For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
• In USA, the 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Price Index fell by 2.39% quarter-over-quarter, due to softer downstream demand and inventories.
• The average 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 2079.33/MT, reflecting balanced supply-demand.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Spot Price remained range-bound in Q4, supported by steady imports and muted speculative buying interest.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Price Forecast indicates modest recovery early next year driven by seasonal restocking and improving coatings demand.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Production Cost Trend showed limited upward pressure as feedstock 2-ethylhexanol and propylene costs stabilized regionally.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Demand Outlook remains balanced with steady consumption from PVC stabilizers, coatings and lubricant additive producers.
• Export demand to neighboring markets provided a price floor, limiting declines despite muted domestic purchasing ahead of holidays.
Why did the price of 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid change in December 2025 in North America?
• Balanced import supply and steady domestic plant output maintained ample availability, preventing upward price pressure.
• Lower feedstock 2-ethylhexanol and propylene costs eased production costs, supporting seller willingness to hold offers steady.
• Year-end buying caution and adequate inventories reduced spot demand, while freight and currency dynamics offset offer volatility.
APAC
• In Japan, the 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Price Index fell by 5.211% quarter-over-quarter, driven by ample inventories.
• The average 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 1309.67/MT, reflecting muted spot buying.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Spot Price remained under pressure during December as comfortable stock levels reduced immediate buying interest.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Price Forecast for early Q1 indicates modest recovery as seasonal restocking supports marginal demand uptick.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Production Cost Trend was subdued due to softer propylene feedstock quotations.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Demand Outlook remains balanced with steady plastics stabilizer and coatings consumption offsetting weaker decorative paints.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Price Index reflects downward momentum as ample inventories and cautious export demand pressured spot offers.
• Major domestic plants maintained steady operating rates, limiting supply shocks and contributing to a muted competitive pricing environment.
Why did the price of 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid change in December 2025 in APAC?
• Balanced domestic output and comfortable inventories reduced urgency, allowing producers and sellers to trim spot offers.
• Softer n-butyraldehyde and propylene feedstock quotations reduced production costs, enabling producers to offer modest discounts.
• Year-end cautious procurement and adequate import flows tempered buying, extending the prevailing bearish trend momentum.
Europe
• In Germany, the 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Price Index fell by 11.2% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting ample supply and weak demand.
• The average 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 2067.00/MT, reflecting subdued buying activity.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Spot Price held near December lows as steady domestic production limited upside and discouraged bidding.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Price Forecast suggests modest gains next quarter assuming seasonal restocking and recovery in coatings demand.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Production Cost Trend benefited from lower gas and propylene feedstock prices reducing cash-cost pressure.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Demand Outlook remains muted as construction and automotive coatings slow, with specialty sectors showing some.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Price Index stability reflected balanced inventories, consistent exports to neighbouring EU buyers supporting subdued volatility.
• Producers kept normal operating rates with comfortable tank inventories and Rhine logistics functioning, thereby limiting short-term upside pressure.
Why did the price of 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid change in December 2025 in Europe?
• Sustained domestic production and steady feedstock flow increased available volumes, outweighing weak end-use buying across key sectors.
• Lower gas and propylene input costs reduced production cost pressure.
• Muted downstream demand from coatings and PVC stabilizers coupled with cautious purchasing weighed on spot price momentum.
South America
• In Brazil, the 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Price Index fell by 2.2282% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting supply, muted demand.
• The average 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 2033.00/MT, with subdued activity.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Spot Price remained range-bound amid inventories and limited spot buying from downstream processors.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Price Forecast indicates mild weakness driven by seasonal restocking patterns and soft demand.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Production Cost Trend stayed contained as stable n-butyraldehyde supply limited upstream cost pressures.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Demand Outlook remains steady as PVC stabilizers and coatings support consumption despite weakness.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Price Index reflected import competition, manageable regional freight, just-in-time inventories limiting price upside.
• Producers maintained stable operating rates, supporting supply reliability, moderating offers amid subdued demand across segments.
Why did the price of 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid change in December 2025 in South America?
• Balanced domestic output and import competition kept the market supplied, preventing upward pressure on quotations.
• Stable n-butyraldehyde and 2-ethylhexanol feedstock prices limited production cost pass-through to 2-EHA sellers.
• Downstream demand softened as construction season and automotive activity cooled, causing cautious procurement and inventory management.
Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In USA, the 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Price Index fell by 4.51% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting ample inventories and demand.
• The average 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 2130.33/MT.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Spot Price remained range bound as balanced imports and cautious procurement limited volatility.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Production Cost Trend showed limited movement, with propylene and 2-ethylhexanol feedstock costs stable.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Demand Outlook remained weak as automotive coatings procurement cautious and spot activity subdued.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Price Index benefited from pre-tariff stockpiling but faced easing due to destocking ahead.
