For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
• In the USA, the Methylene Dichloride Price Index rose by 9.58% quarter-over-quarter, driven by exports.
• The average Methylene Dichloride price for the quarter was approximately USD 598.67/MT, reflecting export-weighted assessments.
• Methylene Dichloride Spot Price tightened as limited cargoes and distributor restocking reduced available spot supply.
• Methylene Dichloride Price Forecast shows firming into winter driven by higher feedstock costs and exports.
• Methylene Dichloride Production Cost Trend moved higher as chlorine and natural gas increased cash costs.
• Methylene Dichloride Demand Outlook is constructive in pharmaceuticals and foam, offsetting softer paint and export markets.
• The Methylene Dichloride Price Index showed lean inventories and Gulf Coast rates supporting higher offers.
• Export allocations and reliable plant operations tightened supply, prompting selective buying and disciplined producer pricing.
Why did the price of Methylene Dichloride change in December 2025 in North America?
• Export allocations tightened domestic availability while stable pharmaceutical and foam demand absorbed limited production ahead.
• Rising chlorine and natural gas costs increased cash production expenses, supporting firmer MDC offer levels.
• Seasonal winter logistics and distributor restocking ahead of holidays lengthened lead times, prompting earlier purchasing.
APAC
• In China, the Methylene Dichloride Price Index fell by 15.6% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting oversupply and muted demand.
• The average Methylene Dichloride price for the quarter was approximately USD 203.33/MT based on EXW-Qingdao volumes and transactions.
• Methylene Dichloride Spot Price showed weekly rebounds amid localized chlorine shortages and temporary production curtailments.
• Methylene Dichloride Price Forecast shows short-term volatility with modest upside as turnarounds reduce available supply.
• Methylene Dichloride Production Cost Trend remains constrained as methanol oversupply limits cost support despite chlorine spikes.
• Methylene Dichloride Demand Outlook is subdued with downstream sectors maintaining just-in-time purchasing and limited restocking.
• Methylene Dichloride Price Index movements were driven by operating rate swings, export slowdowns, and seller promotions clearing inventory.
• Localized plant maintenance and logistics disruptions supported offers, but overall Price Index pressure stayed downward from high inventories.
Why did the price of Methylene Dichloride change in December 2025 in APAC?
• Operating rates recovered to high levels, increasing supply and pressuring prices through inventory accumulation rapidly.
• Methanol feedstock oversupply kept production costs weak, removing upward price support despite occasional chlorine-driven cost spikes.
• Holiday logistics disruptions and plant maintenance created temporary tightness but failed to offset weak downstream demand.
Europe
• In Germany, the Methylene Dichloride Price Index fell by 3.09% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting surplus supply conditions.
• The average Methylene Dichloride price for the quarter was approximately USD 836.67/MT assessed from totals.
• Methylene Dichloride Spot Price softened amid elevated inventories and subdued downstream enquiries, pressuring short-term offers.
• Methylene Dichloride Price Forecast indicates modest softening as inventories remain ample and demand recovery is slow.
• Methylene Dichloride Production Cost Trend was contained as electricity and gas quotations stayed stable recently.
• Methylene Dichloride Demand Outlook shows weakness from construction and coatings, while pharmaceuticals provide limited support.
• High operating rates at Stade and Bitterfeld kept exports flowing, pressuring the Methylene Dichloride Price Index.
• Inventories and muted tender activity constrained spot momentum, aligning with market weakness in merchant offers.
Why did the price of Methylene Dichloride change in December 2025 in Europe?
• Uninterrupted chlorine and methane supply sustained domestic production, expanding availability, and limiting upward price pressure.
• Elevated inventories in Europe and weak construction demand reduced spot enquiries, weighing on the Price Index.
• Stable electricity and gas quotations contained production cost increases, limiting cost-push support for December pricing.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In USA, the Methylene Dichloride Price Index rose by 5.33% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting stronger feedstock costs.
• The average Methylene Dichloride price for the quarter was approximately USD 546.33/MT, assessed FOB Louisiana.
• Methylene Dichloride Spot Price tightened amid reduced import availability and producer inventory discipline lifting offers.
• Methylene Dichloride Production Cost Trend showed upward pressure from firmer methanol and intermittent chlorine constraints.
• Methylene Dichloride Demand Outlook remains mixed, with seasonal construction support offset by cautious downstream purchasing.
• Methylene Dichloride Price Forecast expects modest near-term firmness driven by export seasonality and inventory management.
• Methylene Dichloride Price Index volatility rose as hurricane season and logistics delays tightened short-term availability.
• Export demand and inventory dynamics supported price strength despite subdued domestic consumption and substitution pressures.
Why did the price of Methylene Dichloride change in September 2025 in North America?
