For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Methanol Prices in North America
- In USA, the Methanol Price Index rose by 12.93% quarter-over-quarter, driven by supply disruptions and export demand.
- The average Methanol price for the quarter was approximately USD 905.67/MT, reflecting strong Gulf Coast delivered premiums.
- Methanol Spot Price strength reflected tight Gulf Coast availability and export demand lifting regional barges.
- Methanol Price Forecast remains cautiously bullish given constrained supply, logistical delays and elevated risk premiums.
- Methanol Production Cost Trend showed feedstock-driven upward pressure as natural gas and freight inflation increased production costs.
- Methanol Demand Outlook supported prices as formaldehyde, acetic acid and MTBE sectors resumed activity, encouraging restocking.
- Methanol Price Index movements were amplified by geopolitical oil shocks redirecting exports toward the US Gulf market.
- Inventory draws, producer curtailments and major plant outages helped sustain upward offers despite elevated domestic stock levels.
Why did the price of Methanol change in March 2026 in North America?
- Severe Gulf Coast storm outages and precautionary shutdowns materially reduced available domestic methanol output, tightening supply.
- Surging export demand from Asia and Europe diverted cargoes, intensifying regional scarcity and reducing prompt domestic availability.
- Rising natural gas and logistics costs transmitted into higher production economics, supporting stronger contract and spot pricing.
Methanol Prices in APAC
- In Japan, the Methanol Price Index rose by 13.34% quarter-over-quarter, driven by supply disruptions abroad.
- The average Methanol price for the quarter was approximately USD 354/MT amid stronger import parity.
- Terminal inventories drew down, driving the Methanol Spot Price upward as buyers competed for cargoes.
- Rising LNG-linked feedstock costs influenced the Methanol Production Cost Trend, supporting higher landed CFR quotations.
- Downstream restocking and automotive recovery strengthened the Methanol Demand Outlook, encouraging spot, contract buying activity.
- Observed inventory draws and tighter import parity lifted the Methanol Price Index, signalling short-term tightness.
- Market models shifted higher; Methanol Price Forecast revisions reflected supply uncertainty and elevated freight premia.
- Force majeures among exporters, rerouting costs and insurance surcharges reduced spot liquidity, complicating procurement cycles.
Why did the price of Methanol change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Middle East export disruptions removed key import volumes, reducing available cargoes and elevating landed costs.
- LNG and naphtha feedstock price spikes increased production cost pass-through, pressuring CFR import offers higher.
- Freight rerouting and war-risk surcharges extended lead times, constraining spot availability and prompting buyer competition.
Methanol Prices in Europe
- In France, the Methanol Price Index rose by 9.51% quarter-over-quarter, driven by feedstock tightness, logistics.
- The average Methanol price for the quarter was approximately USD 380.00/MT, reflecting FD Le Havre
- Methanol Spot Price firmed as sellers passed higher natural gas costs into FD offers recently.
- Methanol Production Cost Trend reflected surging TTF gas and elevated war-risk freight, pressuring producer margins.
- Methanol Price Forecast points to continued upward bias near term as alternative cargoes prove costly.
- Methanol Demand Outlook stays balanced with formaldehyde, biodiesel and MTBE consumption supporting baseline offtake volumes.
- Methanol Price Index movements mirrored port congestion, Gulf export losses and rising war-risk insurance premiums.
- Industry inventory drawdowns and limited spot availability amplified Le Havre offers, supporting price momentum.
Why did the price of Methanol change in March 2026 in Europe?
- Natural gas TTF surged after Gulf supply disruptions, increasing European production costs and seller offers.
- Loss of Middle Eastern methanol exports removed cargoes, forcing importers to secure costlier alternative shipments.
- Shipping delays, higher freight and war-risk insurance premiums constrained deliveries, intensifying spot market tightness sharply.
Methanol Prices in MEA
- In Saudi Arabia, the Methanol Price Index rose by 15.09% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting export-demand surge and logistical constraints.
- The average Methanol price for the quarter was approximately USD 307.67/MT based on FOB Al Jubail contract assessments.
- Methanol Spot Price indications tightened mid-March amid shipping suspensions, creating acute arbitrage opportunities for prompt cargo allocation.
