For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In the third quarter of 2024, the North American Petroleum Resin market, particularly in the United States, experienced a notable surge in prices marked by significant fluctuations. Several key factors influenced this upward trend, including heightened import costs and substantial material shortages.
In July 2024, the market saw a considerable increase in freight charges, which contributed to the overall rise in import expenses. Although freight rates began to decline in the latter half of August, ongoing port congestion in global trade continued to hinder supply timelines, exacerbating the existing material shortages. Throughout this period, demand for Petroleum Resin remained relatively muted, especially from the automotive sector, which is typically a primary consumer.
Despite these challenges, the quarter concluded with the price of C9 Petroleum Resin reaching USD 1265 per metric ton, CFR Savannah, in the United States. This price reflects the interplay of rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and the need for stabilization within the market, as stakeholders navigate the complexities of fluctuating supply and demand dynamics.
Asia
The Asian Petroleum Resin market exhibited a mixed trend throughout the third quarter of 2024. Prices experienced a significant increase during the first two months; however, they subsequently faced a notable decline in the final month. Despite these fluctuations, overall demand for Petroleum Resin remained relatively subdued. Conversely, persistent supply constraints continued to exert upward pressure on prices. Adverse weather conditions, including typhoons and heavy rainfall across the region, severely disrupted manufacturing activities, further tightening supply. This interplay of restricted supply and fluctuating prices underscores the complex dynamics influencing the market, with China emerging as the most affected region. Additionally, fluctuations in crude oil prices during this quarter, driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions worldwide, further contributed to the upward pressure on Petroleum Resin prices. As a result, the quarter concluded with a price of USD 1348 per metric ton for C5 Petroleum Resin, FOB Qingdao in China. This price reflects the culmination of the pricing fluctuations experienced throughout Q3 2024, highlighting the ongoing challenges and volatility within the Asian Petroleum Resin market.
Europe
In the third quarter of 2024, the European Petroleum Resin market experienced notable fluctuations, primarily trending downward due to a confluence of key factors. A significant contributor to this decline was the subdued demand from the automotive sector, a major consumer of Petroleum Resin. The automotive industry encountered substantial challenges, including sluggish sales figures and intensified competition from Chinese electric vehicles, which collectively diminished the need for Petroleum Resin in manufacturing processes. Moreover, the prices of essential feedstocks, particularly Crude Oil, failed to provide the necessary support to counteract the prevailing negative market trends. This lack of stability in feedstock prices further compounded the challenges faced by manufacturers in the region. Germany, in particular, witnessed the most pronounced price fluctuations, reflecting the difficult outlook for traditional automotive manufacturers amid ongoing industry transformations. The cumulative impact of reduced demand, competitive pressures, and stagnant feedstock prices created a challenging environment for Petroleum Resin pricing throughout the quarter. Consequently, the market remained on the lower end, highlighting the need for strategic adjustments within the industry to navigate these evolving dynamics effectively.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
In the second quarter of 2024, the North American petroleum resin market saw a significant rise in prices due to a confluence of factors. The quarter began with severe supply chain disruptions, including unplanned shutdowns by major manufacturers such as Henan Anglxxon Chemical Co., Ltd., Nanjing Yangzi Eastman Chemical Ltd. (JV), and Hangzhou Yangli Petrochemical Co., Ltd. These shutdowns intensified an already strained supply situation, driving prices up. Compounding the issue were rising import costs from key Asian markets and a surge in global container freight rates, which increased by over 30%, further exacerbating logistical challenges and cost pressures.
In the USA, where the most pronounced price changes occurred, the market trend remained consistently bullish. Strong demand from the construction sector, bolstered by substantial government funding for infrastructure projects and seasonal increases in construction activity, significantly contributed to higher resin prices.
Comparing the first and second halves of the quarter, prices rose by 3%, with a 5% increase from the previous quarter, reflecting ongoing upward momentum. By the end of the quarter, petroleum resin prices stood at USD 1575/MT CFR Savannah, marking a robust and positive pricing environment.
