For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
• In the USA, the Polyethylene Glycol Price Index rose by 0.16% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting import balance.
• The average Polyethylene Glycol price for the quarter was approximately USD 1071.67/MT in CFR Texas.
• Imported cargo arrivals kept the Polyethylene Glycol Spot Price subdued, maintaining a neutral Price Index.
• Market participants anticipated a modest Polyethylene Glycol Price Forecast indicating range-bound movement into early 2026.
• Stable ethylene oxide feedstock underpinned the Polyethylene Glycol Production Cost Trend, limiting upstream margin pressure.
• Firm pharmaceutical and personal-care purchases supported a constructive Polyethylene Glycol Demand Outlook into next quarter.
• Distributor inventories remained adequate, keeping the Polyethylene Glycol Price Index neutral despite steady export flows.
• Gulf Coast logistics stability and imports prevented tightness, supporting restrained Polyethylene Glycol Spot Price recovery.
Why did the price of Polyethylene Glycol change in December 2025 in North America?
• Steady import volumes from Germany and South Korea ensured supply continuity, preventing upward price pressure.
• Balanced downstream consumption across pharmaceuticals and personal care offset feedstock cost fluctuations, keeping margins stable.
• Smooth Gulf Coast logistics and no outages reduced spot tightness, maintaining the neutral Price Index.
APAC
• In China, the Polyethylene Glycol Price Index fell by 1.73% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting softer import offers.
• The average Polyethylene Glycol price for the quarter was approximately USD 1041.67/MT, CFR Qingdao imports.
• Polyethylene Glycol Spot Price remained stable in December as ethylene oxide feedstock costs held steady.
• Polyethylene Glycol Price Forecast suggests mild early-year gains as post-holiday manufacturing resumes and inventories adjust.
• Polyethylene Glycol Production Cost Trend remained flat with ethylene oxide at steady values, limiting cost-push.
• Polyethylene Glycol Demand Outlook is constructive, driven by personal care growth and pharmaceutical excipient requirements.
• Inventory and export demand dynamics kept the Polyethylene Glycol Price Index range-bound amid port arrivals.
• Major producer operating rates remained normal, supporting supply; port congestion caused minor logistical timing variance.
Why did the price of Polyethylene Glycol change in December 2025 in APAC?
• Stable ethylene oxide contract pricing reduced upstream cost pressure, keeping costs steady, limiting price movement.
• Consistent import arrivals and balanced inventories reduced urgency, while Qingdao berth delays caused timing disruptions.
• Demand from personal care remained firm but matched by supply, pharmaceutical weakness muted additional upward pressure.
Europe
• In Germany, the Polyethylene Glycol Price Index rose by 2.38% quarter-over-quarter, due to export arbitrage.
• The average Polyethylene Glycol price for the quarter was approximately USD 1361.67/MT, reflecting balanced supply.
• Polyethylene Glycol Spot Price softened as distributors offered concessions, Rhine logistics normalized and stocks rose.
• Polyethylene Glycol Price Forecast suggests modest downside into early 2026 as inventories accumulate and buying.
• Polyethylene Glycol Production Cost Trend remained flat with ethylene oxide stable, keeping producer margins unchanged.
• Polyethylene Glycol Demand Outlook indicates steady pharmaceutical and personal care volumes offsetting weaker industrial offtake.
• Polyethylene Glycol Price Index reflected comfortable supply, rising distributor inventories and softer export inquiries overall.
• Hamburg port congestion constrained some imports, but inland trucking and Rhine barges mitigated acute supply interruptions.
Why did the price of Polyethylene Glycol change in December 2025 in Europe?
• Supply delays from Hamburg port congestion and resumed cross-border trucking affected immediate availability and pricing.
• Flat ethylene oxide feedstock and stable naphtha costs prevented cost-push inflation, limiting producer pricing power.
• Weaker overseas demand from Poland and Italy reduced netback values and pressured domestic price levels.
MEA
• In Saudi Arabia, Polyethylene Glycol Price Index fell by 1.5% quarter-over-quarter due to softer exports.
• The average Polyethylene Glycol price for the quarter was USD 985.00/MT on FOB Al Jubail.
