For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) market in North America displayed a stable pricing environment, influenced by various market dynamics. The market saw steady demand from key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, personal care, and industrial applications, which played a crucial role in maintaining price stability. The pharmaceutical industry, particularly in drug formulation and delivery systems, continued to be a significant driver, leveraging PEG's versatility and effectiveness in formulations.
Supply chain conditions improved compared to earlier disruptions, contributing to the stable availability of PEG. Production costs remained relatively stable, supported by moderated feedstock prices, particularly for ethylene oxide, which is a primary input for PEG production. This stability in raw material costs helped producers maintain consistent pricing across the region. Additionally, the sector benefited from technological advancements in PEG-based products, enhancing their applications in various industries.
In the United States, the market showed slight price adjustments due to regional variations in demand and supply, but no major disruptions were reported. Factors such as steady economic activity and the continuation of environmental regulations influenced the market's balance, helping to sustain a stable supply-demand scenario. Overall, the quarter closed with a balanced pricing sentiment, indicating a steady outlook for PEG in the North American market during this period.
APAC
In Q3 2024, the Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) market in the APAC region saw a gradual price increase, driven by factors such as steady demand from industrial and pharmaceutical sectors, and limited supply. The market exhibited varied dynamics across the quarter, with China facing a slight dip in September due to a slowdown in the manufacturing sector and weaker export demand. Despite this, the market saw recovery in August, attributed to restocking activities and a temporary surge in Polyethylene Glycol demand for various end-use applications. Supply-side conditions remained relatively stable, as manufacturers managed inventories effectively, despite moderate logistical disruptions affecting the movement of goods. However, demand began to soften towards the end of the quarter, pressured by global economic uncertainties and reduction in new orders. The overall market sentiment turned cautious, reflecting a more conservative outlook among buyers. The quarter concluded with PEG prices at USD 1,120/MT on CFR- Qingdao basis, highlighting the region's mixed market conditions throughout the period.
Europe
The European Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) market in Q3 2024 experienced relatively stable to slightly declining prices, reflecting a balanced yet cautious market environment. Germany led the region with significant price adjustments, particularly influenced by reduced demand from key sectors such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Economic uncertainties, including shifts in macroeconomic conditions and subdued export demand, contributed to pressure on prices throughout the quarter. Meanwhile, improvements in raw material availability and reductions in natural gas prices helped lower production costs, allowing manufacturers to maintain steady output levels. Despite these improvements, high inventory levels from earlier in the year and cautious purchasing behaviors by end-users moderated price fluctuations, leading to a more conservative trading approach. The market remained resilient but faced challenges from broader global economic factors, which dampened overall sentiment. As the quarter came to a close, the price of PEG in the region settled at USD 1,305/MT on FD Hamburg basis, indicating a cautious yet stable pricing trend during the quarter.
MEA
In the MEA region, the Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) market during Q3 2024 experienced fluctuations, influenced by a mix of domestic demand dynamics and competitive international pricing pressures. Following a price surge in August, which was driven by increased demand from pharmaceutical, industrial, and water treatment sectors, the market experienced a correction in September as demand levels normalized. Supply levels remained stable, supported by consistent production rates and efficient distribution channels. Meanwhile, the availability of competitive imports, especially from Asia, added further downward pressure on local prices, challenging the regional producers. Despite these headwinds, the demand for PEG remained relatively steady in key applications such as personal care and water treatment, helping to balance market conditions. Saudi Arabia, which saw the most notable price adjustments, managed to adapt to the changing dynamics. As the quarter concluded, PEG prices stood at USD 1,050/MT on FOB Al Jubail basis, reflecting a stable yet cautious market outlook as suppliers adjusted to evolving demand and supply dynamics.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
During Q2 2024, Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) pricing in North America exhibited a significant upward trend, driven by a combination of market dynamics and external factors. The surge in prices was primarily attributed to robust demand from key sectors, including pharmaceuticals and personal care products. Manufacturing employment levels also indicated economic recovery, bolstering the demand for PEG. Additionally, the rise in raw material costs, notably ethylene oxide, and an increase in manufacturing PMI, further contributed to the price hike.
The quarter was marked by an event of force majeure at a major manufacturing facility, creating temporary supply disruptions that impacted pricing. Focusing on the USA, where the most notable price changes were observed, the market exhibited strong upward momentum. Seasonal demand spikes, particularly from the pharmaceutical sector, coupled with ongoing stringent regulations in personal care products, played a crucial role in sustaining high prices. The correlation between increasing crude oil prices and raw material costs further pushed PEG prices upward.