APAC
In Q2 2024, the Petroleum Resin market in the APAC region maintained stable pricing, influenced by a range of factors. The stability in crude oil prices provided a solid cost foundation for production, while strong demand from the construction and automotive sectors helped sustain market equilibrium. Despite occasional supply disruptions, the manufacturing sector's resilience supported this stability. China, as the region's focal point, saw notable price fluctuations, particularly due to a temporary plant shutdown at Anhui Tongxin New Material Technology Co., Ltd. caused by a heavy rainstorm from June 23 to June 28. This disruption tightened supplies briefly but did not lead to long-term instability. Prices for the quarter showed a modest 5% change from the previous quarter, reflecting overall market steadiness. Comparing the first and second halves of the quarter, prices remained consistent, highlighting a stable market sentiment. By the end of the quarter, the price of C5 Petroleum Resin FOB Qingdao was USD 1385/MT, underscoring the market's positive and resilient outlook.
Europe
In Q2 2024, the European petroleum resin market experienced a dynamic and upward pricing trend. This increase was primarily driven by higher feedstock costs and escalating freight rates and resulted a bullish trend in the European market. The cost of feedstock Crude Oil rose, directly impacting production expenses, while the global container freight index surged by over 30%, inflating logistical costs. Additionally, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East heightened concerns over potential crude oil supply disruptions, further boosting upstream costs. Strong demand for the product from the downstream construction and automobile sectors supported the market, despite concerns about gasoline demand and overall production expenses. In Germany, significant price changes were noted, largely influenced by rising feedstock costs and robust demand from key industries. Prices remained stable compared to the previous quarter but fell from the same period last year due to lower baseline figures. The price increase was observed between the first and second halves of the quarter, indicating a steady climb.
For the Quarter Ending March 2024
North America
In Q1 2024, the North American petroleum resin market experienced a complex interplay of factors influencing pricing trends. Initially, there was a notable increase in prices, driven primarily by costly imports from China, where domestic prices had surged.
The US, heavily reliant on these imports, felt the impact acutely. Supply constraints were exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, notably the Red Sea crises, which disrupted shipping routes and inflated freight costs. These challenges were compounded by Russia’s announcement of a six-month ban on gasoline exports starting in March, expected to have a long-term bullish effect on global crude oil prices, indirectly influencing petroleum resin costs. Despite these upward pressures, the market also saw periods of stability due to a robust performance in the manufacturing sector as indicated by a strong US Manufacturing PMI. This growth in manufacturing was supported by new export orders and higher production volumes, reflecting a positive economic outlook.
However, the construction industry, a significant consumer of petroleum resin, presented mixed signals. While there was growth in new construction projects, persistent labour shortages and other operational challenges dampened demand. Moreover, the easing of supply chain pressures allowed for some stabilization of resin prices later in the quarter. The market dynamics of petroleum resin in North America during this period highlight the sensitivity of regional prices to international market fluctuations and local economic indicators, portraying a scenario where global events and domestic economic health collectively shape the pricing landscape.
APAC
In Q1 2024, the Petroleum Resin market in the APAC region experienced a mix of stability and volatility. Overall, market prices remained relatively stable, with minor fluctuations influenced by various factors. In China, the largest market for Petroleum Resin, prices saw significant changes compared to the previous quarter. The market in China was primarily driven by reduced demand from the construction industry due to seasonal factors and adverse weather conditions. This resulted in a slowdown in construction activities and lower demand for Petroleum Resin. Furthermore, the global freight rate and the ongoing Red Sea crises played a role in influencing market prices. The disruptions in global trade routes, including the Suez Canal, impacted the timely arrival of imported Petroleum Resin, leading to constrained supply and potential port congestion. Additionally, the increase in the price of upstream Crude Oil added to the cost structure of Petroleum Resin production, further influencing market prices. Looking at the price trends within the quarter, there was a slight decline compared to the same quarter last year. However, there was a notable increase in prices from the previous quarter in 2024. In conclusion, the pricing environment for Petroleum Resin in the APAC region during Q1 2024 was characterized by stability with some fluctuations, particularly in China. Market prices were influenced by factors such as reduced demand from the construction industry, global freight disruptions, and changes in upstream Crude Oil prices. The quarter-ending price for C5 Petroleum Resin FOB Qingdao in China was USD 1360/MT.
