For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
North America's Q4 2024 Nonylphenol Ethoxylates market, especially in the US, saw prices fluctuate as a result of multiple factors influencing supply and demand dynamics. October began with price increases due to strong demand from end-user industries like surfactants and detergents, despite ample supply. This upward trend continued late in the month, with a stable phenol-benzene premium offsetting declining ethylene oxide and phenol costs.
November saw price stability, maintained by consistent personal care sector demand and robust supply chains, even with a slight rise in ethylene oxide prices. However, December brought a significant price decline. This was attributed to a typical seasonal slowdown in demand, adjustments to earlier input cost inflation, and weakness in the broader manufacturing sector. Despite lower phenol prices and stable ethylene oxide costs, sufficient supply allowed for price reductions as manufacturers adapted inventory to reflect the market changes. E-commerce growth in December partially offset the overall decline in retail sales.
The market faced challenges stemming from price volatility, managing input cost inflation, and adapting to fluctuating demand patterns. Manufacturers had to balance profitability with competitive pricing strategies within a broader economic context.
APAC
In Q4 2024, the Nonylphenol Ethoxylates market in the APAC region experienced price volatility shaped by a complex interplay of factors. October opened with price increases fueled by moderate demand from the personal care sector and anxieties surrounding Middle Eastern oil supply disruptions. This upward trend continued later in the month due to rising ethylene oxide prices, despite stable phenol costs. November maintained price stability, supported by consistent personal care demand, even as phenol prices declined. However, a significant shift occurred in December. A typical seasonal slowdown, coupled with oversupply and weak demand, led to a sharp price decrease. This decline was further exacerbated by a downward trend in both ethylene oxide and phenol prices, easing overall production costs.
The personal care sector, while exhibiting moderate growth throughout the quarter, experienced a significant slowdown during the year-end holidays, directly impacting demand for Nonylphenol Ethoxylates. This created challenges for market participants who had to navigate volatile pricing, manage excess inventory due to oversupply, and contend with intensifying competition.
Europe
In Q4 2024, the Nonylphenol Ethoxylates market in the European region, particularly Germany experienced significant price volatility. October started with price increases driven by strong demand from the detergents and surfactants sector, despite sufficient supply. Late October saw further increases, with a stable phenol-benzene premium offsetting lower ethylene oxide and phenol costs. November maintained price stability due to holiday shopping and consistent personal care demand, even as raw material prices fell. However, December witnessed a sharp price decline. This was due to weak domestic demand, lower raw material (ethylene oxide and phenol) costs, and severe global port congestion impacting deliveries. The quarter ended at USD 2518/MT FOB Hamburg, a substantial decrease from the beginning of the quarter.
Several factors contributed to this volatility: strong early demand, followed by a December slowdown; fluctuating raw material costs; the positive impact of holiday shopping in November, and supply chain disruptions. Weak German manufacturing and sluggish European personal care sales also exerted downward pressure on prices in December. Market participants faced challenges in managing volatile pricing, fluctuating raw material costs, and supply chain disruptions.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the North American market for Nonylphenol Ethoxylates witnessed a notable increase in prices. This surge can be attributed to several key factors. Firstly, the demand for Nonylphenol Ethoxylates remained robust across the region, driven by steady procurement from downstream Personal care sector including surfactants and detergents.
Upstream ethylene oxide, which was required for the manufacture of nonylphenol ethoxylates, was sufficiently available. This ensured steady output with little disruption to the supply chain. Moreover, the pricing environment was influenced by fluctuations in crude oil prices, which impacted manufacturing costs.
Moving specifically to the USA, the market experienced significant price changes, with a 1% increase from the previous quarter in 2024. The second half of the quarter saw a 4% price difference compared to the first half, indicating a notable uptrend. Ultimately, the quarter-ending price for Nonylphenol Ethoxylates 9.5 mole FOB Gulf Coast in the USA stood at USD 2505/MT, reflecting a positive and increasing pricing environment in the region.
