For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, the North American C10 solvent market experienced a mixed price trend, driven by fluctuating global crude oil prices and downstream demand from the paints and coatings industry. Early in the quarter, C10 solvent prices remained stable, supported by consistent demand from the paints and coatings sector, which was buoyed by seasonal factors and increased activity in the construction and automotive industries. Demand from these key sectors contributed to maintaining a balanced supply-demand scenario, keeping prices steady.
The mid-quarters, however, saw a brief uptick in C10 solvent prices due to tighter supply conditions. The volatility in global crude oil prices put upward pressure on production costs, which, combined with logistical disruptions, resulted in price increases across the region. These disruptions included delays in shipping and distribution, further straining the solvent supply chain.
By the end of the quarter, C10 solvent prices began to soften as crude oil prices eased and supply constraints loosened. The paints and coatings sector maintained moderate demand, stabilizing the overall market. This helped bring prices down slightly, marking the end of the quarter with fluctuating price dynamics.
EUROPE
In Q4 2024, the European C10 solvent market experienced a mixed trend due to fluctuating demand and supply-side challenges. Early in the quarter, prices remained steady, supported by consistent demand from downstream sectors such as paints and coatings, particularly in the automotive industry. However, supply was slightly constrained by logistical issues, including shipping delays. By mid-quarter, prices began to decrease, primarily due to a reduction in global crude oil and energy prices, which lowered production costs. Despite this, demand from the paints and coatings sector remained weak, and the automotive industry showed sluggish growth, contributing to the bearish trend. Logistic disruptions, including port congestion and delays in key hubs like Rotterdam and Hamburg, further affected the market. By the end of the quarter, the market continued to soften, driven by ongoing subdued demand in the automotive sector and the broader paint industry. In Germany, C10 solvent prices dropped to USD 1,320/MT FOB Hamburg, reflecting a 2.0% decrease compared to the previous quarter, underscoring the impact of weak demand and logistical challenges.
APAC
In Q4 2024, the APAC region experienced a mixed trend in C10 solvent prices, largely driven by regional supply-demand dynamics and economic factors. Early in the quarter, prices in South Korea remained stable due to ample inventory levels. Subdued demand from key sectors, including paints, coatings, and automotive manufacturing, kept any significant price fluctuations at bay. The decline in crude oil prices exerted downward pressure on C10 solvent prices, contributing to price stability despite rising freight charges and geopolitical tensions. Mid-quarter, the market saw further challenges, with weak domestic demand in South Korea, particularly from the paints and coatings industry and sluggish automotive manufacturing activity. The global decline in crude oil prices helped to lower production costs, resulting in balanced supply and stable inventory levels. By the end of the quarter, C10 solvent prices in South Korea rebounded. This price increase was driven by rising demand from the paint and coatings sector, along with the recovery in automotive sales. The upward trend in crude oil prices also played a role in boosting market sentiment, with prices rising by 2.15% to USD 1092/MT FOB Busan in December 2024.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the North American market for C10 Solvent experienced a notable decline in prices, primarily driven by limited demand across key end-user industries. The sluggish activity in sectors such as paints, coatings, and adhesives significantly impacted consumption levels. This reduction in demand created a challenging environment for manufacturers, leading to increased competition among suppliers eager to maintain market share.
Compounding the situation was the ample inventory of C10 Solvent available in the market. Many producers had built up stock in anticipation of higher demand, but the expected consumption failed to materialize. As a result, the surplus inventory contributed to downward pressure on prices, as suppliers were compelled to offer more competitive pricing to move excess stock. This oversupply situation further exacerbated the already weak market conditions.
By the end of the quarter, the prevailing sentiment in the North American C10 Solvent market reflected ongoing concerns about demand sustainability. The combination of limited consumption and high inventory levels not only facilitated a decline in prices but also underscored the need for manufacturers to reassess their production strategies in light of the shifting market dynamics.
APAC
In Q3 2024, the APAC region faced significant challenges in the C10 Solvent market, marked by a downward trend in pricing. This decline was driven by a confluence of factors, including bearish market sentiment, subdued demand from downstream sectors, and stable feedstock prices. These elements collectively pressured market prices lower, with Singapore experiencing the most pronounced fluctuations. Throughout the quarter, the offtake for C10 Solvent remained particularly low, especially within the paints and coatings industries, which are major consumers of the product. This weak demand resulted in a 2.5% decrease in prices compared to the previous quarter, further reflecting the broader market dynamics at play. Year-on-year comparisons painted an even more concerning picture, with prices for C10 Solvent dropping by 13% relative to the same quarter in the previous year. By the end of the quarter, C10 Solvent prices FOB Jurong in Singapore were recorded at USD 1010/MT, underscoring the prevailing negative sentiment in the market and highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by producers and suppliers in the region.