Europe
During Q1 2024, the price of Petroleum Resin exhibited mixed trends, starting positively with increases in January and February. These price rises were primarily attributed to higher Crude Oil feedstock prices and supply concerns stemming from the Red Sea crisis. The ongoing crisis disrupted the supply chain, leading to delayed import arrivals and tightening raw material availability. This scarcity, combined with robust overseas demand from the USA and Asia, drove Petroleum Resin prices upward in the European market. In Germany, the largest market for Petroleum Resin in the region, prices followed a similar trajectory. The quarter began with an upward trend and saw a significant jump in February due to the same market factors, including supply disruptions caused by the Red Sea crisis. The scarcity of Petroleum Resin in Germany intensified price increases during this period. Overall, the pricing environment for Petroleum Resin in Q1 2024 was characterized as bullish, driven by supply challenges and heightened demand. Geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions contributed to market uncertainties. Despite this, domestic demand for Petroleum Resin remained stable, particularly within the downstream construction industry. The market dynamics reflected a complex interplay of global factors impacting pricing trends throughout the quarter.
For the Quarter Ending December 2023
North America
Throughout the fourth quarter of 2023, the US Petroleum Resin market witnessed a bullish trend, particularly evident in the initial two months with consecutive increases of 2.5% and 1.2% in Petroleum Resin prices.
This upward trajectory in product prices was primarily driven by heightened production costs, closely tied to the fluctuating price of the raw material, Crude Oil which increased during this period and elevated the production cost. The latter experienced significant volatility during this period, attributed to various factors such as announcements of supply cuts from OPEC countries, an increased gap between demand and supply, and escalated freight charges.
The surge in shipping costs traced back to ongoing disruptions at the Panama Canal, a critical shortcut connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The canal's operations have been adversely affected by an El Nino-fuelled drought, resulting in historically low water levels. Consequently, shipping companies find themselves compelled to pay substantial sums to expedite their passage through the canal or opt for lengthy diversions.
APAC
The fourth quarter of 2023 marked a pivotal period for the Petroleum Resin market in the APAC region, characterized by notable developments and influences on market dynamics. One key factor was the substantial increase in demand from the downstream construction industry, both domestically and internationally, creating a bullish market scenario. Despite the overall economic slowdown in the region, the construction sector demonstrated resilience, contributing to the sustained demand for Petroleum Resin. Another significant factor shaping the market was the impact of upstream Crude Oil prices, directly influencing production costs and subsequently affecting the pricing of Petroleum Resin. In China, the Petroleum Resin market experienced positive price movements during this quarter, despite the broader economic slowdown. The demand for the product remained stable, thanks in part to the Chinese government's initiatives aimed at injecting liquidity into the market, particularly within the construction sector. However, the market encountered challenges associated with moderate to low supply, resulting in a bullish trend. As of the current quarter, the pricing of Petroleum Resin in China stands at USD 1370/MT of C5 Petroleum Resin FOB Qingdao.
Europe
In the final quarter of 2023, the European Petroleum resin market experienced a bullish trend in the region due to the volatility in feedstock Crude Oil prices, which increased the production cost of the product in the country and resulted in a market situation. Moreover, that quarter observed a disruption in the supply chain across the region. The supply shortage was intricately linked to the elevated spot prices of refined products on the US West Coast, a trend anticipated ahead of the impending Hurricane Hilary. The potential impact of this weather event on refinery operations in Southern California prompted precautionary measures, leading to decreased production capacity. The repercussions of such production losses loomed over gasoline, Naphtha, and Petroleum Resin prices, which had already experienced upward momentum due to supply constraints and refinery shutdowns. Notably, an additional element contributed to the supply chain disruption was the unprecedented drought situation at the Panama Canal. This phenomenon introduced rare navigational challenges for vessels, impeding their passage through the canal. To mitigate this, the Panama Canal Authority instituted a premium on the passage of the heaviest and largest ships, effectively reducing the volume of goods transported.
