For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
The North American automotive interior chemical market in Q4 2024 presented a complex picture of price trends amid several key materials that experienced price declines, while others remained stable or saw modest increases.
Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) prices, after a period of stagnation in early Q4 due to lower feedstock costs and steady demand, ultimately declined, although limited SBR production and consistent demand from the automotive tire sector helped to mitigate steeper drops. The EPDM rubber market saw a slight price increase, reflecting stable supply, gradual demand recovery from the automotive sector, and balanced feedstock availability. Moreover, the polycarbonate (PC) market remained stable throughout Q4. Despite potential logistical disruptions, ample port inventories and adjusted production levels ensured sufficient supply.
A significant bearish trend was observed in the polyurethane resin market, with prices falling by approximately 8%. Ample inventories, weak domestic demand from the construction sector (evidenced by low homebuilding confidence), and unfavorable export conditions due to port congestion and labor disputes contributed to this decline. Polypropylene prices also mirrored this trend, dropping by around 8% due to depreciating propylene feedstock costs and weak demand from the construction and automotive sectors. The PVC market experienced a declining trend, impacted by weak demand from the automotive and construction sectors, ample inventories, and stagnant upstream costs.
The ABS market saw a complex interplay of factors. Lower feedstock and production costs led to price declines early in the quarter. However, stable automotive demand and tighter supply conditions, exacerbated by port disruptions and holiday-related delays, prevented further price erosion, leading to relative stability.
APAC
The APAC automotive interior chemical market in Q4 2024 presented a mixed performance, with price trends varying across different products. Polypropylene saw a stable to bearish trend, with prices declining slightly. Continued capacity expansion in China, coupled with aggressive exports from South Korea, led to increased price competition. Muted demand from the automotive and construction sectors, along with inventory liquidation, further pressured prices despite some production turnarounds.
Polyurethane resin prices depreciated due to unfavorable demand from the domestic construction sector, even with rising feedstock TDI prices. Increased production in Japan added downward pressure, offsetting the impact of slightly reduced inventories. The holiday shutdown in the US further dampened market activity.
Polycarbonate prices experienced a marginal decline due to persistent supply-demand imbalances. Oversupply, particularly in China, and weak procurement from downstream sectors like automotive and electronics limited price recovery despite stable raw material costs. Finally, SBR prices declined due to weaker demand and lower feedstock costs. Reduced all-steel tire production and sluggish demand from the automotive and tire industries contributed to this downward trend, which is expected to continue.
PVC prices, conversely, trended upwards, driven by increased construction sector demand following Chinese stimulus measures and the imposition of anti-dumping duties on imports by India. However, high inventory levels in China and weak downstream procurement limited further price increases later in the quarter. Moreover, EPDM rubber in China saw a modest price increase, supported by steady pricing from exporters, balanced inventory management, and recovering downstream demand from the automotive and construction sectors.
Europe
The European automotive interior chemical market in Q4 2024 presented a mixed picture, with some materials experiencing price increases while others faced declines. The ABS market saw a marginally decreasing trend due to oversupply and subdued demand, particularly in the struggling automotive sector. Logistical challenges and fluctuating upstream costs further pressured prices, though stable demand from the appliance and electronics sectors provided some support.
PVC prices, conversely, trended upwards, driven by balanced supply, inflationary pressures, and steady construction demand, although the latter faced headwinds. Production cuts and logistical issues also contributed to the price increase. EPDM rubber saw a marginal price increase amidst an improved vendor performance was offset by cautious buyer sentiment due to underwhelming performance in the construction and automotive sectors. Moreover, SBR prices trended upwards due to rising feedstock costs and recovering demand from the automotive sector, particularly related to EVs and tire manufacturing. Despite some supply constraints, the increased raw material costs and tight supply chain contributed to the upward price pressure.
However, Polypropylene prices experienced a bearish trend, falling significantly. Increased production after summer maintenance, coupled with weak demand from the construction and automotive sectors, created an oversupply situation. Polyurethane resin also faced bearish conditions, despite improved supply. Weak demand from the construction sector and subsequent inventory liquidation dominated the market, with producers attempting to stabilize prices through production cuts. The polycarbonate market experienced a declining price trend due to subdued demand, particularly from the struggling automotive sector.
Overall, Q4 2024 in Europe was characterized by varied price movements, reflecting the interplay of supply and demand dynamics, sector-specific challenges, and broader economic conditions.