• Stronger industrial output and seasonal construction demand increased offtake, exerting upward pressure on regional prices.
• New tariff measures and constrained imports reduced competition, tightening supply and boosting domestic FOB offers.
• Firm methanol and intermittent chlorine availability elevated production costs, supporting seller pricing with limited downstream buying.
APAC
• In China, the Methylene Dichloride Price Index fell by 11.29% quarter-over-quarter, driven by oversupply broadly.
• The average Methylene Dichloride price for the quarter was approximately USD 241.00/MT, based on assessments.
• Methylene Dichloride Spot Price responded to intermittent merchant tightness from maintenance and transport-permit delays regionally.
• Methylene Dichloride Price Forecast indicates volatility as seasonal refrigerant demand may offset ample production temporarily.
• Methylene Dichloride Production Cost Trend eased as methanol and chlorine costs softened, reducing cost pressure.
• Methylene Dichloride Demand Outlook remains weak with downstream substitution and seasonal softness limiting aggressive restocking.
• Methylene Dichloride Price Index volatility was exacerbated by high plant utilization and cautious downstream purchasing.
• Rising inventories and export flows limited upside despite intermittent maintenance and operating rates at producers.
Why did the price of Methylene Dichloride change in September 2025 in APAC?
• High industry operating rates increased supply, swelling inventories and pressuring sellers to reduce offers materially.
• Weaker downstream demand and substitution reduced offtake, limiting restocking and suppressing spot purchasing activity significantly.
• Easing feedstock methanol and chlorine costs reduced production cost pressures, removing support for MDC prices.
Europe
• In Germany, the Methylene Dichloride Price Index rose by 22.4% quarter-over-quarter, due to supply constraints.
• The average Methylene Dichloride price for the quarter was approximately USD 863.33/MT, reflecting balanced pressures.
• Methylene Dichloride Spot Price tightened as imports competed with domestic supply, lifting the Price Index.
• Methylene Dichloride Production Cost Trend rose as methanol feedstock and transport costs increased, pressuring margins.
• Methylene Dichloride Demand Outlook stays weak with subdued construction and polyurethane sectors limiting spot offtake.
• Methylene Dichloride Price Forecast shows volatility as plant closures tighten supply while imports cap increases.
• Rising inventories earlier in quarter eased tightness while steady export demand supported the Price Index.
• Major producer curtailments and Dow closures tightened prompt availability, sustaining elevated spot premiums across Germany.
Why did the price of Methylene Dichloride change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Supply disruptions from plant closures, curtailed runrates and port congestion tightened availability for September deliveries.
• Methanol feedstock cost increases and logistics expenses raised production costs, pressuring offers and Price Index.
• Downstream demand remained uneven; weak construction activity limited offtake despite modest restocking and export interest.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Methylene Dichloride Price Index in North America fell by 4.7% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weaker market fundamentals through Q2 2025.
• Supply remained stable, with consistent production across domestic facilities. However, excess inventory buildup due to subdued exports and steady output created oversupply conditions.
• The Methylene Dichloride Demand Outlook was mixed. Pharmaceutical sector demand remained steady, but consumption from paints, coatings, and construction sectors was restrained due to economic uncertainty and soft consumer sentiment.
• Export activity to Latin America and Europe remained low, limiting inventory drawdowns. Cost-side pressures were modest, with fluctuations in feedstock methanol prices failing to meaningfully shift overall pricing.
• Overall, the Methylene Dichloride Price Index showed a mild downward trend throughout Q2, driven by supply-demand imbalance and limited international demand.
Why did the Methylene Dichloride Price change in July 2025 in North America?
• Methylene Dichloride prices in North America remained stable to slightly declining during July 2025.
• Ample inventory levels and steady domestic production limited any upward price movement.
• Subdued demand from downstream sectors such as coatings and construction continued to weigh on the market.
Europe
• The Methylene Dichloride Price Index in Europe registered a quarter-over-quarter decline of 1.1%, with varied market activity across the region.
• Supply and production levels remained steady, supported by consistent methanol availability and stable plant operations in Germany and surrounding countries.
• The Methylene Dichloride Demand Outlook stayed soft, with only moderate activity from the pharmaceutical and coatings sectors. Construction sector weakness and cautious automotive output weighed on overall procurement sentiment.
• Export demand across intra-European markets was restrained due to regional economic concerns and high inventory levels. Although geopolitical tensions impacted methanol logistics at times, strategic early procurement helped avoid significant supply shocks.
• The Price Index trended mostly stable with occasional cost-push inflation, especially during late June due to a surge in methanol prices and lower inventory levels.
Why did the Methylene Dichloride Price change in July 2025 in Europe?
