 期 市 市 服 热 线 客 ll 方 图 有 网 型 ted ML www.itf.com.cn 400-8888-598 ta 10 ntal | | | | 投资咨询业务资格:证监许可[ 2012 ]31号 | | ITC国贸期货 | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | 碱数据目报 | | | | | 国贸期货研究院 能源化工研究中心 陈一凡 | | 从业资格证:F3054270 2025/08/25 投资咨询证:Z0015946 | | 指标 | | 2025/08/21 2025/08/22 | | 涨跌值 | 行情综述 | | 山东 | | 200 | 200 | 0 | | | 原盐 | 江苏 | 250 | 250 | 0 | | | 西北 | | 200 | 200 | | | | 电石 | 山东 | 2755 | 2755 | | | | 内蒙 | | 2210 | 2260 | 50 | | | 山东 | | -200 | -200 | 0 | | | 液氯 | 江苏 | -200 | -200 | 0 | 今日国内液碱市 ...

1. Report Industry Investment Rating No information provided. 2. Core Viewpoints of the Report - Last week, the strong downstream demand for caustic soda drove the continuous rise of caustic soda futures. By the Friday afternoon close, the weighted price of caustic soda futures reached 2,756 yuan/ton, a 4.51% increase from the previous week. The favorable fundamentals also led to an increase in both futures and spot prices of caustic soda [6][7][11]. - The caustic soda futures are expected to remain strong. After a pullback, long - position operations should still be considered [9]. 3. Summary by Relevant Catalogs 3.1 Caustic Soda Trend Review - Last week, the caustic soda futures continued to rise due to strong downstream demand. The weighted price of caustic soda futures closed at 2,756 yuan/ton on Friday afternoon, up 4.51% from the previous week. In the spot market, the weekly average price of 32% caustic soda in Shandong was 836 yuan/ton, a 3.98% increase from the previous week [6][11]. 3.2 Caustic Soda Fundamental Analysis - **Capacity Utilization**: Last week, the average capacity utilization rate of China's caustic soda enterprises with a capacity of 200,000 tons and above was 83.2%, a 0.9% decrease from the previous week. There were different trends in different regions, such as a 3.9% decrease in the Northwest to 87.1% and a 0.1% increase in Shandong to 88.4% [15]. - **Downstream Demand**: The operation of the main downstream industries of caustic soda was generally stable. The alumina production remained stable, and the capacity utilization rate of viscose staple fiber increased by 0.18% to 86.22% [18]. - **Liquid Caustic Soda Inventory**: As of August 21, 2025, the inventory of fixed liquid caustic soda sample enterprises with a capacity of 200,000 tons and above was 396,400 tons (wet tons), a 9.46% decrease from the previous week. Inventory trends varied by region, with most regions experiencing inventory declines, while the inventory in the Northwest increased slightly [21]. - **Profit of Chlor - Alkali Enterprises in Shandong**: Last week, the theoretical production cost of caustic soda remained stable, the price of caustic soda increased, and the average weekly price of liquid chlorine decreased. The average weekly gross profit of chlor - alkali enterprises in Shandong was 349 yuan/ton, a 21.18% increase from the previous week [24]. 3.3 Caustic Soda Trend Outlook - **Liquid Caustic Soda**: In East China, major enterprises are expected to undergo maintenance this week, and non - aluminum stocking demand is increasing. The inventory pressure on enterprises is not significant, and the price of liquid caustic soda is expected to rise steadily. The price of liquid caustic soda in eastern Shandong may still increase [28]. - **Flake Caustic Soda**: The market in other domestic regions is mainly consolidating. In Inner Mongolia, the maintenance devices are gradually resuming production, and the new order quotes of manufacturers are expected to remain stable [9].