The period concluded with a persistent positive pricing environment, underscored by strong demand and supply chain disruptions driving market prices upward. Overall, the quarter was characterized by a bullish sentiment, with robust demand and supply constraints significantly influencing market prices.
APAC
In Q2 2024, the Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) market in the APAC region demonstrated a notably bullish trend, driven by several critical factors. The quarter was marked by robust demand from the pharmaceutical and personal care sectors, which use PEG extensively for its emulsifying and moisture-retaining properties. This increased demand was a significant contributor to the upward pricing trajectory. Supply chain disruptions, particularly in the availability of upstream ethylene oxide, compounded by increased freight charges, further tightened the market. Additionally, the geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran, resulting in missile attacks and regional instability, led to fluctuations in crude oil prices, which cascaded down the supply chain, affecting PEG production costs. Focusing on China, the country experienced the most substantial price changes, reflecting an overall positive pricing environment. The Chinese market saw consistent production rates yet faced occasional disruptions in feedstock availability. The steady expansion in manufacturing activities and robust economic indicators, alongside strategic initiatives in premium cosmetic sectors, further bolstered demand. Seasonality also played a role, with increased usage in personal care products during warmer months driving up prices. Compared to the previous quarter, prices surged, recording an 7.5% increase, and a notable 11.7% rise from the first to the second half of the quarter. Concluding the quarter, the price of PEG 200 CFR Qingdao in China stood at USD 1,100/MT, underscoring a positive pricing sentiment throughout the quarter.
Europe
In Q2 2024, the Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) market in Europe demonstrated relative stability, influenced by a confluence of factors. The quarter was marked by consistent demand from key sectors such as pharmaceuticals and personal care, which maintained upward pressure on prices. The ongoing industrial recovery post-pandemic spurred robust offtakes, while the stabilization of crude oil prices moderated cost fluctuations for raw materials like ethylene oxide, crucial for PEG production. Supply chain logistics showed signs of improvement, with reduced delays and enhanced transportation efficiency contributing to a steadier supply flow. Notably, there were no significant disruptions or plant shutdowns reported by key producers like BASF and Dow Chemical, ensuring a stable operational environment. Focusing on Germany, which experienced the most pronounced price changes in Europe, the market trends reflected seasonality and the broader economic sentiment. The correlation between rising demand during the summer months and PEG prices was evident. The price dynamics showed a 2% increase from the previous quarter of 2024, indicating a stable yet upward trend. Comparing the first and second halves of the quarter, prices remained consistent, reflecting a balanced market environment. The stable pricing environment, with the quarter-ending price at USD 1,320/MT for PEG 200 FD - Hamburg, suggests a positive sentiment rooted in steady demand and supply equilibrium. Overall, the pricing environment in Germany and the broader European region could be characterized as stable, with well-managed supply chains and sustained industrial demand underpinning the market.
MEA
In Q2 2024, the Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) market in the MEA region has experienced a robust upward trend, characterized by a marked increase in prices. This quarter has seen substantial price escalation driven by several pivotal factors. The first influential factor is the persistent high demand from the pharmaceutical and personal care sectors, where PEG is extensively utilized for its emulsifying and moisture-retaining properties. This demand surge has been further exacerbated by logistical challenges, including increased freight charges and occasional supply chain disruptions. Additionally, geopolitical tensions in the region have contributed to supply constraints, particularly due to incidents in the Red Sea, which have impacted shipping routes and subsequently freight rates. Focusing on Saudi Arabia, the country has observed the most pronounced price changes in PEG. The overall trend has been one of consistent price increases, reflecting the broader regional dynamics. Seasonality has played a crucial role, with elevated demand during the post-spring period as industrial activities recover. This has led to a significant 5% price increase from the previous quarter. Comparing the first and second halves of the quarter, there was an 8% price rise, underscoring the accelerating demand. The price surge has also been influenced by plant shutdowns, such as the maintenance period at Saudi Ethylene and Polyethylene Company (SEPC) in Al Jubail, which affected feedstock availability and production rates. The quarter concluded with a PEG 200 FOB Al Jubail price of USD 1,000 per metric tonne, reflecting a positive pricing environment. This sustained upward trend highlights a market characterized by strong demand, moderate to high supply constraints, and rising production costs, driven by fluctuating upstream crude oil and ethylene prices. Overall, the pricing environment in Q2 2024 for PEG in Saudi Arabia has been decidedly bullish, driven by robust industrial demand and compounded supply chain challenges.