- Methanol Price Forecast revisions show strong near-term upside driven by constrained exports and elevated war-risk premiums.
- Methanol Production Cost Trend moved higher as feedstock gas and crude price spikes increased variable production expenses materially.
- Methanol Demand Outlook remains robust regionally with Asian buyers accelerating purchases to replace lost Middle East supplies.
- Methanol Price Index volatility intensified during March due to simultaneous export bottlenecks and surging insurance and freight costs.
- Producers sustained high run-rates but shipping constraints and terminal disruptions limited actual export volumes and tightened available cargoes.
Why did the price of Methanol change in March 2026 in MEA?
- Export logistics disruptions and carrier suspensions created supply shortfalls, sharply tightening available FOB export allocations.
- Natural gas and crude price inflation raised production costs, pressuring margins and justifying higher producer offers.
- Surging emergency demand from Asia replacing Iranian and Qatari volumes amplified urgent buying and price escalation.
Methanol Prices in South America
- In Brazil, the Methanol Price Index rose by 10.15% quarter-over-quarter, driven by tightened imports and freight surcharges.
- The average Methanol price for the quarter was approximately USD 383.33/MT, reflecting CFR Santos market realization levels.
- Methanol Spot Price strength was evident as limited Atlantic cargo availability lifted sellers' offers and sustained the Price Index.
- Methanol Price Forecast scenarios show near-term upside risk from continued freight surcharges and constrained alternative export allocations.
- Methanol Production Cost Trend edged higher as elevated global natural gas and insurance premia pressured exporter marginal costs.
- Methanol Demand Outlook remains stable with biodiesel and formaldehyde sectors providing consistent baseline consumption into Q2.
- Inventory buffers and steady import flows moderated volatility, but the Methanol Price Index reacted to shocks rapidly.
- Major exporter operational outages and rerouted tonnage tightened allocations, lifting landed costs and firming Methanol Spot Price signals.
Why did the price of Methanol change in March 2026 in South America?
- Freight surcharges and rerouting raised landed costs substantially, transmitting immediate CFR Santos price pressure upward.
- Supply disruptions from Gulf and Middle Eastern exporters tightened import availability, increasing competition for alternate Atlantic cargoes.
- Domestic downstream buying remained routine, but cautious procurement amplified price moves when supply signals turned restrictive.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
- In the USA, the Methanol Price Index fell by 1.88% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting subdued demand and balanced supply.
- The average Methanol price for the quarter was approximately USD 314.00/MT, reflecting balanced supply conditions.
- Methanol Spot Price swings from freight changes and temporary export liftings, which affected prompt availability significantly.
- Methanol Production Cost Trend showed winter gas risk, but inventory buffers limited immediate producer pass-through.
- Methanol Demand Outlook remains muted as formaldehyde and MTBE offtake stayed weak during the seasonal lull.
- The Regional Methanol Price Index was influenced by inventory builds, export arbitrage compression, and Gulf rates.
- Methanol Price Forecast shows upside risk from winter logistics constraints and potential export restocking demand.
- Participants cited stable offers, balanced inventories, and cautious buying, tempering sustained recovery in Price Index.
Why did the price of Methanol change in December 2025 in North America?
- Gulf Coast production and imports maintained supply, limiting upward pressure despite winter gas cost risks.
- Muted downstream demand from formaldehyde, MTBE, and solvents reduced offtake, pressuring the Price Index downward materially.
- Logistics and freight shifts, export arbitrage softness, encouraged just-in-time buying and prevented strong spot rallies.
APAC
- In Japan, the Methanol Price Index fell by 1.78% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting softened regional demand and ample imports.
- The average Methanol price for the quarter was approximately USD 312.33/MT, based on CFR and contract assessments.
- Limited liquidity kept the Methanol Spot Price unchanged while the Methanol Price Index tracked sideways amid balanced supply.
- Stable global natural gas prices supported a benign Methanol Production Cost Trend, limiting upward pressure on import costs.
- Methanol Demand Outlook remained mixed as olefin users seek volumes but derivative sectors restrained broader consumption.
- Methanol Price Forecast reflects modest upside risks from restocking and logistical delays, tempered by ample regional inventories.