Report Summary 1) Report Industry Investment Rating - The investment rating for the caustic soda industry is "Bullish with caution on near - month warehouse receipts" [1] 2) Core View of the Report - The caustic soda market's core driver is the continuous expansion of demand. With rising alumina demand and strong export support, the market is expected to have upward - driven spot prices during the downstream peak season. However, the weakness of chlorine - consuming downstream industries may limit profit expansion and cause potential passive production cuts. Overall, a bullish view is maintained, but near - month warehouse receipts need attention in the short term [1] 3) Summary by Relevant Content Fundamental Tracking - The futures price of the 11 - contract is 2700, the price of the cheapest deliverable 32% caustic soda in Shandong is 850, the Shandong spot 32% caustic soda converted to the futures price is 2656, and the basis is - 44 [1] Spot News - Based on Shandong, supported by a 20 yuan/ton increase in the procurement price of major downstream, local caustic soda plants raised prices to varying degrees. With low inventory pressure, the short - term market is expected to remain at a high level [1] Market Condition Analysis - Demand side: Alumina's rigid and stocking demand is rising, especially with 3.6 million tons of alumina production capacity expected to be put into operation in Guangxi by the end of this year, leading to tight local supply and increased demand for 50% caustic soda. The 93 - parade affects transportation, and a Shandong alumina plant may raise its procurement price. Export support remains strong, but inventory - building rhythms affect domestic prices [1] - Supply side: The weakness of chlorine - consuming downstream industries like PVC limits profit expansion and may cause passive production cuts in the future [1] Trend Intensity - The trend intensity of caustic soda is 1, indicating a moderately bullish view [2]

1. Report Industry Investment Rating No relevant content provided. 2. Core Viewpoints of the Report - The upside space for caustic soda is limited, with pressure at the 2,800 price level for the SH509 contract. The market is mainly driven by potential negative feedback on the operating rate due to price drops and the impact of domestic demand. Without significant event shocks, the upside for the near - term is expected to be limited [3]. - The rebound of caustic soda futures this week was mainly due to the approaching delivery of the near - term contract and the strengthening of the near - term spot, which pushed up the market expectations. However, the subsequent upward potential depends on the verification of the peak season [6]. 3. Summary by Directory 3.1 Spot Price - The domestic low - concentration caustic soda market price increased week - on - week. In Shandong, the average price of 32% ion - membrane liquid caustic soda rose from 836 yuan/ton (converted to 2,618.75 yuan/ton in 100% purity) at the beginning of the week to 847 yuan/ton (2,646.875 yuan/ton in 100% purity) at the end of the week. The price increase was due to factors such as new orders, improved delivery, and reduced inventory pressure [11]. - The price of 50% caustic soda and 99% flake caustic soda in different regions also showed certain trends, and the report provided historical price data for different regions and types of caustic soda [17][22][23]. 3.2 Price Difference - **Model Price Difference**: The price differences between 50% caustic soda and 32% caustic soda, and between 99% flake caustic soda and 32% caustic soda in different regions were presented, along with historical data [33]. - **Regional Price Difference**: The price differences of 32% caustic soda, 50% caustic soda, and 99% flake caustic soda between different regions were analyzed, and historical data were provided [33]. 3.3 Supply - China's caustic soda production capacity is mainly concentrated in North China, Northwest China, and East China, accounting for 80% of the total national capacity. This week, the domestic caustic soda production was estimated to be 82.93 tons, a week - on - week increase of 0.12 tons, and the weekly operating rate of liquid caustic soda enterprises was 84.45%, a week - on - week increase of 0.13% [50]. - Some enterprises in Hubei and Zhejiang completed their maintenance, while some in Jiangxi and Hunan started maintenance, with the overall maintenance impact decreasing compared to last week [50]. - The report also provided information on the operating rates of liquid caustic soda and flake caustic soda, and the production and maintenance plans of different enterprises [51][56][60]. 3.4 Demand - **Alumina**: This week, the profit margin of alumina was acceptable, and the operating capacity remained at a high level. As of August 14, China's alumina installed capacity was 114.8 million tons, with an operating capacity of 95.2 million tons and an operating rate of 82.93%. However, there was a possibility of subsequent production cuts [63]. - **Viscose Staple Fiber**: The capacity utilization rate of the viscose staple fiber industry this week was 86.04%, a week - on - week increase of 1.07% [63]. - **Printing and Dyeing Industry**: As of August 14, the comprehensive operating rate in the Jiangsu and Zhejiang regions was 61.46%, a week - on - week increase of 2.19%. The industry showed a mild recovery [63]. 3.5 Inventory - As of August 15, 2025, the domestic liquid caustic soda factory inventory was 275,600 tons, a week - on - week decrease of 0.47%. The inventory in North China increased, while that in Northeast, Central, and East China decreased [77]. - The domestic flake caustic soda factory inventory was 25,900 tons, a week - on - week increase of 10.3% due to slow sales and increased supply [77]. 3.6 Valuation - The production cost of caustic soda mainly comes from raw salt and electricity. The domestic industrial salt market had a slight increase this week, and the动力煤 market price rose slightly. The comprehensive profit of chlor - alkali on the spot side was compressed [81][82]. 3.7 Chlorine - Consuming Downstream - The report provided data on the benchmark spot price of PVC, the weekly operating rate of PVC powder, and the comprehensive profit of calcium carbide - based and northwest integrated chlor - alkali. It also presented information on the capacity utilization rate and production profit of products such as propylene oxide and epichlorohydrin [94][95][100].