For the Quarter Ending September 2023
North America
During the third quarter of 2023, the United States exhibited stronger economic performance compared to Europe. C9 Petroleum Resin consumption remained robust, surpassing initial forecasts. The US construction sector witnessed a surge, primarily due to the Federal Reserve's decision to raise interest rates. However, the looming concern throughout the quarter was escalating inflation. The Federal Reserve hinted at the possibility of further interest rate hikes by the end of the year, which may impede the construction sector's growth, subsequently affecting C9 Petroleum Resin prices and consumption in the coming quarter. Additionally, the price of feedstock Crude Oil experienced a rapid increase of approximately 30% during this quarter. This surge was attributed to a substantial decline in US crude oil stocks, falling below the critical threshold of nearly 20 million barrels. Geopolitical factors, such as Saudi Arabia's output cuts and Russia's export restrictions, further contributed to concerns about tight global supplies, leading to the upward rally in Crude Oil and its derivative prices, including Petroleum Resin. These dynamics will likely continue to impact the energy and construction sectors in the next quarter.
APAC
Throughout the third quarter of October 2023, the APAC region experienced a mixed trend in the C9 Petroleum Resin market. China, in particular, faced a significant initial price decline of approximately 6% during the first month of the quarter due to the impact of typhoon weather and heavy rainfall. Construction conditions in South and East China were unfavorable, leading to sluggish market demand, high manufacturer inventories, and market weakness. The extreme weather conditions severely affected the downstream construction industry, resulting in an imbalance between supply and demand in the Petroleum Resin market. Manufacturers responded with price reductions and promotional strategies. However, during the last two months of the quarter, prices rebounded, rising by approximately 2.7% and 6.5%. This price increase was driven by expectations of tightening supply of feedstock Crude Oil, despite concerns about the uncertain economic outlook and its potential impact on demand. Russia partially eased its ban on gasoline and diesel exports, but restrictions on high-sulfur gasoil and bunkering fuel remained in place. Major oil-producing nations like Russia and Saudi Arabia extended production cuts, contributing to a tight global oil supply situation that is expected to persist. Central banks' commitment to combat inflation may lead to higher interest rates, potentially limiting economic growth and oil demand.
Europe
In the third quarter of 2023, the European C9 Petroleum Resin market exhibited significant price fluctuations. These variations were primarily attributed to escalating input costs and high inflation rates in major exporting nations, notably Germany. Despite these challenges, importing nations such as Belgium experienced a modest uptick in consumption, primarily driven by the construction industry. The service sector in Europe faced considerable obstacles during this period, underscoring the market's resilience. Additionally, the upward trajectory of Crude Oil prices, the primary feedstock for C9 Petroleum Resin, continued throughout the quarter. Market participants closely monitored supply constraints amid macroeconomic uncertainties. Notably, Saudi Arabia and Russia extended their voluntary oil output reductions by a combined 1.3 million barrels per day (bpd) until the year's end. This decision led to a substantial increase in global crude prices, reaching a 10-month high, further intensifying the cost pressures confronting the C9 Petroleum Resin market. Overall, the market navigated through a challenging quarter marked by volatility and external factors impacting pricing dynamics.
For the Quarter Ending June 2023
North America
In the United States, demand for Petroleum Resins grew in the second quarter of 2023. This growth was driven by strong demand from the construction sector, which uses petroleum resins in various applications, including roofing, flooring, and adhesives. The automotive sector also saw strong growth in demand for petroleum resins, as these resins are used in a variety of components, including tires, hoses, and gaskets. According to the National Automotive Dealers Association (NADA), the market share of battery electric cars in May saw a substantial increase from 9.6% to 13.8%. Hybrid electric cars are now the second-most popular choice for new car buyers, accounting for almost a quarter of the market. However, petrol cars still have the largest share at 36.5%. Additionally, overseas demand increased during this period, driven by the seasonal demand for the product in the summer months when consumption from the packaging and paint industries typically rises both domestically and globally. The fluctuating price of feedstock Crude Oil strengthened the domestic supply as it decreased by around 8% and 1.5% in May and June 2023, respectively.
APAC
In the second quarter of 2023, the Asian Petroleum Resin market experienced a bearish trend, as in the Chinese market, the price of the product decreased by around 3.4% and 6.8% in the first and last month of this quarter. The demand from downstream construction industries was low under the global inflationary pressure, resulting in increased pressure on manufacturers' inventory. The decline in raw material prices contributed to a decrease in production costs, intensifying the pressure on manufacturers to stabilize prices. Consequently, the market maintained a downward trend. The prevalent rainy weather was the main factor influencing the market conditions during this period, leading to a decline in the operating rate of construction sites. As a result, market demand for Petroleum Resin experienced a decline, exacerbating manufacturers' inventory pressure and further driving down prices. However, in May 2023, the price of Petroleum Resin increased by approximately 1.5% despite the decreasing feedstock Crude Oil price, which decreased by around 8% during this month. This increase was mainly attributed to an improvement in demand from the construction sector. Thus, at the end of this quarter, the price of C9 Petroleum Resin was hovering around USD 980/MT.
