Lyondell Chemical Company will raise Glycol Ether prices, effective February 1, 2025. The increase impacts products like Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether, Dipropylene Glycol Methyl Ether, Tripropylene Glycol Methyl Ether, and others. Rising demand in paints, coatings, automotive, and cosmetics industries, driven by trends like eco-friendly coatings and strong automotive sales, is pushing up prices, requiring businesses to adjust procurement strategies.

Lyondell Chemical Company has recently announced a significant price increase on several Glycol Ethers, effective February 1, 2025, due to rising raw material costs within the chemical industry. The price hikes will affect a range of Glycol Ethers, including Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether, Dipropylene Glycol Methyl Ether, and Tripropylene Glycol Methyl Ether, each seeing an increase of USD 0.05 per pound or USD 110.23 per metric ton.

In addition, other Glycol Ethers such as Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate, Propylene Glycol n-Butyl Ether, Dipropylene Glycol n-Butyl Ether, Propylene Glycol n-Propyl Ether, and Dipropylene Glycol n-Propyl Ether will experience a price increase of USD 0.10 per pound or USD 220.46 per metric ton. These Glycol Ethers are extensively used in manufacturing, cleaning, and industrial applications, meaning businesses across various sectors relying on Glycol Ethers will face higher raw material costs. The decision underscores the growing cost pressures within the chemical industry and the broader economic challenges driving up raw material prices. Companies using Glycol Ethers will need to adjust their procurement strategies and budgeting to accommodate these price hikes.

Concurrently, the demand for Glycol Ether in the USA was driven by shifts in the paints and coatings industry, with a growing emphasis on environmentally friendly coatings. Despite challenges like company closures and divestments, the trend toward green building materials fueled increased Glycol Ether usage. Simultaneously, Glycol Ether demand was steady from paints industries amid firm consumption of paints and coatings in the Automotive sector. In 2024, U.S. new car sales steadily increased, rising to 15.9 million vehicles, marking a 2.2% year-over-year growth and the highest level since 2019, according to Wards Intelligence. This upward trend was driven by replenished inventories, increased incentives, and growing demand for hybrid vehicles. Automakers are optimistic about continued strong sales into 2025.

Similarly, the cosmetics and personal care sector saw strong growth, particularly during the holiday season, as mobile shopping and demand for premium products surged, further boosting Glycol Ether consumption in formulations.

Meanwhile, production levels were intermediate, with costs rising due to increased demand for materials from Mono monoethylene glycol manufacturers. This surge in demand, driven by the growing need for automotive antifreeze during the winter months, led to higher feedstock costs for Ethylene Oxide, which pushed up Glycol Ether production costs.

Lyondell Chemical Company's upcoming price increases for various Glycol Ethers, effective February 1, 2025, reflected steady demand from industries like cosmetics and paints and constrained supply. A market rebound is anticipated, and Glycol Ether prices are expected to rise in mid-Q1 as other market players will raise quotations to boost profits. Businesses must adjust their procurement strategies in response to these higher costs.