氯碱日报 | 2025-08-14 液碱去库，山东主力下游采购价上调 市场要闻与重要数据 PVC: 市场分析 PVC： 期货价格及基差：PVC主力收盘价5016元/吨（-31）；华东基差-136元/吨（+31）;华南基差-76元/吨（+31）。 现货价格：华东电石法报价4880元/吨（+0）；华南电石法报价4940元/吨（+0）。 上游生产利润：兰炭价格595元/吨（+0）；电石价格2780元/吨（+0）；电石利润14元/吨（+0）；PVC电石法生产毛 利-252元/吨（-231）；PVC乙烯法生产毛利-489元/吨（-10）；PVC出口利润6.9美元/吨（-2.1）。 PVC库存与开工：PVC厂内库存33.7万吨（-0.8）；PVC社会库存48.1万吨（+3.3）；PVC电石法开工率77.83%（+3.41%）； PVC乙烯法开工率77.55%（+7.31%）；PVC开工率77.75%（+4.49%）。 下游订单情况：生产企业预售量83.2万吨（-2.2）。 烧碱： 期货价格及基差：SH主力收盘价2481元/吨（-21）；山东32%液碱基差19元/吨（+21）。 现货价格：山东32%液碱报价800元/吨（+ ...

Report Summary 1) Industry Investment Rating - Not provided in the report 2) Core View - The report indicates that the caustic soda market will experience short - term fluctuations. The cost support for caustic soda is strong due to the weak performance of liquid chlorine, and there are expectations for peak - season demand. The upcoming alumina production capacity in Guangxi and strong export support will affect the domestic caustic soda market [3]. 3) Summary by Relevant Catalogs Fundamental Tracking - On August 13, 2025, the 09 - contract futures price was 2502, the price of the cheapest deliverable 32 - alkali spot in Shandong was 800, the Shandong spot 32 - alkali converted to the futures price was 2500, and the basis was - 2 [1]. Spot News - Based on the Shandong region, the price of 32 - alkali in the Shandong market remained stable overall. The demand from surrounding areas for high - concentration caustic soda supported partial shipments, and some manufacturers raised the price of high - concentration caustic soda [2]. Market Condition Analysis - In terms of cost, the weak liquid chlorine market strengthens the cost support for caustic soda. There are still expectations for peak - season demand, especially with the expected commissioning of 3.6 billion tons of alumina production capacity in Guangxi by the end of this year, which will lead to a tight supply of caustic soda in the region. The alumina inventory build - up will drive the circulation of domestic 50 - alkali. The export support remains strong, but the domestic caustic soda price will be affected by the inventory - building rhythm [3]. Trend Intensity - The trend intensity of caustic soda is 1, indicating a relatively strong trend [3].