• Polyethylene Glycol Spot Price remained aligned with benchmarks amid balanced supply and subdued export enquiries.
• Polyethylene Glycol Production Cost Trend showed stability as low-cost ethane and associated gas supported margins.
• Polyethylene Glycol Demand Outlook remains moderate driven by pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, packaging demand and industrial consumption.
• Polyethylene Glycol Price Forecast indicates limited near-term upside as ample export allocations and inventories persist.
• Polyethylene Glycol Price Index movements were cushioned by orderly logistics and steady plant operating rates.
• Regulatory reformulation requirements from SFDA influenced procurement timing and may alter formulations into early 2026.
Why did the price of Polyethylene Glycol change in December 2025 in MEA?
• Balanced domestic production and export availability limited upside, keeping FOB offers under pressure in December.
• Stable low-cost feedstock and unchanged conversion margins prevented cost-driven price increases during December 2025 period.
• Holiday-season subdued buying and logistics normalcy led buyers to defer large orders, moderating demand pull.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In USA, the Polyethylene Glycol Price Index rose by 1.90% quarter-over-quarter, driven by port delays.
• The average Polyethylene Glycol price for the quarter was approximately USD 1070.00/MT, CFR Texas basis.
• Domestic Polyethylene Glycol Spot Price firmed as Price Index reflected constrained imports and inventory draws.
• Analysts' Polyethylene Glycol Price Forecast indicates modest near-term upside as restocking offsets seasonal demand dips.
• Elevated feedstock and freight elevated the Polyethylene Glycol Production Cost Trend, limiting aggressive seller discounting.
• Polyethylene Glycol Demand Outlook stays cautiously positive, pharmaceutical stockpiling supporting volumes while cosmetics remain steady.
• Inventory adequate but uneven; export demand subdued; major U.S. producers operating with intermittent delivery lags.
• Procurement caution, regulatory scrutiny combined with port congestion kept the Polyethylene Glycol Price Index supported.
Why did the price of Polyethylene Glycol change in September 2025 in North America?
• Delayed imports from Germany and South Korea tightened availability, prompting procurement and limiting seller flexibility.
• Hamburg port congestion raised freight and lead times, increasing domestic sourcing premiums and logistical uncertainty.
• Pharmaceutical regulatory reforms induced conservative buying and stockpiling, creating uneven downstream demand patterns across sectors.
APAC
• In China, the Polyethylene Glycol Price Index rose by 1.92% quarter-over-quarter, supported by tightened import availability.
• The average Polyethylene Glycol price for the quarter was approximately USD 1060.00/MT, reported by customs.
• Polyethylene Glycol Spot Price firmed amid port delays, the Price Index reflecting tightened Qingdao supply.
• Polyethylene Glycol Price Forecast indicates modest short-term upside, balancing delayed imports against seasonal demand recovery.
• Polyethylene Glycol Production Cost Trend remained benign as feedstock ethylene oxide costs stabilized, limiting upward pressure.
• Polyethylene Glycol Demand Outlook cautious amid pharmaceutical regulatory tightening; cosmetics and industrial sectors sustain core consumption.
• Polyethylene Glycol Price Index showed low inventories and improved export demand, mitigating domestic pharmaceutical weakness.
• Qingdao port congestion and delayed shipments from Singapore and Korea constrained flows, supporting near-term price resilience.
Why did the price of Polyethylene Glycol change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Delayed imports and Qingdao port congestion reduced effective supply, tightening market availability and supporting prices.
• Weaker pharmaceutical procurement due to regulatory tightening reduced demand, offset by cosmetics and industrial consumption.
• Stable feedstock costs and benign production cost trend limited upward price pressure despite constrained logistics.
Europe
• In Germany, the Polyethylene Glycol Price Index rose by 3.90% quarter-over-quarter, driven by port congestion.
• The average Polyethylene Glycol price for the quarter was approximately USD 1330.00/MT per FD Hamburg.
• Polyethylene Glycol Spot Price reflects constrained imports and sustained procurement from pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors.
• Polyethylene Glycol Price Forecast indicates moderate firmness near-term as port disruptions and regulatory-driven restocking persist.