Europe
In the second quarter of 2023, the Petroleum Resin market experienced a bearish trend as the price of the product continuously decreased primarily due to low demand from downstream construction and automobile industries. According to initial estimates from Eurostat, the European Union's statistical office, seasonally adjusted construction sector production decreased by 0.4% in both the euro area and the EU when comparing April 2023 to March 2023. Additionally, macroeconomic factors such as high inflation negatively impacted consumer spending, further contributing to the market's bearish sentiment. The buying momentum from derivative sectors, particularly construction and consumer goods, significantly weakened as buyers prioritized maintaining minimal inventories and acquiring materials only when necessary. The strike by dock workers at the Port of Hamburg, Germany, which is the nation's busiest and the second busiest in Europe, also played a role in the decline of Petroleum Resin prices. This strike had an impact on the export of Petroleum Resin, as Europe mainly exports it to the USA.
For the Quarter Ending March 2023
North America
During the quarter, the US market saw a rise in the price of Petroleum Resin due to heightened demand from downstream industries such as packaging and rubber. Despite this, the domestic supply of the product remained stable. Additionally, overseas demand increased during this period, driven by the seasonal demand for the product in the summer months, when consumption from the packaging and paint industries typically rises both domestically and globally. The price trend of the product was also influenced by global price trends, as prices increased in overseas markets. Fluctuations in the price of feedstock Crude Oil further supported the price trend for the product.
APAC
In the first quarter of 2023, fluctuations in the price of feedstock Crude Oil impacted the price of Petroleum Resin in the Asian market, resulting in a price increase trend. Additionally, during the Chinese New Year festivities, the demand for the product surged in Asia, particularly in the downstream packaging sector, which experienced an uptick in demand for gift packagings such as boxes, bags, and wrapping paper. Consequently, in the Chinese market, the product's price increased by 9.7% in January, followed by 1.1% and 1.0% increments in February and March, respectively. The primary cause for this price trajectory was the heightened demand from downstream industries during the festival season, leading to increased uncertainty.
Europe
Due to increased demand in the European market, the price of Petroleum Resin rose in Q1 2023. A labor strike in Germany further supported this trend, as workers at a major port in Hamburg disrupted the flow of goods and commodities, potentially leading to supply chain disruptions and price increases for Petroleum Resin. The strike prevented the loading and unloading of container ships carrying commodities such as oil or Petroleum Resin, resulting in a temporary shortage of the product and driving up its price in the European market. Additionally, the seasonal demand from the paint and coating industry, as well as the packaging industry, contributed to the high demand for the product. However, the supply of the product was only moderate, leading to a shortfall in availability.
For the Quarter Ending March 2022
North America
North American Petroleum Resin prices soared in the first quarter of 2022, reaching USD107.24 per barrel in March of 2022. In the first month of the year, WTI Crude touched seven-year highs in January. Despite OPEC+'s commitment, supply was disrupted, and output fell short of expectations. With the conflict in Ukraine intensifying and penalties by the US govt. on the Russian oil, the price of West Texas Intermediate crude, the US benchmark, surpassed USD120 per barrel by the end of the quarter. After a year of harsh weather squeezing supply, resin manufacturers in the United States faced several challenges in recovering outflows just as more supply is set to ship out in 2022. Petroleum jelly spot prices climbed in the fourth quarter of 2020 because of resilient demand from downstream industries. The quarterly averaged price ranged in between USD 3500-3700/MT in the North American region.
Asia Pacific
Petroleum oil prices in the Asian market rose during the first quarter of 2022 due to numerous causes, including the repercussions of the Russia-Ukraine war and the suspension of Chinese New Year production activities. In the first quarter, China's crude rose 1.5 percent year on year to 13.96 million barrels per day, owing to war-driven high global oil prices and lockdowns imposed because of new outbreaks of COVID-19. The tight supply situation in the Pet Resin market has been exacerbated by the rising demand from the downstream adhesive and paint & coatings sector. Due to rising pricing and global supply shortages, importers have hesitated to book large cargo. The prices in the Asian market averaged in the ranged of USD 4700-4900/MT.