1. Report Industry Investment Rating No relevant content provided. 2. Core Viewpoints - The macro - sentiment has declined, and the spot price of near - term caustic soda has collapsed. The upside space of caustic soda is limited, with pressure at the 2800 price level. The supply of liquid caustic soda is expected to remain high, the overall demand is weak, and both liquid and flake caustic soda have seen a week - on - week inventory build - up. The caustic soda price has been falling this week, mainly due to weakening demand in the Shandong region and a downward adjustment in the purchase price of alumina, the main downstream product [3][6]. - For different market participants, corresponding hedging strategies are recommended. For example, producers with high inventory can buy put options and sell call options; traders looking to build inventory can sell put options and buy call options; terminal customers worried about price increases can buy call options [4]. 3. Summary by Directory 3.1 Spot Price - China's caustic soda is divided into different specifications, including 32% liquid caustic soda, 50% liquid caustic soda, and 99% flake caustic soda. The price of low - concentration caustic soda in China has remained stable week - on - week. In Shandong, the average market price of 32% ion - exchange membrane liquid caustic soda is 847 yuan/ton (converted to 2646.875 yuan/dry ton), and the price of high - concentration liquid caustic soda has declined [11]. 3.2 Price Difference - **Model Price Difference**: The price differences between 50% caustic soda and 32% caustic soda, and between 99% flake caustic soda and 32% caustic soda in different regions such as Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Shandong, and Shaanxi are presented, with daily - updated data [37]. - **Regional Price Difference**: The price differences of 32% caustic soda, 50% caustic soda, and 99% flake caustic soda between different regions are analyzed, including the differences between Zhejiang - Shandong, Shaanxi - Shandong, and Jiangsu - Shandong, with daily - updated data [37]. 3.3 Supply - **Production and Supply**: China's caustic soda production capacity is mainly concentrated in North, Northwest, and East China, accounting for 80% of the total. This week, the estimated domestic caustic soda production is 828,100 tons, a week - on - week increase of 8,600 tons, and the weekly operating rate of liquid caustic soda enterprises is 84.32%, a week - on - week increase of 1.04% [55]. - **Maintenance Situation**: Many chlor - alkali plants have completed maintenance this week, while some are still under maintenance or have planned maintenance. This week's maintenance is expected to affect a total of 27,950 tons of caustic soda production in terms of 100% purity [60]. - **Flake Caustic Soda Unit Operation**: The operation status of flake caustic soda units of various manufacturers is reported, including normal operation, reduced operation, and maintenance [64]. 3.4 Downstream Demand - **Alumina**: This week, the supply of alumina has changed little. The overall supply - demand imbalance in the south has not improved significantly. As of August 7, the installed capacity of alumina in China is 114.8 million tons, the operating capacity is 94.4 million tons, and the operating rate is 82.23% [67]. - **Viscose Staple Fiber**: From August 1 to August 7, 2025, the capacity utilization rate of the viscose staple fiber industry is 84.97%, remaining unchanged from last week [67]. - **Printing and Dyeing Industry**: As of August 7, the comprehensive operating rate in the Yangtze River Delta is 69.28%, a week - on - week increase of 0.38%. The market demand in the printing and dyeing industry remains weak [67]. 3.5 Inventory - As of August 8, 2025, the inventory of domestic liquid caustic soda factories is 376,930 tons, a week - on - week increase of 3.99%. The inventory of flake caustic soda factories is 23,555 tons, a week - on - week increase of 23.65% [80]. 3.6 Valuation - **Cost Side**: The cost of caustic soda production mainly comes from raw salt and electricity. This week, the domestic industrial salt market has declined slightly, and the domestic thermal coal market price has risen [84]. - **Profit**: This week, the comprehensive profit of the chlor - alkali industry at the spot end has been compressed, with a slight increase in the cost - side price and a weakening of the liquid caustic soda market price [85]. 3.7 Chlorine - Consuming Downstream - The report presents data on the benchmark spot price of PVC, the weekly operating rate of PVC powder, the comprehensive profit of the calcium carbide method, and the comprehensive profit of the northwest integrated chlor - alkali industry. It also includes data on the capacity utilization rate and production profit of products such as propylene oxide and epichlorohydrin [97].