• Distributors maintained high inventories, limiting spot offers and reinforcing stable 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Spot Price levels.
Why did the price of 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid change in September 2025 in North America?
• Elevated inventories from pre-tariff import activity reduced buying urgency, suppressing near-term price recovery momentum significantly.
• Port congestion and freight rate volatility intermittently disrupted arrivals, creating short-term availability uncertainty for importers.
• Subdued automotive coatings demand and procurement strategies by end-users limited spot purchases and price support.
APAC
• In Japan, the 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Price Index fell by 2.72% quarter-over-quarter, driven by producer cuts.
• The average 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 1381.67/MT, Yokkaichi basis.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Spot Price weakened amid destocking and softer export enquiries from the United States.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Production Cost Trend remained subdued as 2-ethylhexanol, and propylene feedstock costs eased slightly.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Price Index volatility was tempered by steady domestic operations and coordinated pricing actions.
• Major producer operational stability provided supply, but port congestion amplified inventory accumulation, pressuring spot liquidity.
Why did the price of 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Producer-led price reductions and tactical destocking increased supply available, directly depressing domestic price levels in September.
• Port congestion delayed exports, created inventory backlogs, and reduced export demand responsiveness from international buyers.
• Feedstock cost easing marginally lowered production costs, but weak downstream procurement limited upward price pressure.
Europe
• In Germany, the 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Price Index dropped by 12.21% quarter-over-quarter, driven by inventory rebuild.
• The average 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 2327.67/MT.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Spot Price largely range-bound in September amid balanced supply and intermittent logistic delays.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Production Cost Trend shows upward pressure from rising propylene and 2-EH feedstock prices.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Price Index peaked mid-quarter before weakening late September on absent downstream buying activity.
• Inventories rose from port congestion and delayed exports, increasing seller offers while spot liquidity softened.
Why did the price of 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Steady domestic production and consistent imports created oversupply, despite logistical constraints and subdued demand pressure.
• Downstream procurement weakened, notably automotive and specialty segments, reducing order volumes and limiting price support.
• Port congestion and rail disruptions delayed shipments, amplifying local inventories and triggering short-term selling pressure.
South America
• In Brazil, the 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Price Index fell by 4.22% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting reduced demand conditions.
• The average 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 2079.33/MT.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Spot Price remained steady in September as inventories and balanced supply constrained further volatility.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Production Cost Trend remained stable as feedstock and energy costs showed minimal variability.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Demand Outlook remained cautious with automotive and coatings sectors supporting selective procurement activity.
• Domestic production resilience and efficient logistics supported the 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Price Index against downside shocks.
• Inventory management and propylene stability limited sellers' pricing flexibility in the 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid spot market.
Why did the price of 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid change in September 2025 in South America?
• Balanced domestic supply with steady production maintained inventories, reducing immediate upward and downside price pressure.
• Subdued automotive and coatings demand constrained buying, prompting distributors to adopt conservative inventory procurement strategies.
• Stable freight and no major outages kept costs flat, while regulatory consultation created compliance uncertainty.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Spot Price Index of imported 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid (2-EHA) in North America showed a marginal quarter-over-quarter decline of 0.13% in Q2 2025, with prices recorded at 2233 USD/MT in April, 2230 USD/MT in May, and 2230 USD/MT in June.
• This marginal dip was driven by a narrowing supply-demand gap, ample inventories, and precautionary stockpiling ahead of anticipated tariff adjustments.
• Weak air freight demand from China and subdued eCommerce activity further contributed to softer import dynamics.
• Traders held sufficient inventories, having pre-booked aggressively in response to potential trade policy changes, while buyers pulled back amid cautious sentiment in end-use sectors like automotive coatings.
• Although port congestion at Los Angeles and Long Beach intensified due to rising import volumes and labor issues, no significant supply outages occurred.
• Automotive sector performance was mixed: while sales growth in April spurred demand, declines in May and June reflected weaker sentiment, especially in diesel vehicle segments.
• Despite modest demand, stricter EPA regulations continued to support baseline consumption of 2-EHA as a fuel additive.
Why did the price of 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid change in July 2025 in the US?
• In July 2025, the 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Price Index experienced a marginal decline, continuing the muted trend from the previous quarter.
• This movement was primarily due to weak downstream demand from the automotive coatings segment and elevated on-hand inventories following proactive stockpiling.
• The 2-EHA Production Cost Trend remained relatively stable despite persistent cost pressures from upstream feedstocks and international freight.