Europe
in the European region, the price of Petroleum Resin increased by roughly 8-9% in the first quarter of 2022, as compared to the last quarter of 2021, in tandem with the rising crude prices. The increase in petroleum resin spot prices was due to resurgent demand from end-user industries such as adhesives & sealants, rubber compounding, paints & coatings, and other industries, with various sectors rebounding after a stable Q4 2021. High oil prices, which also drove up the price of gasoline and diesel, kept inflation at an uncomfortably high level long into 2022, stifling global supply chains and stalling the economic recovery in many nations. Due to the crisis in Ukraine and the associated restrictions on Russian oil purchases, the global Petroleum Resin supply chain has recently been hit by limited product availability.
For the Quarter Ending December 2021
North America
In Q4 2021, the market of Petroleum resin in North America experienced an upward trajectory tracing the pattern of Q3. The loosened pandemic restrictions increased covid-19 vaccination rates & upsurged economy combinedly resulted in higher demand for petroleum production. Besides increased production demand, constraint supply of crude oil ensured consistent increment in the price of petroleum resin. In December 2021, U.S. crude oil production decreased because of a decline in investment in U.S. oil production. Furthermore, cold weather in February & hurricanes in August contributed to this drop in supply.
Asia
Coming towards the fourth quarter of 2021, certain western giants joined hands with big Asian players, resulting in a sudden price drop of petroleum resin. Several Asian nations decided to release oil from their strategic reserves to cater to the overall demand. Furthermore, ongoing concerns around limited need sustained owing to the new covid-19 variant, and consequently, the price value of Petroleum Resin dipped after multi-year highs. Nonetheless, as the year 2021 concludes, a slight increment in crude oil prices was observed, impacting the prices of petroleum resin.
Europe
Even after a solid supply in Q3 2021, the prices of downstream business of crude oil were skyrocketing. However, as was expected, the impact of increased prices was relatively short-lived. Consequently, the crude oil prices fell over demand concerns owning to the covid-19 resurgence in Europe. The graph remains falling till the end of November, but suddenly it started fluctuating and then escalated abruptly. After a cold winter, the reduced stocks and limited supply from Russia resulted in soaring downstream product prices. The augmented price value of crude oil led to enhanced prices of downstream petroleum resin.
For the Quarter Ending September 2021
North America
During the 3rd quarter of 2021, the market witnessed a significant rise in the prices of Petroleum Resin across the North American region. Increased consumption of paint and coatings resulted in strong demand for Petroleum Resins. Prices for Petroleum resin have been increasing since the beginning of Q3 due to rising upstream and high overall production cost. Availability of imports remained hampered but showed marked recovery over Q2. Demand growth of Petroleum Resin was favouring the price uptrend.
Asia
During the third quarter of 2021, the prices of Petroleum resin surged significantly across the Asia Pacific region. Severe shortages in the supply of petroleum resins were reported in Q3 due to curtailed plant operations. Estimated deliveries for many types of resins stretched from a month at most into several months due to a shortage of shipping containers and supply chain bottlenecks. Consumption levels improved as we moved towards the end of Q3 with the several downstream players preparing themselves for hefty purchases. Prices surged proportionately in lieu of tight material availability and strong demand.
Europe
There remained a couple of instances during Q3 2021 when Petroleum Resin saw abrupt cost increases and even tighter supply across the European region. Skyrocketed freight costs crept into Q3 2021 as a key factor impacting a number of downstream businesses. Higher energy and crude oil pricing further impacted operating margins and triggered fears of resin prices continuing an upward trajectory even in Q4.
For the Quarter Ending June 2021
North America
Petroleum resin prices in North America climbed up during this quarter, under the influence of rising crude oil value. Consumption of crude oil increased effectively by the country due to the Sharp economic rebound and successful vaccination drive in US. Meanwhile, constrains on supply of crude oil by OPEC countries, led to a rise in its prices. Thus, upward crawl in crude oil values increased the prices of several downstream derivatives, including Petroleum resin across the region. However, the supply for C5 and C9 grade improved compared to the previous quarter.