Report Industry Investment Rating No information provided. Core Views - The upside space for caustic soda is limited, with pressure at the 2800 price level. The supply of liquid caustic soda is expected to remain high, downstream demand is weak, and inventory has increased. The price of caustic soda has been falling due to weak demand in the Shandong region and a downward adjustment in the purchase price of alumina, the main downstream product. [3][6] - For different market participants, corresponding option trading strategies are recommended to manage inventory and procurement risks. [4] Summary by Related Catalogs 1. Spot Price - Domestic caustic soda is divided into different specifications, including 32% liquid caustic soda, 50% liquid caustic soda, and 99% flake caustic soda. The price of low - concentration caustic soda in Shandong has been adjusted downward, with poor trading for high - concentration caustic soda. [11] - The report provides price data for different regions and specifications of caustic soda, including 32 - alkali in Shandong, Jiangsu, Inner Mongolia, and Henan; 50 - alkali in Shandong, Jiangsu, Inner Mongolia, and Henan; and 99 - flake caustic soda in Shandong, Shaanxi, Inner Mongolia, and Xinjiang. [12][20][27] 2. Spread 2.1 Model Spread - The report shows the price spreads between 50 - alkali and 32 - alkali in Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Shandong, and Shaanxi, as well as the spreads between 99 - flake caustic soda and 32 - alkali in Shaanxi, Inner Mongolia, and Shandong. [37] 2.2 Regional Spread - It presents the regional price spreads of 32 - alkali (Zhejiang - Shandong, Shaanxi - Shandong, Jiangsu - Shandong), 50 - alkali (Jiangsu - Shandong, Zhejiang - Shandong, Shaanxi - Shandong), and 99 - flake caustic soda (Shandong - Shaanxi, Shandong - Inner Mongolia). [37] 3. Supply 3.1 Load and Output - China's caustic soda production capacity is mainly concentrated in North China, Northwest China, and East China, accounting for 80% of the total. This week, the domestic caustic soda production is expected to be 828,100 tons, a week - on - week increase of 8,600 tons, and the weekly operating rate of liquid caustic soda enterprises is 84.32%, a week - on - week increase of 1.04%. [55] 3.2 Maintenance Situation - Many enterprises' chlor - alkali plants have completed maintenance or are in the process of maintenance. This week, the impact of maintenance on production is smaller than last week. The report lists the maintenance situations of multiple chlor - alkali plants, including those in Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, Shandong, Hubei, and Gansu. [55][60] 3.3 Flake Caustic Soda Plant Operation - The report details the operation status of flake caustic soda plants of various manufacturers, including normal operation, reduced load, and maintenance. [64] 4. Downstream Demand 4.1 Alumina - This week, the supply of alumina has changed little. The supply - demand imbalance in different regions still exists. As of August 7, the installed capacity of alumina in China is 114.8 million tons, the operating capacity is 94.4 million tons, and the operating rate is 82.23%. [67] 4.2 Viscose Staple Fiber - From August 1 to August 7, 2025, the capacity utilization rate of the viscose staple fiber industry is 84.97%, the same as last week, and the domestic viscose plants are operating stably. [67] 4.3 Printing and Dyeing Industry - As of August 7, the comprehensive operating rate of the printing and dyeing industry in the Yangtze River region is 69.28%, a week - on - week increase of 0.38%. The market demand is still weak, and it is expected that the demand will gradually pick up after mid - September. [67] 5. Inventory - As of August 8, 2025, the inventory of domestic liquid caustic soda plants is 376,930 tons, a week - on - week increase of 3.99%, and the inventory of flake caustic soda plants is 23,555 tons, a week - on - week increase of 23.65%. [80] 6. Valuation 6.1 Cost - The cost of caustic soda production mainly comes from raw salt and electricity. This week, the domestic industrial salt market has declined slightly, and the domestic thermal coal market price has risen. [84] 6.2 Profit - This week, the comprehensive profit of chlor - alkali in the spot market has been compressed, with a slight increase in the cost side and a weakening of the liquid caustic soda market price. [85] 7. Chlorine - Consuming Downstream - The report provides data on the benchmark spot price of PVC, the weekly operating rate of PVC powder, the comprehensive profit of calcium carbide - based PVC, and the production profits of propylene oxide, epichlorohydrin, etc. [97]