- Term volumes and steady imports from Middle East producers kept terminals supplied, supporting the Methanol Price Index stability.
- Inventory rebuilding and cautious purchasing constrained rallies, while export diversions intermittently tightened nearby availability, supporting sellers' confidence.
Why did the price of Methanol change in December 2025 in APAC?
- Ample imports and stable terminal inventories reduced urgency, keeping spot availability abundant and capping upward price movement.
- Mild downstream demand with selective restocking limited volume uptake, despite holiday buying and end-user cautiousness.
- Freight scheduling and minor regional export disruptions briefly tightened supply, offset by Middle East cargoes maintaining flows.
Europe
- In France, the Methanol Price Index fell by 1.1% quarter-over-quarter, driven by imports largely again.
- The average Methanol price for the quarter was approximately USD 347.00/MT assessed at LeHavre.
- Methanol Spot Price remained pressured as inventories at French terminals stayed high and spot volumes.
- Methanol Price Forecast shows limited upside near-term as freight spikes offset recovering seasonal demand.
- Methanol Production Cost Trend remained contained with stable TTF and natural gas costs limiting pressure.
- Methanol Demand Outlook remains weak amid lower formaldehyde and MTBE offtake, constraining restocking and contracts.
- Methanol Price Index reflected episodic freight support but persistent oversupply kept regional values pressured downward.
- Producers prioritized volume retention while export talks increased selling, influencing the Methanol Spot Price availability.
Why did the price of Methanol change in December 2025 in Europe?
- Rising freight and container costs raised landed import economics, modestly supporting prices despite abundant supply.
- Seasonal winter slowdown reduced formaldehyde and MTBE offtake, weakening domestic consumption and spot purchasing appetite.
- Stable production costs and uninterrupted imports maintained inventories, preserving seller competition and preventing price recovery.
MEA
- In Saudi Arabia, the Methanol Price Index fell by 3.14% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting ample supply and weaker export demand.
- The average Methanol price for the quarter was approximately USD 267.33/MT, per consolidated contract and spot-derived weighted assessment.
- Limited liquidity kept the Methanol Spot Price subdued, while the Methanol Price Index remained flat amid balanced supply.
- Methanol Production Cost Trend was steady as contracted methane feedstock remained competitively priced, supporting operating rates.
- Methanol Demand Outlook remained muted as downstream MTO and MTBE maintained contractual offtake, limiting spot purchases.
- Methanol Price Forecast points to near-term firmness as seasonal Asian restocking and regional constraints support offers.
- High Saudi operating rates and port operations kept the Methanol Price Index anchored inside a narrow range.
- Elevated Asian restocking bids briefly tightened export demand, lifting Methanol Spot Price and strengthening FOB offers.
Why did the price of Methanol change in December 2025 in MEA?
- High Saudi production and comfortable inventories reduced local price pressure despite firm contractual exports during December.
- Rising regional natural gas costs increased production expense, adding upward pressure to FOB offers and negotiations.
- Iranian maintenance and Asian restocking tightened export availability, prompting higher Saudi offers and firmer FOB indications.
South America
- In Brazil, the Methanol Price Index fell by 0.096% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting ample import availability locally.
- The average Methanol price for the quarter was approximately USD 348.00/MT, reflecting Brazil's import dependence.
- Methanol Spot Price reflected competitive US Gulf offers, which kept Brazil's Methanol Price Index subdued.
- Methanol Price Forecast shows upside risk from winter gas spikes, offset by comfortable export availability.
- Methanol Production Cost Trend showed Northern Hemisphere winter elevated natural gas input costs across exporters.
- Methanol Demand Outlook remains muted near-term as biodiesel and formaldehyde sectors delay incremental spot purchases.
- Terminal inventories remained comfortable, and steady imports limited upward pressure despite occasional freight-driven CFR increases.
- Port operations are fluid, while freight spikes are transmitted into CFR values, causing transient Methanol price firmness.
Why did the price of Methanol change in December 2025 in South America?
- Competitive low-cost imports and smooth port operations increased availability, directly pressuring Brazilian CFR methanol values.
- Subdued downstream demand from biodiesel, formaldehyde, and industrial users encouraged buyers to defer purchases locally.
