Recently, the domestic dimethyl carbonate (DMC) market has shown a stable price trend, with an average market price of around 13400 yuan/ton, unchanged from the previous trading day. Behind this stable market price is the firm pricing strategy of individual manufacturers, with prices across the entire line tending to be consistent. However, the downstream market reacted calmly to this price signal, and most companies chose to wait and see, mainly focusing on digesting early inventory, resulting in a mediocre atmosphere of high-level transactions.

In terms of raw material, metal silicon, as a key raw material, operates at a low price fluctuation, which has limited direct impact on the DMC market. Nevertheless, fluctuations in raw material prices have always been a focal point of concern for market participants.
On the supply side, individual manufacturers plan to take turns conducting maintenance in February and March, which undoubtedly exacerbates the market's expectation of tight supply and further strengthens the manufacturers' willingness to raise prices. However, the performance on the demand side did not match the tight expectations on the supply side. The raw material inventory of downstream enterprises is generally high, and the purchasing demand is not strong, which to some extent restricts the upward space of DMC prices.
Faced with a challenging market environment, internationally renowned chemical company Eken has demonstrated strong resilience. According to the latest financial report, Eken's operating revenue in the fourth quarter reached NOK 8.498 billion, an increase of 5% compared to the same period last year. More notably, its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) increased significantly by 84% year-on-year, reaching 1.161 billion Norwegian kroner. The improvement in this performance is attributed to the company's implementation of efficiency and capital expenditure reduction plans, which have exceeded the expected targets.
Despite the continued unfavorable market environment, the EBITDA of the company's three major business segments has increased compared to the same period last year. Among them, the silicone business achieved its best performance since the third quarter of 2022 through operational optimization and sales growth. The silicon products and carbon solutions business also performed steadily against the backdrop of weak demand
In response to macroeconomic weakness and market challenges, Eken launched a comprehensive efficiency plan in 2024. The plan has achieved significant results, with EBITDA improvement reaching 1.7 billion Norwegian kroner and capital expenditure reduction of 2.2 billion Norwegian kroner, both exceeding the original target. The successful implementation of this plan not only enhances the company's profitability, but also lays a solid foundation for future profit growth during the demand recovery phase.
In terms of sustainable development, Eken has also performed outstandingly. In the CDP (Global Environmental Information Research Center) evaluation, Eken received an A-level rating for "Forest and Water Security" and a B-level rating for "Climate Change". The A-level rating is a recognition of Eken's environmental transparency, corporate social responsibility commitment, and full supply chain environmental practices. The achievement of this honor further enhances Eken's visibility and influence in the global chemical industry.
Looking ahead, despite high market uncertainty, Eken will still focus on operational optimization and continue to improve profitability. At the same time, the company will actively respond to market changes and flexibly adjust business strategies to ensure a leading position in the fierce market competition.