Bromine Weekly Review: Strong Price Momentum, Uptrend Continues (Mar 13 to Mar 19, 2026)

Bromine Weekly Review: Strong Price Momentum, Uptrend Continues (Mar 13 to Mar 19, 2026)

1. Market Highlights of the Week

1) This week, the operating rate of bromine sample enterprises was 35.00%, up 2.31% from last week.

2) The mainstream transaction price for bromine in Shandong this week was 53,000 RMB/ton, an increase of 6,500 RMB/ton from last week.

2. Weekly Market Analysis

Looking at the details of market operations, bromine prices were repeatedly raised during this period, showing a significant upward trend. Manufacturers maintained a bullish sentiment, while supply and demand remained in a continued tense game. On the supply side, except for the Laizhou area where production resumption timelines remain unclear due to relevant policy controls, the operation of bromine extraction from brine facilities gradually stabilized. However, the release of bromine extraction capacity from seawater was limited. The overall industry operating rate slowly recovered, while domestic social inventory levels generally remained low in the short term. With overseas geopolitical situations continuing to escalate, expectations for tighter imported resource supply further intensified manufacturers' reluctance to sell, resulting in generally weak willingness to ship. Market prices were raised multiple times, with most companies refraining from providing quotations. Concurrently, rumors of inflated transactions surfaced, and the market continuously monitored trading dynamics. On the demand side, performance was relatively weak. High raw material prices suppressed downstream industry operations, leading to noticeable resistance to current bromine prices. Procurement was mainly focused on just-in-time replenishment, with limited follow-through on actual transactions. Overall, market supply remained temporarily weak, and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East exacerbated concerns about supply tightness, driving bromine prices significantly higher. The game between supply and demand continued, with actual transaction prices consolidating narrowly in the range of 50,000-56,000 RMB/ton, resulting in a generally subdued trading atmosphere.

In December 2025, China's bromine import volume was 5,789 tons, down 5.52% month-on-month, with an average import price of 3,331 USD/ton, up 4.09% month-on-month. Israel accounted for the largest import volume at 2,483 tons, with an average import price of 3,398 USD/ton.

In December 2025, China's import volume of sodium bromide and potassium bromide was 3,804 tons, up 275.52% month-on-month, with an average import price of 1,978 USD/ton, down 4.07% month-on-month. Laos accounted for the largest import volume at 2,000 tons, with an average price of 2,050 USD/ton.

3. Market Influencing Factors Analysis

1) The price of solid sulfur in Shandong, a raw material, declined this week, reaching 4,790 RMB/ton as of press time.

2) Some manufacturers affected by policy factors still have no confirmed timeline for production resumption.

3) The industry operating rate entered an upward trajectory, with spot supply steadily being replenished.

4) Downstream industry demand remained weak, limiting the capacity to absorb bromine prices.

5) Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continued to escalate.

4. Next Week's Market Forecast

Looking ahead to the next period, the bromine market's price trend will remain dominated by the tight game between supply and demand. Supported by expectations of tight supply, prices are expected to maintain an upward trajectory. On the supply side, the industry operating rate is expected to continue recovering, and spot inventory in the market will be gradually replenished. However, uncertainties persist regarding the Middle East geopolitical situation, and the arrival pace of imported cargoes remains subject to expectations of tight supply. Manufacturers' willingness to sell is weak, with a continued mindset of supporting prices and withholding sales, leaving room for upward price movement. On the demand side, downstream factories face significant pressure from current high prices. Procurement remains focused on just-in-time replenishment, with generally weak stocking intentions. Overall trading sentiment is subdued, with limited volume for firm orders. In summary, the supply-demand stalemate in the bromine market remains unchanged, with the industry highly focused on developments in the Middle East geopolitical situation. Prices are expected to continue their upward trend in the short term, with mainstream transaction prices likely to fluctuate narrowly within the range of 54,000-56,000 RMB/ton.