• Demand Outlook remains cautious with limited recovery in auto sales and persistent macroeconomic headwinds impacting diesel vehicle demand.
APAC
• The Spot Price Index of 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid (2-EHA) in Malaysia in Q2 2025, continuing the mild downward trend seen throughout the period.
• A soft demand environment persisted due to weakened purchasing across both domestic and international markets, with Malaysia’s automotive sector showing consistent underperformance.
• Uncertainty around potential tariff hikes contributed to cautious procurement, reducing order volumes and suppressing market sentiment.
• Inventories remained adequate as BASF and other key producers sustained healthy operating rates, while logistical bottlenecks at Port Klang and other major hubs exacerbated inventory buildup.
• Export activity showed volatility—after some recovery in May and early June, international demand softened again by late June, pressured by regional trade disruptions and geopolitical concerns.
• Persistent port congestion across Southeast Asia, partially driven by the Red Sea crisis and global rerouting of vessels, strained logistics and contributed to temporary oversupply conditions in Malaysia.
• Environmental and regulatory tailwinds helped provide minimal support to demand for 2-EHA-based additives, though not enough to offset overall market weakness.
Why did the price of 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid change in July 2025 in Asia?
• In July 2025, the 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Price Index in Malaysia declined modestly, reflecting ongoing softness in downstream demand and a cautious procurement environment.
• This price drop was primarily driven by ample inventories, trade-related uncertainties, and weakness in Malaysia’s automotive sector, which is a major consumer of 2-EHA-based coatings and lubricants.
• The 2-EHA Production Cost Trend remained steady as key suppliers operated at full capacity, while logistical congestion at ports like Klang and Tanjung Pelepas contributed to temporary oversupply.
• The Demand Outlook continues to reflect pessimism, with declining vehicle registrations and weak export performance indicating persistent downstream fragility.
Europe
• The Spot Price Index of 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid (2-EHA) in Europe rose significantly in Q2 2025, with values increasing from 1824 USD/MT in April to 2375 USD/MT in June.
• The initial half of the quarter was marked by stable-to-firm pricing due to restocking activity, increased offers from major producers like Perstorp and OQ Chemicals, and limited spot availability amid logistical disruptions.
• However, the latter part of the quarter saw softer domestic demand and logistical backlogs across Northern European ports—particularly Hamburg, Rotterdam, and Antwerp—which led to localized inventory buildup and constrained inland transport.
• Downstream consumption, especially in automotive and lubricant sectors, remained weak throughout Q2, with new car registrations declining month-over-month.
• Export performance provided moderate support to overall demand, particularly from markets in the U.S. and neighboring European countries.
• Supply remained stable, supported by healthy production rates and sufficient feedstock availability (2-EH and Propylene), though high winds and yard congestion impacted vessel schedules and caused delivery delays in May and June.
• Macroeconomic indicators in Germany, such as flat PMI readings and inflation easing to 2.0% by June, added to subdued industrial sentiment, limiting aggressive buying activity.
Why did the price of 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid change in July 2025 in Europe?
• In July 2025, the 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Price Index in Germany declined modestly, following a prior quarter of strong gains.
• The decline was driven by weakened downstream demand, as consumer confidence softened and automotive sector activity slowed, despite inflation returning to the ECB's 2.0% target.
• The 2-EHA Production Cost Trend remained stable even with rising 2-EH prices, suggesting limited feedstock pass-through due to oversupplied inventories.
• The Demand Outlook remains cautious amid stagnant private sector activity, weaker car registrations, and slower export flows due to logistical disruptions and low Rhine River water levels.
• The 2-EHA Price Forecast indicates continued volatility, with potential downside pressure unless demand from the EV and lubricant segments accelerates or port congestion resolves significantly.
South America
• The Spot Price Index of 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid (2-EHA) in Brazil remained largely stable quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025, recorded at 2173 USD/MT in April and 2170 USD/MT in both May and June, reflecting minimal fluctuation.
• The stable price trend was driven by a well-balanced supply-demand dynamic, with consistent domestic industrial activity and ample inventories from key producers such as Arkema, BASF, Dow Chemical, Mitsui Chemicals, and LG Chemicals.
• Despite a moderate dip in import volumes—partly due to heightened U.S. tariffs on Brazilian steel and aluminum—domestic demand remained resilient, especially in the automotive sector.
• Brazilian vehicle production and sales remained robust through May, although signs of softening automotive activity emerged by June, contributing to steady but cautious procurement behavior.
• The 2-EHA market experienced no major supply disruptions, as domestic output met consumption needs effectively without surplus or shortage.
• Broader global trends in 2-EHA and its feedstock 2-EH indicated subdued demand, influencing a cautious trading environment, while inflationary concerns weighed on sentiment.
