Iranian Supply Reliance

China depends on Iran for roughly 50% of its methanol imports. While the maritime corridors are reopening, the current 'on-the-ground' scarcity is forcing coastal Methanol-to-Olefins (MTO) plants to pay record premiums for available spot volumes.

Downstream Cost Pressure

High methanol costs are starting to impact the profitability of plastics and synthetic rubber producers. Analysts expect prices to remain volatile until the first major tanker shipments are unloaded in East China ports.