For the Quarter Ending December 2025
APAC
• In China, the Dimethyl Carbonate Price Index rose by 12.34% quarter-over-quarter, driven by stronger downstream battery demand.
• The average Dimethyl Carbonate price for the quarter was approximately USD 655.33/MT, reflecting battery procurement and constrained exports.
• Dimethyl Carbonate Spot Price exhibited tightening liquidity, supporting the Price Index amid sustained battery-sector procurement and elevated operating rates.
• Dimethyl Carbonate Price Forecast indicates moderate further gains as restocking from EV and ESS sectors balances seasonal export softness.
• Dimethyl Carbonate Production Cost Trend remained contained owing to stable coal-based methanol costs, limiting downward pressure on offers.
• Dimethyl Carbonate Demand Outlook is constructive driven by battery electrolyte restocking, while polycarbonate demand remains secondary.
• Inventories tightened at coastal hubs which lifted the Dimethyl Carbonate Price Index and supported higher FOB offers.
• Major integrated producers raised operating rates, tightening available cargoes and reinforcing the short-term Dimethyl Carbonate Price Forecast.
Why did the price of Dimethyl Carbonate change in December 2025 in APAC?
• Stronger downstream electrolyte procurement absorbed incremental supply, tightening spot availability and lifting sentiment across export-orientated hubs.
• Stable coal-based methanol costs limited production cost shocks, allowing producers to raise output without margin pressure.
• Improved container and port conditions shortened delivery times, boosting buying confidence and increasing spot transaction volumes.
Europe
• In the Netherlands, the Dimethyl Carbonate Price Index rose by 2.72% quarter-over-quarter, driven by stronger import buying.
• The average Dimethyl Carbonate price for the quarter was approximately USD 781.33/MT, reflecting import cost influences.
• Dimethyl Carbonate Spot Price firmed as freight and methanol-linked landed costs tightened import offer availability.
• Dimethyl Carbonate Price Forecast anticipates firmness supported by battery restocking and limited spot cargo availability.
• Dimethyl Carbonate Production Cost Trend rose on volatile methanol and EU ETS and handling surcharges.
• Dimethyl Carbonate Demand Outlook remains constructive as EV and ESS procurement sustained electrolyte blending volumes.
• Dimethyl Carbonate Price Index reflected balanced inventories, steady imports, and intermittent export pull across ARA.
• Inventory levels at Rotterdam stayed comfortable, limiting upside while exporters adjusted offers amid battery-sector demand.
Why did the price of Dimethyl Carbonate change in December 2025 in Europe?
• Stronger import buying and higher freight combined with methanol-linked landed costs raised CFR offers thereby.
• Balanced inventories and steady port operations limited volatility, preventing sharper corrections despite earlier bearish trends.
• Robust EV and electrolyte demand drove restocking while EU ETS surcharges modestly increased landed costs.
North America
• Dimethyl Carbonate is widely used as a key solvent in lithium-ion battery electrolytes, a fuel additive, and an intermediate for polycarbonates, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals, making battery and automotive sectors the main demand drivers.
• During Q4 2025, the Dimethyl Carbonate Price Index in North America showed a softening trend, reflecting muted downstream demand and adequate market supply.
• The Dimethyl Carbonate Spot Price weakened through the quarter as battery electrolyte manufacturers slowed procurement due to sufficient inventories and delayed EV production schedules.
• In December 2025, the Price Index declined, driven by year-end destocking, reduced battery-grade solvent demand, and cautious buying behavior ahead of 2026 contract negotiations.
• The Dimethyl Carbonate Production Cost Trend improved modestly as methanol and energy costs softened, easing cost pressure on regional producers.
• The Dimethyl Carbonate Demand Outlook remains moderate, supported by long-term growth in EVs and energy storage, though near-term demand recovery is expected to be gradual.
• According to the Dimethyl Carbonate Price Forecast, prices are expected to stabilize in early 2026 as restocking resumes and battery production normalizes.
Why did the price of Dimethyl Carbonate change in December 2025 in North America?
• The Dimethyl Carbonate Price Index declined due to year-end inventory destocking by battery electrolyte and industrial chemical consumers.
• A favorable Dimethyl Carbonate Production Cost Trend, supported by lower methanol and energy prices, reduced cost support for sellers.
• Slower EV battery output weakened the short-term Dimethyl Carbonate Demand Outlook, pressuring the spot market.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• Dimethyl Carbonate Spot Price in North America softened in September 2025, driven by reduced demand from lithium-ion battery manufacturers and coatings producers, particularly in the U.S. and Canada.
• The Dimethyl Carbonate Price Index for Q3 2025 showed a mild downward trend, reflecting oversupply conditions and cautious procurement behavior across key downstream sectors.
• Dimethyl Carbonate Demand Outlook remained mixed across North America. While long-term prospects in battery-grade applications and green solvents remained strong, Q3 saw reduced activity in automotive and electronics sectors, limiting short-term offtake.
• The Dimethyl Carbonate Production Cost Trend remained stable during the quarter, supported by consistent methanol feedstock availability and subdued energy prices. However, rising logistics and compliance costs slightly offset these benefits.