• Traders adopted a lean inventory strategy, avoiding aggressive pricing moves to preserve market stability amid limited external volatility.
Why did the price of 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid change in July 2025 in South America?
• In July 2025, the 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Price Index in Brazil remained stagnant, continuing the stable trend seen through Q2.
• Some buyers began shifting toward alternative raw materials, further tempering consumption.
• The 2-EHA Production Cost Trend remained neutral, with no significant disruptions reported among domestic producers, allowing price levels to hold steady.
• The Demand Outlook has turned cautious as distributors manage inventories conservatively amid economic uncertainty and muted market signals.
• The 2-EHA Price Forecast points to continued pricing stability unless either demand recovery in automotive applications or trade conditions shift significantly.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
During the first quarter of 2025, the North American 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid (2-EHA) market exhibited a mixed pricing trajectory. Prices declined throughout January and February, primarily due to improved supply conditions, lower freight costs, and inconsistent demand from downstream sectors, particularly automotive coatings. The early-quarter downturn in demand was influenced by cautious market sentiment and subdued industrial activity.
However, a notable recovery in 2-EHA prices was observed in March, with values rising to approximately USD 2,254/MT by the end of the quarter. This rebound was largely attributed to the imposition of tariffs and heightened geopolitical tensions, which disrupted international trade flows and added to input costs.
Additionally, anticipatory buying activity emerged in the automotive industry ahead of a scheduled 25% tariff on imported vehicles, effective April 3, 2025. This strategic purchasing behavior tightened inventories across the value chain and contributed to a temporary uptick in 2-EHA demand. Overall, while the market faced headwinds early in the quarter, tightening supply and tariff-driven dynamics supported a price recovery toward the end.
APAC
During the first quarter of 2025, the Asian 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid (2-EHA) market exhibited a mixed pricing trajectory, with Japan, China, and Malaysia among the most affected regions due to interconnected global trade dynamics. Prices declined through January and February, largely attributed to improved supply conditions, reduced freight costs, and fluctuating demand from downstream sectors, particularly automotive coatings. The early-quarter softness was reflective of cautious procurement activity and weak export momentum. However, as the quarter progressed, a gradual recovery in international demand—especially from the United States—began to take shape. This revival was spurred by concerns surrounding the implementation of a 25% tariff on imported vehicles, which led to anticipatory buying and bolstered demand for 2-EHA, a key raw material in automotive applications. Additionally, the Malaysian government’s decision to impose port tariffs exerted further upward pressure on logistics and input costs. These combined factors contributed to a rebound in prices by March 2025, stabilizing the market after a weak start and highlighting the growing influence of trade policy and regional disruptions on chemical pricing.
Europe
During the first quarter of 2025, the European 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid (2-EHA) market exhibited a mixed pricing trajectory, with Germany and Belgium among the most impacted regions due to evolving global trade dynamics. Prices declined in January and February, primarily due to improved supply conditions, reduced freight rates, and fluctuating demand from downstream sectors such as automotive coatings. According to data from the German Federal Motor Vehicle Office (KBA), new passenger car registrations fell by 2.8% year-over-year in January 2024, totaling 207,640 units, with Tesla reporting a steep 59.5% drop, further dampening demand for 2-EHA. However, as the quarter progressed, recurring port strikes and labor shortages across key European logistics hubs disrupted the supply chain, driving prices upward. Additionally, the market experienced further cost pressure following price increases for 2-Ethylhexanol (2-EH)—a primary feedstock for 2-EHA—announced by major producers OQ Chemicals and Eastman. These hikes, combined with logistical uncertainties, contributed to a price rebound in March, underscoring the market’s sensitivity to upstream cost dynamics and regional supply chain disruptions.
South America
During the first quarter of 2025, the South American 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid (2-EHA) market exhibited a mixed pricing trajectory, with Brazil emerging as one of the most impacted regions amid shifting global trade dynamics. In January and February, prices trended downward, largely due to improved regional supply availability, lower freight costs, and inconsistent demand from key downstream sectors, particularly automotive coatings. However, this downward momentum was reversed in March as the market faced significant logistical disruptions. Recurring port strikes and persistent labor shortages across critical South American logistics corridors led to transportation delays and supply chain inefficiencies, exerting upward pressure on prices. Compounding these issues, major global producers—OQ Chemicals and Eastman—announced price increases for 2-Ethylhexanol (2-EH), the essential feedstock for 2-EHA, which intensified cost pressures across the value chain. As a result, 2-EHA prices rebounded toward the end of the quarter, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to both upstream input fluctuations and structural bottlenecks in logistics infrastructure.
