Supply is tight, coal tar overall remains at high levels

　　Today, the domestic high-temperature coal tar market has witnessed several new auctions, with overall fluctuations staying within a narrow range. Here are the specific prices for these new orders:

　　In Shandong, the mainstream ex-factory transaction price for new orders is 4980-5000 yuan/ton, showing a decrease of 30 yuan.

　　In Shanxi, the mainstream ex-factory transaction price for new orders ranges from 4970 to 5030 yuan/ton, indicating an increase of 20-50 yuan.

　　In Hebei, the mainstream ex-factory transaction price for new orders is 5000 yuan/ton.

　　Looking at the supply side, the continuous rise in coking coal prices has led to increased costs for coking companies, significantly denting profits. Some coking companies are already operating at a loss. Consequently, a few coking companies have initiated price hikes for the first time. However, downstream steel mills, facing tight profit margins, are resisting these increases. Overall, profit losses have dampened the motivation of coke companies to produce. It's anticipated that significant growth in operating rates is unlikely before the National Day holiday.

　　On the demand side, the deep processing industry is experiencing a relatively low overall operating load due to higher costs and increased maintenance. Nonetheless, products like coal tar, anthracene oil, and industrial naphthalene from deep processing are performing well. Coupled with pre-holiday stockpiling, there remains robust support for coal tar demand in the market.

　　In conclusion, coking enterprises are currently operating at a relatively low capacity, and the supply of coal tar remains constrained. There is a solid need for coal tar in the downstream sector. Furthermore, some coke companies are preselling supplies for the National Day holiday this week. Prices are stable and at higher levels, and downstream delivery is accepting them. The editor predicts that the coal tar market is unlikely to see a reversal in its current situation before the National Day holiday, and prices are likely to remain robust.