Europe
In Q3 2024, the European market for C10 Solvent encountered significant challenges, marked by a persistent decline in prices. This downward trend was primarily influenced by reduced demand from essential industries, with the paints and coatings sector experiencing notable slowdowns. The combination of weakening consumption and high production rates led to an excess supply situation, where efficient supply chains further facilitated the accumulation of stock. Anticipatory stocking in expectation of seasonal maintenance shutdowns added to this oversupply, resulting in intensified downward pressure on prices. Germany emerged as a key player within this landscape, experiencing the most pronounced price fluctuations, which reflected broader trends across Europe. Interestingly, despite the overall decline in C10 Solvent prices throughout the quarter, Germany saw a slight increase of 2% compared to the previous quarter. Year-on-year comparisons revealed a striking 35% increase in prices, illustrating the volatility within the market. By the quarter's end, C10 Solvent prices were recorded at USD 1362/MT FOB Hamburg, highlighting the complexities of the prevailing pricing environment and the factors contributing to the downward trajectory.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
In Q2 2024, the North American C10 Solvent market experienced significant price fluctuations due to several key factors. Prices for C10 Solvent increased this quarter, driven by higher production costs, robust demand from the construction sector, and ongoing global geopolitical tensions.
Elevated crude oil prices raised production costs, pushing market prices higher. Additionally, challenges in the global freight industry, such as rising freight rates and shipping delays, further increased the costs of importing raw materials and finished products. In the USA, the market saw the most notable price changes, reflecting strong demand across various sectors, including construction.
Despite a decrease in C10 Solvent prices compared to the same quarter last year, there was a modest rise from the previous quarter of 2024, indicating a recovery phase. A slight increase was observed between the first and second halves of the quarter. Overall, despite rising production costs and fluctuating demand, the market sentiment remained positive, fostering a stable and cautiously optimistic pricing environment.
APAC
In Q2 2024, the pricing environment for C10 Solvent in the APAC region has demonstrated a consistent upward trajectory. This quarter has seen significant factors influencing market prices, particularly the increased cost of feedstock crude oil, which has escalated production costs. The heightened demand from the downstream construction and paints and coatings industries, spurred by seasonal factors, has also propelled prices upward. Supply chain disruptions, including logistical challenges and high freight rates, have further exacerbated the supply constraints. OPEC+ production cuts and geopolitical uncertainties in critical shipping routes have compounded these challenges, adding to the bullish price trend. Focusing exclusively on South Korea, the country has experienced the most notable price changes in the APAC region. The overall trend has been bullish, driven by a surge in demand from the automotive and construction sectors. Seasonal factors, such as increased construction activity during the warmer months, have further amplified this demand. Correlation in price changes reflects the broader regional dynamics, with South Korea's market closely mirroring the tight supply and high demand seen across APAC. Comparing the first and second halves of the quarter, a marginal price increase of 1% underscores the steady upward momentum. The percentage change from the previous quarter in 2024 is recorded at 5%, indicating a positive pricing environment. The latest quarter-ending price for C10 Solvent FOB Busan stands at USD 1041/MT, reflecting a stable and increasingly bullish market sentiment. Despite the disruptions and supply chain constraints, the market has navigated these challenges, resulting in a progressively positive pricing environment for C10 Solvent in South Korea. This quarter has been marked by resilience and sustained demand, underscoring the robust market dynamics at play.
Europe
In Q2 2024, the European market for C10 Solvent observed a significant uptrend in pricing, driven by various factors. The quarter was marked by heightened production costs, primarily due to a consistent rise in feedstock crude oil prices and elevated global freight rates. Moreover, the downstream construction sector exhibited robust demand, contributing further to the bullish pricing environment. The chemical industry's reliance on stable supply chains was tested by logistical disruptions, which exacerbated the cost pressures. Despite these challenges, supply chains remained moderately stable, although constrained by higher import costs and delayed shipments. In Germany, the impact was most pronounced, with C10 Solvent prices reflecting a marked increase. The German market experienced significant seasonal fluctuations, with the summer months boosting demand from both the construction and automobile sectors. This seasonality, coupled with underlying economic improvements, contributed to a consistent upward trend in pricing. Observing a 15% price rise from the previous quarter, the German market demonstrated resilience amid a bullish sentiment. The comparison between the first and second halves of the quarter indicated an 8% price escalation, underscoring the persistent demand and constrained supply dynamics. The quarter concluded with C10 Solvent prices standing at USD 1436/MT FOB Hamburg, Germany. This positive pricing environment underscores the significant influence of external factors such as crude oil prices and freight rates on the C10 Solvent market in Europe. The absence of major plant shutdowns further buttressed the stable supply, despite the ongoing logistical challenges. Overall, the European C10 Solvent market in Q2 2024 exhibited a robust and bullish trend, driven by substantial cost pressures and strong downstream demand.