APAC
In Q3 2024, the pricing of Nonylphenol Ethoxylates in the APAC region experienced a notable increase, particularly in China. This quarter has been characterized by a steady rise in market prices, driven by various factors. The demand from industries like personal care and surfactants has played a significant role in influencing prices, with manufacturers operating at reduced capacity levels due to economic uncertainties. Additionally, supply chain disruptions, high freight charges, and limited availability of raw materials have all contributed to the upward pricing trend. In China specifically, the market has seen the most significant price changes, reflecting a consistent increase throughout the quarter. Prices have shown resilience with negligible change from the previous quarter in 2024. The second half of the quarter saw a notable 5% price increase compared to the first half, culminating in a quarter-ending price of USD 1680/MT for Nonylphenol Ethoxylate 9.5 mole FOB Qingdao. Overall, the pricing environment in Q3 2024 has been characterized by a positive and steady upward trajectory.
Europe
In Q3 2024, the pricing environment for Nonylphenol Ethoxylates in the Europe region has been characterized by a steady increase in prices. This upward trend has been primarily influenced by a combination of factors. Firstly, the surge in crude oil prices globally has raised manufacturing costs for Nonylphenol Ethoxylates, contributing to the price escalation. Additionally, the availability of upstream materials, such as Ethylene Oxide, has been sufficient, ensuring consistent production levels but also supporting the price hike. Furthermore, demand from end-user industries like surfactants and detergents has shown a moderate increase, further bolstering prices. Specifically focusing on Germany, which has experienced the most significant price changes in the region, the overall trend has been one of consistent price growth. Seasonal factors and market dynamics have played a crucial role in driving prices upwards. The quarter-on-quarter increase of 3% highlights the sustained upward movement in prices. The comparison between the first and second half of the quarter, which saw a 3% price difference, further underscored the steady price appreciation. As of the latest quarter-ending, Nonylphenol Ethoxylates 9.5 mole FOB Hamburg in Germany was priced at USD 2570/MT, reflecting a stable and positive pricing environment.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
In North America, the prices of Nonylphenol Ethoxylates have demonstrated a volatile trend. In the first half of Q2, the prices have increased owing to demand from downstream personal care industries has increased, boosting overall market sentiment.
As per the market sources, Reduced manufacturing activities in the USA have led to limited availability of finished goods, further driving up prices. However, with the progress of the second quarter of 2024, the prices have started to plummet amidst ease of production challenges and a slowdown in inquiries from the downstream Personal Care industries.
Focusing on the USA, which observed the most substantial price changes, the overall trend in Q2 has been decidedly negative. Seasonality played a crucial role, with the second half of the quarter witnessing a price drop of 3% compared to the first half. The interplay between consistent supply and subdued demand created a bearish pricing environment. The culmination of these factors led to the quarter-ending price of USD 2400/MT for Nonylphenol Ethoxylates 9.5 mole FOB Gulf Coast in the USA. This quarter's pricing environment has thus been predominantly negative, reflecting a market decline.
APAC
In Q2 2024, the Nonylphenol Ethoxylates market in the APAC region experienced mixed market fundamentals. At the start of the second quarter, the demand from the personal care industries surged, leading to higher costs for Nonylphenol Ethoxylates. To maintain market stability, existing inventories have been depleted, and new production has been initiated. Furthermore, toward the quarter-end, the reduction in procurement from downstream personal care industries significantly contributed to lower price realizations. High production levels and sufficient supply of raw materials, such as Ethylene Oxide and Palm Oil, met with lackluster demand, compounded the price decline. Focusing on China, the region witnessed the maximum price volatility. The overall trend exhibited a substantial price decrease, attributed to the seasonality effect, subdued market activities post-holiday periods, and the digestion of pre-existing inventories. The economic slowdown and reduced consumer spending also played a critical role in the declining demand for Nonylphenol Ethoxylates. Conclusively, the quarter ended with Nonylphenol Ethoxylate 9.5 mole FOB Qingdao prices at USD 1600/MT, marking a subdued market environment. The persistent downward pressure reflects a negative pricing sentiment, driven by weak demand, overstocked inventories, and minimal upward cost influences. This quarter has been challenging, with limited optimism for immediate recovery, emphasizing the need for strategic adjustments to balance supply and demand dynamics.
