The price of Glass Fiber, a critical material used in downstream automotive sectors including car parts to windshields, has seen a relentless upward trajectory across Europe, including Germany during June 2024 which has sent shockwaves through the global supply chain, impacting not just European manufacturers but also the broader international market.

A recent easing of interest rates has rebounded the demand from the downstream automotive sector. While vehicle prices remain high, the modest interest rate cuts have enticed more consumers into the market, leading to a significant increase in demand for Glass Fiber. This surge in demand comes at an inopportune time, as global supply chains are still grappling with the aftereffects of past disruptions. While June typically sees a rise in sales due to promotional offers, the import challenges and high freight charges have disrupted both domestic European demand and the global market for Glass Fiber. The situation has been further complicated by consumer behavior. Faced with the possibility of even higher prices in the future, many European consumers have accelerated their purchases, creating an artificial demand spike for Glass Fiber and putting further strain on a limited supply.

The depreciation of the Euro against the US Dollar has made imports more expensive, further tightening supply in Europe. This currency fluctuation adds another layer of complexity to the already stressed situation. Malaysia, a leading exporter of Glass Fiber, has also witnessed a rise in production costs. These increased costs have been passed down the supply chain, impacting major importers like Europe and the USA. This cascading effect contributes significantly to the overall price hike of Glass Fiber in Europe to settle at USD 1140/MT E-Glass Fiber CFR Hamburg during June 2024. High freight charges arising from port congestion issues have exacerbated the situation. This congestion affects both regional and international markets, with rising transportation costs driving up the final price of Glass Fiber. Unseasonal demand for ocean freight from Asia, potentially driven by European restocking efforts and concerns over labor disruptions, has further strained the already stretched supply chain. This unexpected surge in demand has overwhelmed existing infrastructure and exacerbated the congestion problem.

As per ChemAnalyst, the prices of Glass Fiber are expected to surge in July amidst an ongoing German port strike which could add another layer of disruption to trade flows, hindering the smooth movement of Glass Fiber materials. This strike could limit access to already tight supplies, causing a price spike across Europe.