For the Quarter Ending March 2024
North America
Throughout the first quarter of 2024, the price of C10 Solvent exhibited an overall bearish trend in the North American market. During this period, the US market experienced a significant price decline for C10 Solvent, largely due to increased imports from overseas offering more competitive pricing.
Additionally, demand from the downstream Paints and Coating industry weakened following the festive seasons. The domestic market maintained ample product supply, including inventories at ports. This surplus, combined with subdued demand in the downstream sector and heightened selling pressures, contributed to the market's bearish trajectory. Towards the end of the quarter, the normalization of the Red Sea crises, declining freight rates, and improved product supply further supported the bearish trend in the US C10 Solvent market. Notably, the construction industry saw positive growth, with annual statistics revealing a 14% increase in completed houses compared to February 2023.
Real estate developers remained active, evidenced by an 11.3% rise in newly constructed houses listed in February 2024. In summary, the first quarter of 2024 witnessed a downward price trend for C10 Solvent in the North American market, driven by increased imports, weakened demand in the paints and coatings sector, and favourable developments in the construction industry towards the quarter's end.
APAC
The Q1 2024 pricing environment for C10 Solvent in the APAC region has been largely stable, with some fluctuations in specific countries. Various factors influenced market prices during this quarter. One significant factor was the cost of feedstock Crude Oil, which had a direct impact on C10 Solvent pricing. The price of Crude Oil experienced fluctuations, driven by factors such as increased production in certain countries and concerns about oversupply. These fluctuations in Crude Oil prices had a ripple effect on C10 Solvent prices. South Korea, in particular, experienced the maximum price changes during this quarter. The market in South Korea witnessed a rise in C10 Solvent prices in February, influenced by the upward trajectory of Crude Oil prices. However, prices declined in subsequent months due to abundant availability of the product and off-demand winter season. The South Korean market also saw a temporary slowdown in manufacturing activity during the Lunar New Year festivals, affecting overall industrial output. Overall, the pricing trend for C10 Solvent in the APAC region during Q1 2024 has been bearish, with low to moderate supply and low demand. Market sentiment was influenced by factors such as the Red Sea crises, the Chinese Lunar New Year, and seasonal factors. The price of feedstock Crude Oil played a significant role in shaping pricing trends. The latest quarter-ending price for C10 Solvent in South Korea was USD 1000/MT FOB Busan. Despite fluctuations throughout the quarter, the pricing environment has been relatively stable, with prices ending at a similar level to the beginning of the quarter.
Europe
In Q1 2024, the European market for C10 Solvent experienced a relatively stable pricing environment. Demand and supply levels remained closely matched, resulting in minimal fluctuations in prices. The cost of feedstock Crude Oil, a key factor influencing C10 Solvent prices, rose by approximately 5% during the quarter. Initially, product prices surged due to limited availability, but as the Red Sea crisis eased and freight rates dropped, prices stabilized. Germany, a key market in the region, saw the maximum price changes. Demand from downstream industries, such as paints and coatings, remained consistent throughout the quarter. However, the overall demand from the end-use construction sector remained low. Despite signs of stabilization in the euro area economy, total output volumes saw a marginal decline for the ninth consecutive month, albeit at a slower rate compared to previous months. In terms of seasonality, the winter holiday period had a noticeable impact on consumer behaviour and overall product demand. The traditional winter festivities led to a decrease in purchasing activity, contributing to a subdued demand for C10 Solvent. Looking at price trends within the quarter, prices remained relatively stable with only minor fluctuations. There was a slight increase in prices in February, followed by a slight decrease in March. Overall, the pricing environment can be considered stable, with no significant negative or positive trends observed. The quarter-ending price for C10 Solvent FOB Hamburg in Germany was USD 1230/MT. This reflects the stability in prices throughout the quarter and the balanced market conditions.