For the Quarter Ending March 2024
North America
In the first quarter of 2024, Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) prices demonstrated a downward trend, with an overall decrease from the previous quarter observed in the North American market. At the beginning of the quarter, prices fell as the availability of stocks was firm in the regional market, and consumption remained low during the New Year holidays. Simultaneously, supply availability was firm after the holidays and moderately low offtakes from buyers.
During the mid-quarter, prices fell again in the international market, driven by decreased demand in the Personal Care sector. Meanwhile, production rates were hampered by the sluggish availability of upstream Ethylene, compounded by limited access to upstream Crude Oil in the global market due to OPEC+ production cuts.
The global freight costs eased towards the end of the quarter, attributed to container traffic bypassing the Suez Canal, which stabilized operations and reduced ocean rates on major trade routes. It reduced the logistics costs of PEG. Concurrently, demand for PEG fell among personal care product manufacturers due to decreased consumption of moisturizers amidst rising temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere. Consequently, inventory levels rose in the regional market due to reduced offtakes, and producers decreased the product quotations.
APAC
The Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) price trend showcased a downward trajectory in the Asian market during the first quarter of 2024, and prices witnessed a decrease of 4% from the previous quarter. Initially, the price trend was stable as the orders remained firm at PEG 200 for fruit coatings from the food sector amid the ongoing wedding season in the country. Meanwhile, the availability of supplies was inadequate in the market amid affliction in supply chain activities due to ongoing trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainties in the Middle East region. Midway through the quarter, prices decreased as inventory levels improved and orders decreased from personal care product manufacturers and the Pharma sector amid the underperforming Pharma sector in India. Towards the quarter's end, the global freight costs eased towards the end of the quarter, attributed to container traffic bypassing the Suez Canal, which stabilized operations and reduced ocean rates on major trade routes. At the same time, manufacturers of personal care products due to reduced consumption of moisturizers amidst rising temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere. Consequently, PEG quotations fell in the Asian market.
Europe
The Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) market in Europe exhibited mixed sentiments, with prices dropping by nearly 11% compared to the previous quarter. At the beginning of the quarter, inventory levels rose due to sluggish demand from buyers and delayed exports to importers because of affliction in supply chain activities due to ongoing trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainties. Simultaneously, the orders were low for PEG 200 for fruit coatings during winter. During the mid-quarter, the price trend revamped amid improved demand for PEG due to a rise in consumption of food preservatives amid high food prices. At the same time, the production rates were affected by the inconsistent availability of upstream Ethylene supplies amid the limited availability of upstream Crude Oil in the global market due to production cuts by OPEC+. Towards the end of the quarter, prices inclined again as regional manufacturing units grappled with disruptions to production schedules due to a shortage of skilled labor. It resulted in diminished output rates and escalated operational costs. Additionally, global air cargo demand experienced its third consecutive monthly increase in March, driven by the expanding e-commerce sector and disruptions in shipping routes, particularly in the Red Sea region, leading to fluctuations in air freight rates. Consequently, Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) prices inclined again in the EU market, while offtakes remained moderate from buyers.
MEA
The Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) prices showcased an overall bearish trend in the Middle East market during the first quarter of 2024, with an overall decline of 2% from the previous quarter. At the beginning of Q1, production rates were firm, and the inventory levels increased in the regional market due to affected supplies amid supply chain disruption and increased ship traffic amid the Houthi Rebels attacks in the Red Sea. Simultaneously, the orders were low for PEG 200 as fruit coatings amid a rise in food prices. In the mid-quarter, the price trend rebounded as price inclined as operating rates declined in the manufacturing units amid sluggish availability of feedstock Ethylene Oxide. The upstream Ethylene productions were affected by the limited availability of upstream Crude Oil in the global market due to production cuts by OPEC+. It raised the production costs, and producers raised their quotations. Simultaneously, orders improved from the importers amid increased stocking practices and demand for PEG 200 for fruit coatings during the festival time in countries like China. Towards the end of Q1, inventory levels improved as orders fell from Asian buyers, particularly from the food sector, after the celebration of various festivals marking the arrival of the spring season. Consequently, producers reduced their PEG quotations to improve offtakes.
