Bisphenol A (BPA) prices in APAC surged in late February, driven by LG Chem's Force Majeure and rising feedstock costs. However, since sluggish downstream demand and plentiful stockpiles restrained additional rises, prices started to level out in early March. In the near future, BPA prices are anticipated to continue to decline due to slow downstream usage of epoxy resin and polycarbonate (PC).

BPA supply in China remained sufficient, despite several plant maintenance shutdowns. Qingdao Haiwan and Nantong Xingchen operated at reduced rates, managing supply carefully to prevent excessive buildup. Meanwhile, LG Chem restarted its Daesan plant following a power outage-induced Force Majeure, restoring regional BPA, phenol, and acetone availability. Though some post-holiday restocking occurred, actual trade volumes remained low, reflecting cautious buying sentiment.

Feedstock phenol prices increased due to supply constraints from Zhejiang Petrochemical’s maintenance and disruptions in Shandong’s supply chain. Meanwhile, acetone prices remained steady, keeping overall production costs moderate. Despite marginal improvements in China’s manufacturing sector, weak export activity and sluggish downstream orders restricted BPA’s market momentum.

BPA demand in China remained subdued, as PC and epoxy resin producers continued to limit purchases. PC prices declined, hitting multi-week lows, while construction-related BPA consumption weakened due to China’s struggling real estate sector. Additionally, deflationary pressures and trade uncertainties added further challenges, restricting bulk transactions.

The Middle East and other Asian countries reduced BPA imports due to Ramadan, as petrochemical trade slowed across the region. Shorter working hours and lower industrial activity impacted purchasing, further weakening demand sentiment. Given sluggish downstream recovery and limited consumer confidence, BPA prices are expected to face continued pressure in the coming weeks.

Japan’s manufacturing sector continued to struggle, with purchasing activity declining, though at a slower pace than earlier months. Phenol and acetone prices remained stable, keeping BPA production costs moderate. Despite earlier tightness, producers adjusted supply levels cautiously, preventing major stockpiles from accumulating.

BPA demand in Japan also remained weak, as PC and epoxy resin consumption declined. Delays in infrastructure projects and rising mortgage rates were challenges for the construction industry. Additionally, Trump’s proposed 25% tariff on vehicle imports raised concerns over downstream epoxy resin demand, as South Korea and Japan rely heavily on auto exports.

As per ChemAnalyst. It is anticipated that reduced exports and a plentiful supply will push BPA prices lower in the future. The Middle East and Asia's petrochemical demand is probably going to stay weak while Ramadan goes on, which will further slow market growth.