China Fluoride Materials Monthly Report

In Feb. 2014, the trading of China’s fluorine chemical market was still light. The average ex-works prices of domestic fluoride materials of concern maintained stable. For instance, the ex-works prices of AHF, AlF₃and PTFE in Feb., 2014 remained at the same level with that in Jan., 2014. However, ex-works price of cryolite saw a continuous uptrend. In detail, the ex-works price of cryolite in Feb. was USD983/t, up 3.36% compared with that in Jan. 2014. 

The light trading of domestic market is attributed to not only the economic downturn, but also the overcapacity of basic products in domestic fluorine chemical industry. Therefore, domestic fluorine chemical enterprises began focusing more on the R&D, investment and construction of deep-processing products. For instance, Jiangxi Lee & Man Chemical is constructing its PVDF new project, which was researched and developed by the company independently. Meanwhile, developing overseas market also became a way for domestic fluorine chemical enterprises to deal with the dismal domestic market. For example, Shanghai 3F announced that Kureha China would acquire 20% shares of its subsidiary, 3F Wanhao on 26 Feb., 2014. In this way, Kureha China provided support and assistance for 3F Wanhao to expand its overseas market.

Besides, in this issue, CCM pays attention to the fluorine refrigerant industry about the application progress of alternative technology in China and foreign countries. On one hand, CCM notices that the USEPA and the EP announced plans to issue further laws and regulations and implement other relevant measures in order to reduce the use of HFCs with high GWP in Mar. 2014. These measures will contribute to the market expansion and commercial development of eco-friendly refrigerant substitutes. HFC-134a and its substitute HFO-1234yf will attract the most attention. On the other hand, CCM notices that R22 is witnessing quickening elimination worldwide. As an alternative to R22, R410a is capturing more and more investment along with its mixed raw materials (R32 and R125).

The RMB exchange rate in this issue is USD1.00=RMB6.1190 on 3 Mar., 2014, sourced from the People's Bank of China.

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