- Rising winter natural gas costs increased production cost pressure, while freight volatility pushed CFRs higher.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
- In USA, the Methanol Price Index rose by 8.6% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting stronger downstream offtake recently.
- The average Methanol price for the quarter was approximately USD 320.00/MT, according to regional assessments.
- Methanol Spot Price assessments firmed as Gulf Coast derivative demand tightened availability, supporting prompt offers.
- Methanol Price Forecast shows modest upside risk as construction and marine fuel adoption lift near-term demand.
- Methanol Production Cost Trend remained muted given low natural gas, limiting upward pressure on producer margins.
- Methanol Demand Outlook improved with formaldehyde and petrochemical feedstock pull increasing consumption across the Gulf Coast.
- Methanol Price Index volatility influenced by import duty changes, Beaumont capacity shifts and export parity dynamics.
- Major producers operated reliably, high utilization sustained supply, yet incremental outages or policy shifts could flip balances.
Why did the price of Methanol change in September 2025 in North America?
- Domestic production remained high, increasing availability and applying downward pressure on spot price indices recently.
- Resilient downstream petrochemical throughput raised offtake, tightening prompt availability and supporting recent upward moves.
- Stable low natural gas feedstock costs limited production cost inflation, reducing necessity for aggressive price increases.
APAC
- In Japan, the Methanol Price Index fell by 2.95% quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025, reflecting weaker import demand.
- The average Methanol price for the quarter was approximately USD 318.00/MT based on CFR Nagoya assessments and contractual supply coverage.
- Methanol Spot Price remained pressured by ample Middle East cargoes and port inventories in Northeast Asia.
- Methanol Price Forecast suggests range-bound movement at current levels as logistics stability offsets currency cost pressures.
- Methanol Production Cost Trend showed upward pressure from firmer LNG-linked feedstock, supporting offers during the quarter.
- Methanol Demand Outlook remains muted with formaldehyde and MTBE operating rates subdued, limiting offtake growth near-term.
- Methanol Price Index was influenced by high port inventories and cautious Japanese buying, restraining price momentum.
- Major supplier schedules were reliable; export demand softness and port operations supported stable supply into Japan.
Why did the price of Methanol change in September 2025 in APAC?
- Balanced import flows and high port inventories reduced urgency for spot buying, pressuring price levels.
- Yen weakness and LNG feedstock gains raised import costs, yet demand weakness persisted suppressing prices.
- Smooth port operations and reliable supplier schedules reduced logistical risk, limiting upside to Methanol prices.
Europe
- In France, the Methanol Price Index rose by 1.06% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting import tightness and end-use restocking.
- The average Methanol price for the quarter was approximately USD 351.00/MT, FD Le Havre basis.
- Methanol Spot Price strength reflected tight prompt availability, while the Price Index indicated price consolidation pressures.
- Methanol Production Cost Trend was elevated due to higher European energy input costs, supporting price resilience.
- Methanol Demand Outlook remains mixed as steady downstream formaldehyde consumption contrasts with weak fuel-blending demand.
- Methanol Price Forecast reflects short-term firmness from logistics constraints, but medium-term softening if imports normalize.
- Methanol Price Index movements were influenced by inventory accumulation and export demand across European terminals.
- Operational uptime at French and regional plants kept supply flowing, limiting upside despite spot tightness.
Why did the price of Methanol change in September 2025 in Europe?
- Reduced overseas inflows and port congestion tightened prompt availability, lifting short-term Methanol Price Index directionality.
- Stable domestic production but end-user restocking increased buying, while inventories remained regionally variable and elevated.
- Higher European energy costs raised feedstock pressures, supporting Methanol Production Cost Trend and sustaining producer pricing intention.
MEA
- In Saudi Arabia, the Methanol Price Index fell by 7.49% quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025, due to oversupply.
- The average Methanol price for the quarter was approximately USD 276.00/MT, per FOB Al Jubail contracts.
- Methanol Spot Price remained muted as term contracts limited availability and discouraged opportunistic spot purchases.
- Methanol Price Forecast signals range-bound near term movement amid steady output and weak export appetite.
- Methanol Production Cost Trend shows stable low gas tariffs supporting high plant operating rates and margins.