• Polyethylene Glycol Production Cost Trend remained stable, feedstock ethylene oxide costs muted, limiting upward pressure.
• Polyethylene Glycol Demand Outlook remains positive from pharma and cosmetics, offset partially by industrial softness.
• Polyethylene Glycol Price Index volatility reflected inventory drawdowns and redirected exports via land transport routes.
• Producer operational rates remained steady while Hamburg terminal congestion and labor shortages prolonged lead times.
Why did the price of Polyethylene Glycol change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Hamburg port congestion constrained imports, tightening local supply chains and directly supporting spot price strength.
• Elevated pharmaceutical and cosmetics procurement ahead of regulatory deadlines increased demand, prompting inventory replenishment urgency.
• Muted ethylene oxide feedstock costs limited production rises, while logistics and labor shortages pressured prices.
MEA
• In Saudi Arabia, the Polyethylene Glycol Price Index rose by 2.04% quarter-over-quarter, persistently constrained exports.
• The average Polyethylene Glycol price for the quarter was approximately USD 1000.00/MT across FOB Al Jubail exports.
• Polyethylene Glycol Spot Price firmed domestically as port delays tightened available export allocations, prompting restocking.
• Polyethylene Glycol Price Forecast suggests strengthening into Q4 as export throughput recovers and demand stabilizes.
• Polyethylene Glycol Production Cost Trend remained stable with feedstock prices and Jubail operating rates unchanged.
• Polyethylene Glycol Demand Outlook shows mixed segments; halal cosmetics growth offset by weaker pharmaceutical procurement.
• Polyethylene Glycol Price Index volatility eased as overseas warehouse overstocks limited immediate forward buying activity.
• Producers maintained Al Jubail operations, with exporters prioritizing confirmed orders to manage constrained shipping schedules.
Why did the price of Polyethylene Glycol change in September 2025 in MEA?
• Port congestion reduced export outflows in Q3, tightening available supply and supporting domestic price resilience.
• Stable feedstock costs limited production cost increases, while freight disruptions elevated logistics premiums through September.
• Weak downstream demand in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals reduced offtake, offset partially by halal personal-care growth.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) prices in the USA (CFR Texas) recorded a Q2 average of USD 1,050/MT, marking a 1.87% decline from Q1.
• Imports from Germany and South Korea faced delays in June, but overall inventory remained sufficient.
• The pharmaceutical sector saw reduced PEG consumption amid FDA reforms and excipient scrutiny.
• Cosmetic industry demand remained steady, supported by innovations in skincare despite consumer concerns.
• New policies, including Executive Order 14297, impacted drug pricing and excipient procurement strategies.
Why did PEG prices change in July 2025 in North America?
• Regulatory reforms, including MFN pricing policy, curtailed pharmaceutical sector demand.
• Delays in imports from Hamburg and South Korea created sporadic supply gaps.
• Cosmetic industry maintained stable PEG usage, cushioning broader demand declines.
• Heightened FDA scrutiny and compliance measures slowed bulk procurement decisions.
Asia-Pacific
• PEG prices in China (CFR Qingdao) averaged USD 1,040/MT in Q2, down 1.89% from Q1.
• Oversupply, port congestion, and weak demand from pharmaceuticals and cosmetics drove prices lower.
• Imports from Singapore and South Korea were delayed, while local production remained cautious.
• Regulatory tightening by SAMR and NIFDC affected downstream procurement confidence.
• Inspections in Ningxia and ingredient bans contributed to cautious sourcing behavior.
Why did PEG prices change in July 2025 in Asia-Pacific?
• Weak institutional procurement due to SAMR anti-corruption crackdown.
• Regulatory updates from NIFDC discouraged aggressive purchasing.
• Cosmetic demand softened amid safety alerts and ingredient crackdowns.
• Port congestion and delayed imports strained supply chains, though demand was the limiting factor.
Europe
• PEG prices in Belgium (FD Antwerp) averaged USD 1,240/MT in Q2, falling 1.59% from Q1.
• Strong domestic demand from pharma and cosmetics was offset by logistical constraints at Antwerp.
• Land-based rerouting to Germany, France, and Netherlands partially eased congestion impacts.