For the Quarter Ending December 2023
North America
The Polyethylene Glycol price decreased in North America throughout the fourth quarter of 2023. Initially, the demand remained low from the domestic downstream industries as the operating rates were moderate in personal care product industries and reduced procurement activities from the buyers as winter approached the Northern Hemisphere.
However, during the mid-quarter, dry weather conditions because of the El Nina effect decreased the Panama Canal water levels and resulted in a decline in Cargo rates. At the same time, the decline in the USA's manufacturing sector's Purchasing Manager's Index indicated a contraction in manufacturing sector activities, leading to low demand for PEG 200 as a solvent in end-user industries.
Furthermore, the upstream Ethylene availability improved amid a reduction in the upstream Naphtha and Crude Oil prices after the resumed refinery operations and increased refining capacity in the region, and negatively impacted the production costs of Polyethylene Glycol. Towards the end of the quarter, supply rates improved as heavy rainfall in the region increased the water levels of the Panama Canal and shipping activities. On the contrary, the orders were sluggish from the downstream personal care product manufacturers due to depressed demand and reduced trading activities in the region, which again decreased the Polyethylene Glycol prices.
APAC
The Polyethylene Glycol price decreased in the APAC region throughout the fourth quarter of the year amid underwhelming demand sentiments from buyers. Initially, demand for PEG 200 remained firm from the buyers for the coating of fresh fruit preservation in the country during the festive time in the region, and supply rates were consistent from the exporters. On the contrary, demand for Polyethylene Glycol remained sluggish from ink manufacturers. Furthermore, procurement activities remained low from the end-user industries amid a declining trend for end products in the regional market. Meanwhile, the cost support declined from the upstream Ethylene during the mid-quarter due to reduced offtakes from Glycol industries, which improved the availability of Ethylene and lowered production costs of Polyethylene Glycol. Additionally, the reduction in upstream Naphtha and Crude Oil prices further contributed to the decrease in production costs. Towards the end of the quarter, the inventory levels rose in the domestic market due to depressed demand from personal care product manufacturers, which raised the market inventory levels.
Europe
The Polyethylene Glycol showcased bearish movement in the European region in the final quarter of 2023. At the beginning of the quarter, prices decreased amid declined demand for PEG 200 for the coating of fresh fruits amid an increase in cultivation rates in the Horticulture sector and deflation in food prices. During the mid-quarter, orders fell noticeably from the personal care product manufacturers amid reduced buying and procurement activities from end users. Simultaneously, the decrease in upstream Ethylene offtakes from downstream Glycol industries led to a reduction in the cost support from Ethylene and negatively impacted the production costs of Polyethylene Glycol. Meanwhile, the decline in the Eurozone manufacturing Purchasing Manager's Index throughout the period resulted in a decline in consumption rates from the end-user industries. Again, towards the end of the quarter, the market did not showcase any significant improvement in inquiries amid the ongoing economic slowdown in the region. At the same time, the feedstock Ethylene prices decreased during the month because of increased inventories amid sluggish offtakes from end product such as ointments and cream manufacturers.
MEA
The Polyethylene Glycol prices showcased the bearish movement in the Middle East region during the Q4 of 2023. At the beginning of the quarter, prices fell noticeably as the supplies were excessively available amid a decline in consumption rates from domestic and international consumers. The demand for PEG 200 declined from importers for the coating of fresh fruits amid an increase in cultivation rates in the Horticulture sector and deflation in food prices. Simultaneously, the cost support on upstream Ethylene declined amid ease in speculations around the supply chain disruptions in the Middle East amid conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist Group. During the mid-quarter, the production and supply rates declined as the market situation was uncertain due in the region to the rising tensions between the Palestine and Israel war, coupled with a decrease in buying activities from the end-users, negatively impacting prices. Towards the end of the quarter, domestic inventory levels rose as inquiries were low for PEG 200 from the food sector for food coating amid a rise in food inflation and a decline in the food sector sales index by 1.4% in December 2023. Simultaneously, supplies were affected to the international markets after Houthi Rebels in Yemen attacked the vessels in the Red Sea, causing an increase in ship traffic and commercial vessels rerouted to the Cape of Good Hope.