- Methanol Demand Outlook remains soft with term volumes dominating and minimal Asian spot restocking observed.
- Methanol Price Index recorded weekly declines reflecting Asian demand softness alongside persistent high regional run-rates.
- Contract coverage and high Saudi utilization constrained upside, leaving limited room for headline contract value recovery.
Why did the price of Methanol change in September 2025 in MEA?
- Sustained high plant run-rates and stable gas feedstock created ample supply, suppressing September price momentum.
- Weak Asian and Indian spot buying reduced export demand, reinforcing oversupply and downward pressure on contracts.
- Red Sea freight escalations and higher voyage costs raised logistics premiums, partially offsetting selling pressure.
South America
- In Brazil, the Methanol Price Index rose by 6.4% quarter-over-quarter, driven by currency depreciation and logistics delays.
- The average Methanol price for the quarter was approximately USD 348.33/MT, reflecting tightened landed costs and logistic frictions.
- Methanol Spot Price strengthened amid biodiesel and MDF demand, reducing available spot cargoes and supporting offers.
- Methanol Price Forecast indicates modest near-term firmness due to import cost pass-through and steady downstream consumption.
- Methanol Production Cost Trend rose as higher US export costs and elevated Brazilian natural gas tariffs lifted landed costs.
- Methanol Demand Outlook remains supportive from B13 biodiesel mandates and resilient formaldehyde resin manufacturing activity.
- Methanol Price Index volatility reflected alternating vessel delays, enforcement seizures, and variable import scheduling influencing trader behavior.
- Ample coastal inventories limited downside, but export demand and anti-dumping uncertainty kept upward pressure on offers.
Why did the price of Methanol change in September 2025 in South America?
- Tight near-term availability from berth delays and vessel queues reduced prompt supply, tightening domestic market.
- BRL depreciation and higher US-origin import costs increased landed procurement costs, pressuring offers upward materially.
- Enforcement seizures, tariff uncertainty and sporadic freight surcharges introduced risk premia, prompting cautious buying behavior.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
- In the USA, the methanol Price Index declined by 21.4% quarter-over-quarter, the sharpest drop among all regions.
- The methanol demand outlook was tepid, with derivative markets (formaldehyde, acetic acid, coatings) showing no strong recovery.
- The methanol production cost trend remained stable despite an 8.3% rise in natural gas feedstock prices in early June, as producers relied on stored gas.
- High inventory levels and limited export demand pressured producers to lower prices in earlier months.
- Operational consistency at major plants like Methanex Geismar, OCI Beaumont, and Natgasoline ensured robust supply throughout the quarter.
- The methanol price forecast remains range-bound in the short term due to ample supply and muted downstream consumption.
Why Did the Price of Methanol Change in July 2025 in the U.S.?
- In July 2025, the Methanol Price Index in the U.S. decreased, reflecting improved rail and barge availability and easing natural gas prices.
- Downstream demand saw a modest dip, particularly in fuel blending, due to lower gasoline blending activity after peak summer production.
- High inventory, especially in the Midwest, led buyers to adopt cautious procurement strategies.
- With better logistics and fewer supply bottlenecks, producers reduced spot offers to stay competitive.
Europe
- In the Netherlands, the methanol Price Index declined 19.2% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting persistent bearish market conditions.
- Early in Q2, the market was oversupplied, with high inventories and weak consumption across automotive, coatings, and construction sectors.
- The methanol production cost trend rose in June, as a 5.4% spike in natural gas prices inflated manufacturing costs.
- Production across Northwest Europe was consistent, though operating rates varied depending on natural gas affordability.
- Demand from formaldehyde resins, biodiesel, and acetic acid sectors was mixed but did not exhibit sharp volatility.
- Seasonal construction activity in central and eastern Europe modestly lifted methanol demand from wood panel resins.
- Imports from Russia and the Middle East remained strong, while spot activity was rangebound due to predictable offtake patterns.
Why Did the Price of Methanol Change in July 2025 in Europe?
- In July 2025, methanol prices in Europe were largely stable, as long-term contract deliveries dominated the market.
- Soft downstream activity in certain European countries, coupled with high terminal stocks, kept spot prices in check.