• September’s price decline was primarily due to elevated inventories, weak spot demand from battery manufacturers, and competitive imports from Asia, which pressured domestic producers to adjust offers.
• The Dimethyl Carbonate Price Forecast for Q4 2025 suggests a potential rebound, supported by seasonal restocking and anticipated recovery in electric vehicle production and industrial coatings demand.
• Key downstream uses of dimethyl carbonate in North America include lithium-ion battery electrolytes, polycarbonate synthesis, paints and coatings, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and as a green solvent alternative to phosgene and dimethyl sulfate.
Why did the price of Dimethyl Carbonate change in September 2025 in North America?
• Stockpiles at major distribution hubs remained high, reducing urgency among buyers and prompting price adjustments to stimulate demand.
• Lithium-ion battery producers scaled back short-term procurement due to slower EV production schedules, leading to reduced offtake.
• Lower-priced shipments from Asian suppliers increased market competition, pressuring domestic producers to offer discounts and revise pricing downward.
APAC
• In China, the Dimethyl Carbonate Price Index rose by 0.52% quarter-over-quarter, supported by battery demand.
• The average Dimethyl Carbonate price for the quarter was approximately USD 583.33/MT, from FOB assessments.
• Dimethyl Carbonate Spot Price was modest, while the Dimethyl Carbonate Price Index signalled balanced conditions.
• Dimethyl Carbonate Production Cost Trend neutral; stable methanol feedstock helped keep the Price Index steady.
• Dimethyl Carbonate Demand Outlook remains constructive as EV and ESS sectors sustain offtake and procurement.
• Dimethyl Carbonate Price Forecast suggests limited near-term upside, with potential seasonal strengthening into late Q4.
• Balanced inventories, muted exports, and operating rates helped keep the Dimethyl Carbonate Price Index anchored.
• Downstream electrolyte producers maintained just-in-time buying, limiting spot demand and Dimethyl Carbonate Spot Price recovery.
Why did the price of Dimethyl Carbonate change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Stable methanol feedstock prices reduced production cost pressure, maintaining balanced supply and pricing levels.
• Sustained EV and ESS demand supported contractual offtake, limiting inventory accumulation and underpinning pricing.
• Export volumes were moderated by port congestion and cautious overseas buying, tempering upward momentum.
Europe
• In the Netherlands, the Dimethyl Carbonate Price Index rose by 5.36% quarter-over-quarter, driven by logistics.
• The average Dimethyl Carbonate price for the quarter was approximately USD 760.67/MT on CFR Rotterdam.
• Dimethyl Carbonate Spot Price volatility reflected fluctuating freight and terminal delays, temporarily tightening seaborne cargoes.
• Dimethyl Carbonate Price Forecast suggests short-term gains if Rotterdam congestion persists, then rangebound trading follows.
• Dimethyl Carbonate Production Cost Trend remained stable as upstream methanol costs held firm, limiting pass-through.
• Dimethyl Carbonate Demand Outlook is constructive with steady battery and ESS consumption, yet procurement remains cautious.
• Rotterdam inventories versus easing freight rates exert opposite effects on the Dimethyl Carbonate Price Index.
• Port congestion, feeder delays, and terminal backlogs constrained exports, prompting sellers to lift Dimethyl Carbonate offers.
Why did the price of Dimethyl Carbonate change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Eased freight rates from China lowered landed costs, reducing upward pressure on Dutch import-centric DMC supply.
• Persistent Rotterdam terminal congestion intermittently restricted distribution, raising short-term landed costs and limiting supplier flexibility.
• Stable upstream methanol costs and steady battery sector demand kept production economics neutral amid logistics-driven volatility.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
• Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC) Price Index in China dropped 7.0% quarter-on-quarter, settling around USD 591/MT FOB Shenzhen in June 2025.
• Why Did Prices Change in July 2025 in China?
• Prices continued to soften in early July, driven by cautious downstream procurement, oversupply, and lower raw material costs despite firm EV output.
• Q3 Price Forecast: DMC prices are expected to trend rangebound-to-soft, shaped by conservative demand, ample inventories, and soft methanol input costs.
• DMC Production Cost Trend: Costs remained under pressure throughout Q2. Methanol CFR Qingdao fell by nearly 0.7% in early May, helping manufacturers maintain margins despite lower offers.
• DMC Demand Outlook: Demand from electrolyte and battery material manufacturers remained steady but cautious.
• End-users stuck to just-in-time procurement, while exports to India and the U.S. slowed amid freight volatility and policy uncertainty.
• Automotive Sector: NEV retail sales in China surged to 1.31 million units in May, lifting electrolyte consumption.
• Cautious stockpiling behavior and falling lithium salt prices kept DMC restocking subdued.
Europe
• Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC) Price Index in the Netherlands declined by 12.1% in Q2, averaging USD 714/MT CFR Rotterdam by early June.
• Why Did Prices Change in July 2025 in Europe?
• DMC prices rose in mid-July as logistical constraints at the Port of Rotterdam worsened.
• Delays at terminals like ECT, Delta II, and RWG elevated landed costs despite flat upstream prices in China.