Asia
In the Asian market, demand for Petroleum resin remained firm throughout the quarter. In China, the demand for Naphtha derived products were high, as the sharp economic rebound increased the consumption of petrochemicals. Therefore, being a side product of Naphtha, production Petroleum resin also increased effectively. Meanwhile, in India, demand for C5 and C9 resins remained dented till the end of May, under second wave of pandemic in the country. However, during the month of June, traders remained optimistic regarding demand, as the country was recovering from the pandemic.
Europe
European market witnessed ample supplies for C5 and C9 resins, as the production of side product Naphtha remained firm during the quarter. Consecutively, price of Naphtha and Resins declined in the meantime, due to excessive supplies. Besides, demand for Petroleum resins from the downstream adhesive and paint sector improved, as the construction sector of Europe was gradually recovering from the pandemic devastation. However, shortage of several raw materials used in construction sector, was halting this boom, which was also affecting the consumption of Petroleum resins from these segments.
For the Quarter Ending March 2021
North America
In North America region, exports and domestic demand for different petrochemical resins remained high, though the supply remained severely low. More than 80% plants remained idle for more than a month due to winter freeze, that chocked the total output of resins from US globally. This freeze created a global supply crisis leading to a considerable price rise affectively throughout the quarter. Prices marginally stabilized by March beginning following the resumption in several plant activities. Again, in late March, prices witnessed an astonishing rise, like for Polypropylene (PP) rose by USD 271.2 per MT, Polystyrene by USD 113.3 per MT and Polyethylene by USD 135.1 per MT.
Asia
During this quarter, demand for feedstock Naphtha from some countries were higher than the others, due to sturdy demand for downstream Petroleum Resin. In China, Lunar year reduced the utilisation of Naphtha for days, which consequently led to a decline in its inventories. While in India, demand for Petroleum Resins from downstream sectors remained high, hence the demand for Naphtha also remained high. Moreover, the global shortage for Naphtha due to the US gulf storm and container shortage across Asia-Europe trade route, skyrocketed the prices of Naphtha in India. Naphtha prices rose from USD 742.08/MT to USD 927.66/MT from January to March ending 2021.
Europe
European market faced high export demand for all types of Petroleum Resins due to the shortage in supply from US in the global market. Since the production from Europe was not sufficient to satisfy the global demand alone and hence it led to an upsurge in the prices. Later during March end Suez Canal crisis created another critical condition, where it increased the prices of most of the chemicals traded between Asia and Europe. High freight cost also emerged as a considerate factor that propelled the prices of Petroleum Resin in the European market.
For the Quarter Ending December 2020
North America
Significant increase in the export demand due to increased production activities from the Asian market increased the export spot offers of the product. Low inventories due to strong downstream also pushed up the pricing curve towards the year-end. As downstream industries are expected to operate at higher production rates, the contract price of Petroleum Resin is further expected to increase for the next quarter. Moving into Q1 2021, Petroleum Resin market prices are expected to respond to the change in the demand-supply situation and indeed an increase in the price is expected for due to stability in demand and soaring upstream rates.
Asia
The supply of Petroleum resin across Asia was observed tightening by the end of the Q4 2020 with the prices gradually decreasing due to tight regional supply. However, the uptrend was absorbed in the spot prices of petroleum resin due to reinstated demand from end user industries such as adhesives & sealants, rubber compounding, paints & coatings, etc. with several sectors picking up after a muted Q2. Resilient demand from these industries rose the spot prices of Petroleum jelly in Q4 of 2020. The long-term contract prices are further estimated to be ascend with anticipations of further increase in demand from the paints & coatings sector owning to re-establishment of construction activities in the region.
Europe
Supply tightened due to restricted lockdown occurred due to second wave of Covid-19. Also, seasonal hurricanes hitting the US export market created deficit of imports in the European region, creating a further slump in supply. Traders and end users dived into the spot markets amidst strong fears of short supplies during the next quarter. Spot offers were hiked by double-digit as compared to Q3. Some unprepared buyers rushed for procurement from the nearby sources, in anticipation to secure cargoes to cater to near-term demand.