• EU ingredient safety regulations prompted shifts in procurement strategies.
• Policy reforms by FAMHP improved transparency and boosted buyer confidence.
Why did PEG prices change in July 2025 in Europe?
• Persistent Antwerp congestion led to import delays, softening supply pressure.
• Pharma and cosmetic demand remained strong but faced inventory hurdles.
• EU ingredient standards prompted reformulations and cautious bulk buying.
• Land-based logistics offered partial relief but limited full-scale recovery.
Middle East
• PEG prices in Saudi Arabia (FOB Al Jubail) averaged USD 980/MT in Q2, down 1.01% from Q1.
• Exports were disrupted due to port congestion in key markets like India, China, and Belgium.
• Domestic supply remained stable, but export turnover slowed significantly.
• Halal-certified personal care segment showed growth, though not enough to offset weak pharma demand.
• Regulatory tightening by SFDA increased scrutiny on ingredients, impacting procurement.
Why did PEG prices change in July 2025 in Middle East?
• Overseas demand weakened due to logistics issues and low consumer sentiment.
• Local production was stable, but export flow was delayed.
• SFDA reforms created cautious downstream procurement.
• Growing halal-certified demand showed promise but lacked the volume to drive price increases.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, the North American Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) market experienced a cumulative price decrease of 3.71% from the previous quarter, largely influenced by fluctuating upstream costs and an oversupplied import market.
In February, PEG prices dropped significantly to USD 1,020/MT due to falling Monoethylene Glycol (MEG) prices, subdued global demand, and aggressive pricing from Asian exporters, especially China and South Korea. Domestic demand remained steady in pharmaceuticals and personal care sectors; however, excess inventories from earlier months led to limited fresh buying activity. The inflow of competitively priced cargoes from Asia further pressured domestic prices.
Although March saw a rebound in market sentiment, with prices rising slightly, it was insufficient to offset earlier losses. The quarter remained weighted by February's bearish conditions and the overall cautious procurement behaviour of distributors relying on pre-existing stock.
Stable U.S. manufacturing activity and uninterrupted import flows sustained supply, but soft international pricing, reduced freight costs, and high inventory levels kept overall PEG prices subdued across the region during the quarter.
APAC
In Q1 2025, the Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) market in the APAC region experienced a 4.22% price decline, primarily driven by fluctuating downstream demand and supply-side imbalances. February witnessed the sharpest drop, with prices falling by 6.4% amid sluggish post-Lunar New Year restarts and lower offtakes from the pharmaceutical and personal care sectors. Many end-users operated on pre-stocked inventories, delaying fresh procurement.
Feedstock Ethylene Oxide prices remained soft due to weakened crude oil trends, further reducing production costs. While March saw a demand recovery from pharmaceuticals and cosmetics ahead of Q2, the market had already accumulated surplus inventories, limiting upward price correction.
Manufacturing operated at moderate levels through Q1, with several producers managing production rates in response to excess supply and slow downstream movement. Although March brought optimism with increased licensing deals in the pharmaceutical sector and promotional activity in the cosmetics space, these came too late to offset the early-quarter bearish tone. Overall, persistent supply-demand mismatches kept prices on a downward trajectory.
MEA
In Q1 2025, the Middle East Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) market experienced a marginal decline of 0.67%, largely shaped by bearish fundamentals during February. Despite a modest price increase in January, February’s 6% drop heavily impacted the quarterly average.
The downturn was driven by weakened downstream demand, especially from the pharmaceutical and personal care sectors. Manufacturers consumed pre-existing inventories, minimizing fresh procurement. Seasonal softness and cautious inventory management further constrained offtakes in cosmetic formulations, contributing to the demand slump.
Production remained stable throughout the quarter, but steady output amid weak offtakes led to mounting pressure on prices. Ethylene oxide feedstock costs also fluctuated, lowering production costs, and compressing margins, prompting producers to adopt competitive pricing strategies.
Though March saw a recovery with a 6.3% rebound in prices, it could not fully offset February’s losses. Overall, subdued export demand, inventory corrections, and moderate local consumption shaped a mildly negative price trajectory for PEG in the Middle East during Q1 2025.