Europe
In the second quarter of 2024, the prices of Nonylphenol Ethoxylates demonstrated varied market dynamics. The quarter was characterized by limited demand from downstream industries, particularly in the personal care sector, which compounded the market sentiment. Additionally, heightened wage demands exacerbated tight labor conditions domestically, affecting production costs and potentially influencing prices. On the other hand, the escalating Crude Oil prices following OPEC+'s production cut decision added to market challenges for Nonylphenol Ethoxylates. These conditions were further dampened by tight monetary policies across Europe, which curbed economic activity and purchasing power. The availability of upstream Nonylphenol was sufficient to meet the demand from the downstream industries. The operating rates of the downstream manufacturing firms have not returned to their regular levels. Focusing on Germany, the market saw the most significant fluctuations in Nonylphenol Ethoxylates prices. Compared to the same quarter last year, prices dropped by 4%, indicating a negative pricing environment. However, there was a slight recovery from the previous quarter in 2024, with a 4% increase, suggesting some market stabilization. The quarter-ending price for Nonylphenol Ethoxylates 9.5 mole FOB Hamburg in Germany settled at USD 2470/MT.
For the Quarter Ending March 2024
North America
During the first quarter of 2024, the North American region experienced a uptrend in pricing for Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs), driven by several key market dynamics. A significant factor contributing to this trend was the rise in demand from various industries, particularly the Personal Care sector, which created a bullish market sentiment. This increased demand, coupled with limited supplies of finished goods and reduced operating rates of manufacturing firms, intensified the upward pressure on prices. The constrained availability of NPEs further fueled market optimism, leading to a favorable pricing environment.
Furthermore, the rise in upstream Ethylene Oxide prices has further supported the increasing trend in Nonylphenol Ethoxylates prices. On the input energy front, the tightening in physical markets, driven by OPEC+ members' decision to extend production cuts, has resulted in bullish Crude Oil prices. This has led to elevated manufacturing costs for Nonylphenol Ethoxylates.
In the USA, the percentage change from the same quarter last year is -2%, indicating a slight decrease in prices. Moreover, there was a 5% price difference between the first and second half of the quarter, with prices escalating in the latter half. As of the latest quarter-ending, the price of Nonylphenol Ethoxylates 9.5 mole FOB Gulf Coast in the USA stood at USD 2500/MT. Overall, the pricing environment for Nonylphenol Ethoxylates in Q1 2024 has been positive, with prices experiencing an upward trajectory.
APAC
In Q1 2024, the pricing environment for Nonylphenol Ethoxylates in the domestic market of China has witnessed mixed trend. Several significant factors have influenced the market prices during this period. The reduced demand from downstream industries, particularly the Personal Care sector, has contributed to the overall decline in prices. China, in particular, has seen the maximum price changes in the region. In February, the market participants have reported that amid the commencement of the Spring Festival Holidays in China, the procurement activities from the downstream firms have remained suppressed. As the Spring Festival approached, markets in various parts of China have gradually entered a state of shutdown and vacation, leading to reduced demand Additionally, logistics have gradually closed, and road transportation has been hindered. Additionally, the geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea and conflicts in the Middle East have caused volatility in the oil market, affecting the prices of Nonylphenol Ethoxylates. In comparison to the same quarter last year, there has been a significant decrease of 9% in prices. From the previous quarter in 2024, prices have decreased by 3%. However, there has been a slight increase of 1% in prices between the first and second half of the quarter. As of the latest quarter-ending price, Nonylphenol Ethoxylate 9.5 mole FOB Qingdao in China is priced at USD 1720 per ton, reflecting the overall decreasing sentiment in the pricing environment.
Europe
The pricing environment for Nonylphenol Ethoxylates in Europe has been marked by rising prices in the first quarter of 2024. This trend has been influenced by several key factors. During a period of low seasonal demand, manufacturers have reduced production rates and adjusted inventory levels to avoid overstocking. This time has been utilized for maintenance and upgrading production facilities, leading to a limited availability of finished goods. Additionally, geopolitical tensions between Israel and Hamas have contributed to higher crude oil prices, thereby increasing the manufacturing costs of Nonylphenol Ethoxylates. In February, the inquiries from the downstream Surfactant and Detergent industries were observed to be moderate amidst a reduction in buying sentiments of the end-use industries. The cost support from upstream raw materials was also limited. Compared to the same quarter last year, prices have decreased by 2%. However, there has been a significant increase in prices from the previous quarter in 2024, recording a 5% growth. The prices have remained stable throughout the quarter, with a 5% price increase from the first half to the second half of the period. The quarter-ending price for Nonylphenol Ethoxylates 9.5 mole FOB Hamburg in Germany is USD 2470/MT, reflecting the overall increasing sentiment in the pricing environment.