• Q3 Price Forecast: Prices may see modest upward momentum if congestion persists. However, soft downstream sentiment and stable upstream costs are likely to cap sharp gains.
• DMC Production Cost Trend: While Europe is import-reliant, falling Chinese methanol prices kept DMC production costs low. However, increased freight and port costs inflated delivered prices.
• DMC Demand Outlook: Demand remained cautious amid oversupply and subsidy cuts for battery production.
• Energy storage remains a growth area, but bulk DMC purchases stayed limited.
• Automotive Sector: EV registrations in Europe grew 35% YoY in April, supported by new models and emissions targets.
• Most battery producers still practiced lean procurement, impacting DMC order volumes.
North America
• Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC) Price Index: Prices likely remained broadly stable through Q2 2025, influenced by steady imports and consistent demand from battery and industrial chemical applications.
• Why Did Prices Change in July 2025 in North America?
• A lack of significant pricing movement was observed, with balanced supply-demand fundamentals and no major cost shocks. Any localized variation was driven by logistics.
• Q3 Price Forecast: Prices are expected to hold steady with minor upside potential depending on freight costs and battery-sector demand.
• Production Cost Trend: Input costs were manageable and helped stabilize landed prices for imports, primarily sourced from Asia.
• Demand Outlook: The region's ongoing investment in energy storage and EV infrastructure supports a moderate demand baseline.
• The inventory caution limited aggressive restocking of dimethyl carbonate.
• Automotive Sector: EV production in the U.S. and Canada remained a steady demand driver.
• Conservative buying among smaller players capped bulk solvent consumption.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In the first quarter of 2025, the U.S. Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC) market, heavily reliant on imports from China, experienced a measured decline in prices amid persistent global oversupply and cautious downstream demand. Price softening in January and February was largely influenced by subdued restocking activities among battery and electrolyte manufacturers, coupled with ample material availability in the international market. Although prices stabilized slightly in March, overall sentiment remained subdued due to restrained procurement and logistical uncertainty.
On the supply side, Chinese DMC exporters continued to operate with stable output, and declining methanol costs in upstream markets placed downward pressure on DMC production costs, affecting export values. In the U.S., import volumes were dictated by just-in-time purchasing practices and fluctuating buyer confidence. Weather-related interruptions in key lithium-producing regions and delays in global project timelines somewhat offset supply pressure but did not drastically impact DMC availability.
In terms of demand, the domestic battery sector showed mixed signals. Electric vehicle sales rose by 20% year-over-year in February, supported by federal incentives and expanded model offerings. However, ongoing policy uncertainty under President Trump, including potential shifts in EV tax credits and emissions mandates, created an atmosphere of caution.
APAC
In the first quarter of 2025, the Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC) market in China experienced a subdued tone driven by seasonal demand shifts, supply-side adjustments, and cautious procurement behavior from downstream sectors. Entering January, market activity slowed as consumer demand weakened and year-end inventory management practices influenced buying sentiment. While the upstream methanol market remained stable due to balanced supply-demand dynamics, DMC manufacturers aligned production closely with immediate needs, reflecting low inventory appetite.
Demand from battery cell manufacturers, particularly for electrolytes, remained moderate throughout the quarter. In January, electrolyte producers maintained stable procurement, but overall end-use demand weakened post-Chinese New Year, impacting both production rates and material sourcing. This trend continued into February, as manufacturers operated at reduced capacity levels, producing only against orders. Although raw material costs for solvents and additives remained steady, market participants approached purchasing with heightened caution.
By March, there were signs of mild demand recovery from battery manufacturers, but producers still adhered to conservative production strategies. Despite a stable cost environment, the DMC market saw limited movement due to downstream price suppression and a slow pace of recovery in the new energy battery sector. The synergistic relationship across the supply chain, especially between DMC producers and electrolyte manufacturers, helped absorb the effects of short-term market fluctuations.
Europe
In the first quarter of 2025, the Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC) market in the Netherlands showed subdued activity shaped by weak demand fundamentals, cautious purchasing behavior, and changing trends in battery chemistry across Europe. Entering January, the domestic market remained largely stable, with no significant shifts in supply or cost pressures. While the downstream outlook remained positive, procurement was limited due to year-end inventory management and broader macroeconomic hesitation.
Throughout the quarter, imports into the Netherlands remained low to moderate, and major exporters operated at slower paces, reflecting weakened global consumption. Demand from battery manufacturers remained under pressure due to a global surplus of lithium compounds and slowing EV growth in key regions, particularly in the aftermath of the Chinese New Year and amid high inventory levels. Shifts in battery preferences also added complexity to the market; the increasing preference for cost-effective lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries over higher-efficiency NMC batteries reshaped procurement dynamics.
From the perspective of manufacturing, the operating rates of electrolyte production saw declines, reflecting reduced offtake and continued conservative strategies from downstream sectors. Geopolitical uncertainties, shifting trade policies, and concerns about new tariffs further compounded business sentiment. While regulatory support and infrastructure expansion in select European nations offered a foundation for potential recovery, the quarter closed with restrained demand and no significant rebound in activity across the DMC market.