• In Europe, Methylene Dichloride prices trended downward in July 2025.
• The decline was driven by a drop in methanol feedstock prices, which eased production costs for local manufacturers.
• Demand from coatings and pharmaceutical sectors remained moderate, failing to support prices.
• Stable supply conditions and high inventory levels across the region further contributed to the bearish pressure.
• Consequently, the Methylene Dichloride Price Index declined, indicating a cost-led correction amid flat market activity.
Asia Pacific (APAC)
• The Methylene Dichloride Price Index in APAC (particularly China) saw a sharp 12.7% quarter-over-quarter decline, indicating substantial bearish pressure.
• Supply remained ample, with industry operating rates around 75–80%. Some units in China reduced loads, but high inventory levels persisted due to weak demand.
• The Methylene Dichloride Demand Outlook was fragile. While seasonal refrigerant demand (R32) offered momentary support, core sectors like coatings, adhesives, and pharmaceuticals showed minimal improvement due to economic sluggishness and the off-season in construction.
• Although export demand rose slightly, especially from Southeast Asia and the Middle East, it failed to meaningfully offset domestic oversupply. Cost trends remained volatile, with declining methanol and liquid chlorine prices influencing short-term production economics.
• Overall, the Price Index trended downward throughout Q2, with temporary rebounds in late May failing to sustain due to fragile fundamentals and market uncertainty.
Why did the Methylene Dichloride Price change in July 2025 in APAC?
• Methylene Dichloride prices in China increased during July 2025.
• The uptick was supported by rising demand from the refrigerators sector, particularly for R32 during its seasonal peak.
• Operating rates at some plants remained limited due to ongoing maintenance, tightening supply conditions.
• Export demand from Southeast Asia and the Middle East picked up, reducing domestic inventories.
• As a result, the Methylene Dichloride Price Index rose, driven by both supply constraints and seasonal demand growth.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, the North American Methylene Dichloride (MDC) market recorded a marginal price decline of 0.06% compared to the previous quarter. The overall market remained largely stable, with steady supply levels and moderate demand from key downstream sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and coatings.
Early in the quarter, balanced supply-demand dynamics and resilient performance in the construction and automotive sectors supported price stability. However, as the quarter progressed, weakening demand in the construction and polyurethane segments, coupled with declining feedstock costs, particularly methanol, applied downward pressure on the Methylene Dichloride market. Manufacturing activity operated at reduced rates, but consistent inventory and restocking behavior helped avoid supply shortages.
Despite lackluster demand in the coatings industry and cautious procurement patterns, demand from the pharma and agrochemical sectors provided some support. The overall market sentiment remained subdued, with buyers concentrating on short-term needs amid ongoing economic uncertainty. The quarter closed with stable, yet soft market conditions, driven by cost dynamics and moderate end-use consumption.
APAC
During Q1 2025, the APAC Methylene Dichloride (MDC) market witnessed a net price decline of 13.8% compared to the previous quarter. The quarter began with a modest price uptick driven by elevated freight costs and robust demand from China’s polyurethane, paints, and coatings sectors. However, this bullish sentiment was short-lived. By late January, MDC prices plunged due to declining feedstock costs, ample supply, and weakened demand ahead of the Lunar New Year. February saw a brief price stabilization, supported by post-holiday restocking and supply disruptions from maintenance shutdowns. Nevertheless, oversupply and subdued downstream activity exerted bearish pressure, prompting producers to cut prices. March displayed volatility—prices first declined due to high inventories, then surged mid-month on maintenance news and recovering refrigerant sector demand, before softening again by month-end amid cautious procurement. Overall, the quarter was characterized by fluctuating market fundamentals, with supply-demand imbalances and external pressures such as geopolitical tensions and seasonal demand shifts shaping the pricing trajectory.
Europe
In Q1 2025, the European Methylene Dichloride (MDC) market witnessed a price increase of 4.34% compared to the previous quarter, driven by a mix of stable supply and shifting demand dynamics. Early in the quarter, prices fluctuated slightly due to steady feedstock methanol costs and persistent logistical disruptions at key ports like Hamburg and Rotterdam. Despite challenges, manufacturers maintained consistent output, supported by ample inventories and stable raw material availability. The paints and coatings sector provided steady demand, while the polyurethane and construction sectors showed weakness due to declining new orders and prolonged destocking. Mid-quarter, logistical pressures and rising methanol costs briefly pushed prices higher, though balanced market fundamentals kept volatility in check. Toward the end of the quarter, demand from the pharmaceutical and agrochemical sectors remained resilient, helping stabilize prices despite subdued activity in automotive and coatings. Overall, the market was shaped by stable supply, resilient end-use demand, and cautious buying behavior, contributing to a modest upward price trajectory.
