Domestic supply continues to be sufficiently replenished, and methanol port inventories are not decreasing as quickly as expected.

As of April 8, 2026, China’s methanol port inventory totaled 1.0255 million tons, down 85,000 tons from the previous period. Specifically, East China saw a slight drawdown, with inventory decreasing by 41,000 tons; South China also saw a slight drawdown, with inventory decreasing by 44,000 tons. This week, the methanol port inventory drawdown did not meet expectations. During the period, explicit external-vessel unloading amounted to 104,000 tons. Domestic supply continued to be replenished in ample quantities, while imports’ apparent demand continued to weaken significantly.

In Jiangsu’s main storage areas, offtake remained fairly good, supported by exports and vessel dispatches along the river. However, it still could not overcome arbitrage from domestic cargo sources. In addition, some non-explicit terminals’ pipeline-transport terminal plants ultimately resulted in a slight build in Jiangsu inventory. In Zhejiang, terminal consumption remained stable, but offtake from social inventories was average, leading to an inventory drawdown.

This week, inventories at South China ports fell within a narrow range. In Guangdong, both imports and domestic trading vessels replenished supply during the week. Offtake in the main storage areas was limited due to the holiday, resulting in a slight inventory build. In Fujian, only a small amount of cargo from domestic trading vessels was replenished. Downstream maintained just-need consumption, and inventory continued to draw down. (Longzhong Information)