Early April Sees Rapid Global Price Increase of DEG, High Demand Limited Inventory to Reason

In the early days of April 2024, the global market for Diethylene Glycol (DEG) has shown resilience and vitality, embarking on an upward trajectory in most regions around the world including Europe, Asian Pacific and the Americas. The DEG market's upward trajectory can be attributed to increased downstream demand, fluctuations in crude oil prices, and a constrained supply of feedstock in the region.

In the European market, DEG prices have remained bullish, propelled by a convergence of factors. The price surge, exceeding 1.5% in the first half of April, can be attributed to soaring feedstock prices and production costs. The heightened downstream demand, amidst tight supply conditions, further bolstered the DEG value. Notably, in March 2024, the German market witnessed a remarkable 25% uptick in DEG prices, fueled by increased downstream demand amidst fluctuating crude oil prices and geopolitical tensions.

Similarly, the US market for DEG echoed bullish sentiments, grappling with its unique set of challenges. The price hike, reflecting a 9.8% surge in March 2024, stemmed from both upstream and downstream factors. Ethylene Oxide prices experienced a modest uptick, influenced by the volatile crude oil market, while the domestic demand for Polyurethane resin showed a significant improvement. The landscape was further influenced by shifts in crude oil inventories and refining capacities, signaling the market's intricate interplay with broader economic dynamics.

In the Asian Pacific region, particularly in China, the DEG market exhibited a nuanced trajectory. While domestic prices experienced a modest increase of 0.5% in early April, the pace was slower compared to previous months. The surge in DEG demand from the international market, coupled with lowered Ethylene Oxide prices due to ample regional inventory, shaped the pricing dynamics. However, the market witnessed a notable bullish trend in the opening week of April, driven by escalated production costs and heightened downstream industry demand.

The overarching trends in the global DEG market can be attributed to several key factors. Firstly, the downstream demand has remained robust, driven by various industries reliant on DEG as a crucial component. Fluctuations in crude oil prices have also exerted significant influence, shaping the cost dynamics of feedstock and production. Moreover, supply chain disruptions, such as the decline in skilled foreign labor and racial tensions, have added layers of complexity to the market dynamics, potentially impacting manufacturing operations and output.

As per ChemAnalyst, the DEG market is forecasted to witness an upward trend in the upcoming period, driven by heightened downstream demand and constrained feedstock supply, particularly amidst the volatile crude oil environment.