Nonylphenol Ethoxylates Market follows Stagnation in China & USA, as Year-end Approaches

Nonylphenol Ethoxylates prices displayed a steady trend in the first half of November in China. A similar pricing trend was observed in the USA.

In the USA, Nonylphenol Ethoxylates prices remained stable in the first half of November, supported by steady feedstock Nonylphenol prices. The stability in Ethylene Oxide prices further reinforced this trend, helping to maintain consistent pricing for Nonylphenol Ethoxylates. As a result, Nonylphenol Ethoxylates prices FOB Gulf Coast were settled at USD 2,563/MT in the week ending November 22^nd.

In China, Nonylphenol Ethoxylates prices followed a similar trend, remaining steady in the first half of November. Both Nonylphenol and Ethylene Oxide prices remained stable, contributing to a balanced supply-demand scenario. As a result, Nonylphenol Ethoxylates prices FOB Qingdao were settled at USD 1,726/MT in the week ending November 22^nd, reflecting market equilibrium.

A key factor supporting market stability was the completion of the November procurement, which ensured that the market remained well-supplied with sufficient inventories. This helped prevent significant fluctuations in Nonylphenol Ethoxylates prices, thereby contributing to a steady market environment throughout the period.

Additionally, mixed crude oil price movements throughout November have further mitigated volatility in the Nonylphenol Ethoxylates market. In the first week of November, crude oil prices rebounded, with Brent rising 2.8% to USD 74.67/barrel and WTI increasing 3.5% to USD 71.19/barrel. This surge was primarily driven by OPEC+'s decision to extend production cuts, amid the uncertainty caused by the closely contested U.S. presidential election. Additionally, geopolitical tensions, such as the ongoing situation between Iran and Israel, along with economic factors like Chinese stimulus measures and the potential Federal Reserve rate cuts, helped boost market sentiment and supported oil demand.

However, crude oil prices shifted to a downtrend in the second week of November, with Brent dropping 2.8% to USD 72.55/barrel and WTI declining 3.3% to USD 68.82/barrel. This downturn was mainly attributed to slower-than-expected US Federal Reserve rate cuts, weaker Chinese oil demand, and concerns about potential US tariffs on Chinese goods. These factors contributed to a weakening market sentiment, impacting oil prices.

Despite the mixed movements in crude oil prices, the steady supply-demand balance and sufficient inventories helped mitigate significant price changes for Nonylphenol Ethoxylates. Looking ahead, Nonylphenol Ethoxylates prices are expected to remain stagnant in the near term. With festive procurement already completed, Demand fundamentals are likely to stay flat or even bearish until the end of the year. With the market focusing on balancing supply with moderate demand, it is expected that the Nonylphenol Ethoxylates market will maintain stable prices for the remainder of the year.