1. Report Industry Investment Rating No relevant content provided. 2. Core Views of the Report - **Macro Environment**: Domestic policy signals are released, leading to a positive sentiment. The US has reached trade agreements with Japan and the EU, improving market sentiment [4]. - **Supply - Demand Situation**: In the East China region, supply - demand fluctuations are relatively limited this week, with no planned device maintenance and sufficient supply. The off - season continues as non - aluminum demand shows no significant improvement. The inventory of liquid caustic soda in the main production areas of Shandong Province remains at a low level [4]. - **Overall Logic**: Caustic soda has strong cost support at the bottom. The domestic "anti - involution" drives the market sentiment to strengthen. However, if the futures price has a high premium over the spot price, beware of the risk of a decline [4]. - **Strategy Suggestion**: For the caustic soda 2509 contract, the upper reference pressure level is 2750 yuan/ton, and the lower support level is 2350 yuan/ton [4]. 3. Summary According to the Table of Contents 3.1 Market Review - **Spot Market**: The price of Shandong liquid caustic soda remained stable. The basis of Shandong 32% liquid caustic soda widened. From July 2024 to July 2025, data on the prices of 32% and 50% ion - membrane caustic soda in Shandong, as well as the prices of 99% flake caustic soda in Shandong and the northwest, were presented. The price of 32% ion - membrane caustic soda in Shandong decreased by 1.19% to 830 yuan/ton, the price of 50% ion - membrane caustic soda decreased by 2.19% to 1340 yuan/ton, and the price of 98% flake caustic soda in the northwest increased by 7.26% to 3250 yuan/ton. The price of liquid chlorine in Shandong decreased by 33.33% to - 400 yuan/ton, and the price of alumina increased by 1.75% to 3195 yuan/ton [9][12][18]. - **Futures Market**: Data on the futures closing prices of caustic soda, soda ash, alumina, and PVC from July 2024 to July 2025 were presented, along with the caustic soda futures closing price and the number of warehouse receipts [15][16]. 3.2 Market Analysis 3.2.1 Supply Side: Production and Operating Rate - **Current Situation**: From January to July 2025, data on the weekly production, operating rate, and device loss of caustic soda were presented. In the week of July 18 - 24, 2025, the average operating rate of 200,000 - ton and above caustic soda sample enterprises in China was 84.0%, a month - on - month increase of 1.4%. The operating rates in North China, East China, Northeast China, and South China increased, while that in Central China decreased. Shandong's operating rate increased to 87.6%. It is estimated that the operating rate this week will be around 84%, with a weekly output of about 822,900 tons [20][22]. - **Maintenance Plan**: There are planned device maintenance in the Northwest this week. Some enterprises in East China, North China, Northeast China, and Southwest China have maintenance plans in August [22][23]. 3.2.2 Downstream: Alumina - **Supply Situation**: In the current week, the supply of the alumina market decreased slightly. Due to the short - term maintenance of two roasting furnaces in an alumina plant in the Southwest, the supply shortage in the South intensified, while the supply in the North was relatively loose. As of July 24, the built - in capacity of alumina in China was 114.8 million tons, and the operating capacity was 93.2 million tons [25]. - **Operating Rate and Profit**: Data on the weekly operating rate and industry cost - profit of alumina from January to December 2018 - 2025 were presented [26]. 3.2.3 Inventory - **Overall Inventory**: As of July 24, 2025, the factory inventory of 200,000 - ton and above fixed liquid caustic soda sample enterprises in the country was 408,400 wet tons, a month - on - month increase of 6.38% and a year - on - year increase of 4.29%. The storage capacity ratio was 24.06%, a month - on - month increase of 1.82%. Except for the Northwest and Central China, the storage capacity ratios in other regions increased [30]. - **Regional Inventory**: In North China, inventory increased due to high - price downstream resistance and increased supply. In South China, inventory rebounded as the main factory resumed full - load operation. In Central China, inventory decreased as some enterprises' sales improved. In East China, inventory increased due to the off - season of non - aluminum demand and general export orders. In the Northwest, inventory decreased as downstream procurement enthusiasm increased. In Southwest China, inventory increased slightly as enterprises maintained production and downstream demand was mainly for rigid needs [30]. 3.2.4 Liquid Chlorine - **Price**: As of July 24, 2025, the price of liquid chlorine in Shandong decreased, with a weekly average price of - 400 yuan/ton, a month - on - month decrease of 1.75%. The demand for liquid chlorine decreased due to the non - recovery of downstream methane devices in Liaocheng and the shutdown of chlorine - consuming downstream devices in Zibo [33]. - **PVC Operating Rate**: As of July 25, 2025, the operating rate of PVC in China was 76.79%, a month - on - month decrease of 0.80%. It is estimated that the operating rate this week will be 76.86%, and the overall supply is expected to increase [33]. - **Profit**: In the week of July 18 - 24, 2025, the average weekly profit of Shandong chlor - alkali enterprises was 136 yuan/ton, a month - on - month increase of 4.62%. Although the price of liquid caustic soda in Shandong decreased and the liquid chlorine subsidy decreased, the overall chlor - alkali profit showed an upward trend [34].