- However, a few producers offered slight discounts to encourage offtake ahead of expected maintenance in late Q3.
APAC
- The methanol Price Index in Indonesia fell by 5.2% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting a sustained bearish trend.
- The methanol demand remained soft as key downstream sectors such as formaldehyde and fuel blending operated at reduced rates.
- Oversupply conditions persisted as Iranian and Middle Eastern imports flowed steadily into the region.
- The methanol production cost trend stayed relatively stable despite geopolitical tensions and maintenance at Kaltim Methanol Industri, which had minimal impact on broader pricing.
- The Chinese methanol market remained under pressure due to subdued downstream activity, particularly in olefins and formaldehyde.
- Bearish sentiment persisted due to stable imports, cautious procurement behavior, and low global confidence stemming from US-China trade tensions.
- High feedstock availability, currency appreciation, and consistent production volumes added pressure on the market, weakening the methanol Price Index.
- Overall, the market exhibited a wait-and-see approach, as buyers hesitated to build inventories amid weak demand sentiment.
Why Did the Price of Methanol Change in July 2025 in APAC?
- Methanol prices in July 2025 in Asia-Pacific remained flat to slightly lower, especially in China, due to continued downstream weakness in MTO units and formaldehyde.
- Buyers in India and Southeast Asia delayed bulk purchases, anticipating further price corrections amid an oversupply situation.
- Ample availability from Middle Eastern suppliers kept spot prices under pressure, especially in CFR India and CFR Southeast Asia markets.
South America
- The Methanol Price Index in Brazil fell by 10.2% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025, indicating a prolonged bearish trend.
- Import volumes from Chile, Trinidad & Tobago, and the U.S. remained consistent; however, stable supply amid muted demand from formaldehyde, biodiesel, and fuel blending sectors created pricing challenges.
- The Methanol Demand Outlook for Brazil remained cautious throughout the quarter, with buyers exhibiting a wait-and-see approach due to economic uncertainties and restrained industrial consumption.
- A temporary uptick in May, driven by tighter imports and increased biodiesel blending mandates, was short-lived and offset by consistent bearishness in other weeks.
- Despite occasional port bottlenecks and rainfall disruptions in Paraná, logistics normalized quickly and did not result in major price support.
Why Did the Price of Methanol Change in July 2025 in Brazil?
- Methanol prices in Brazil continued to fall in July 2025, driven by sluggish demand and elevated inventories.
- Despite Brazil's peak soybean harvest season, which usually supports methanol demand for biodiesel, forward purchasing in earlier months had already covered most blending needs.
- High inventory levels at key ports like Santos led to reduced urgency among buyers, dampening fresh procurement.
Middle East & Africa (MEA)
- The Methanol Price Index in Saudi Arabia declined by 4.9% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025, reflecting weak global sentiment.
- The Methanol Production Cost Trend remained steady, backed by uninterrupted feedstock availability from methane-rich gas fields (Ghawar, Karan, Wasit).
- Supply was strong throughout the quarter, with top producers like SABIC (Ar-Razi), Sipchem, Chemanol, and Tasnee maintaining above 90% utilization rates.
- The Methanol Demand Outlook in Saudi Arabia was neutral, as local downstream sectors such as formaldehyde, MTBE, and methanol-to-olefins (MTO) ran at consistent levels but failed to deliver growth momentum.
- Export demand to China, Japan, and India remained stable due to term contracts, but did not induce upward pressure on FOB prices.
- Drone-related risks in the Red Sea marginally affected freight sentiment, yet export logistics from Jubail and Yanbu operated smoothly with no backlog.
Why Did the Price of Methanol Change in July 2025 in Saudi Arabia?
- Methanol prices in Saudi Arabia declined in July 2025 due to muted downstream demand and sustained high operating rates among key producers such as SABIC-Ar-Razi, Sipchem, Chemanol, and Tasnee.
- Domestic consumption remained stagnant, with no new downstream capacity additions or major procurement from formaldehyde and MTBE manufacturers during the month.
- Export sentiment softened as buying interest from key markets like China and India remained weak amid currency depreciation and inventory overhangs in Asia.
- Stable feedstock prices and absence of any supply-side disruptions further removed any upward support from cost pressures.
