For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
In Q2 2025, the North American polar solvents market showed a highly uneven performance across products, reflecting divergent demand patterns, cost dynamics, and trade flows. Acetonitrile led with an 8.6% surge, supported by strong pharmaceutical and UHPLC demand alongside tightening supply, although June brought mild corrections amid stable feedstock costs.
Dimethylformamide (DMF) prices edged lower as weak coatings, adhesives, and polymer demand offset consistent pharmaceutical offtake, while balanced supply and stable costs kept volatility limited. Acetone continued its bearish run, pressured by oversupply, weak BPA and MMA demand, and low plant operating rates, while Phenol fell 9% due to sluggish construction and automotive sectors, before stabilizing on firmer benzene costs and moderate resin demand recovery.
The sharpest decline came from Methanol, down 21.4% amid high inventories, muted derivative consumption, and easing feedstock pressures, despite robust plant operations. N-Propanol remained broadly stable, with balanced supply-demand conditions and steady personal care and coatings demand, while MEK traded sideways-to-slightly higher, capped by muted paints and coatings consumption despite rising butanol costs and tariff-related sentiment shifts.
Overall, the quarter highlighted strength in Acetonitrile, relative stability in N-Propanol and MEK, but sustained downward pressure on Methanol, Acetone, Phenol, and DMF, with demand weakness in industrial and construction-linked sectors proving the key drag on pricing momentum.
Europe
In Q2 2025, the European polar solvents market trended largely bearish, with most products facing declining prices amid weak downstream demand, high inventories, and elevated energy costs. Acetonitrile fell by around 6% as industrial-grade demand softened despite stable pharmaceutical offtake, while Dimethylformamide also slipped under the weight of oversupply, subdued consumption in textiles, agrochemicals, and coatings, and opportunistic short-term buying.
Acetone prices declined further, settling at USD 782/MT by June as persistent oversupply, tariff restrictions, and weak demand from automotive and construction weighed on sentiment despite easing feedstock costs. Phenol dropped sharply by 18% to USD 845/MT, with intermittent rebounds from production cutbacks quickly offset by fragile downstream pull, leaving the market under pressure despite temporary supply shocks.
Methanol saw a steep 19.2% quarterly fall driven by oversupply, high stocks, and weak industrial activity, even as natural gas prices lifted costs in June. N-Propanol edged lower as coatings, cleaning, and pharmaceutical demand stayed muted, while cautious procurement and steady supply limited volatility. MEK remained range-bound but slightly pressured, with weak paints and coatings demand, port congestion, and cost-side pressures preventing recovery despite Shell’s Pernis shutdown tightening supply.
Overall, Europe’s polar solvents market remained oversupplied and demand-constrained, with pharma-linked resilience offering only limited support, while energy inflation and trade frictions further constrained recovery prospects heading into Q3.
APAC
In Q2 2025, the Asia-Pacific polar solvents market largely faced bearish to stable trends, shaped by weak downstream demand, ample supply, and cautious procurement across key industries. Acetonitrile prices dropped about 4% as oversupply, falling acetic acid costs, and subdued demand from pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals outweighed modest support from battery electrolytes.
Dimethylformamide (DMF) slipped by 4% to USD 509/MT as weak textiles, synthetic leather, and resin consumption constrained recovery despite modest feedstock cost pressure. Acetone remained soft in South Korea, weighed down by muted demand from automotive and construction sectors and surplus output, even with firm benzene costs.
Phenol averaged USD 826/MT, down 6.5% quarter-on-quarter, with early declines from high inventories and weak plastics demand partially offset by late-quarter stabilization tied to stronger benzene and NEV-related resin use. Methanol fell 5.2% amid steady Middle Eastern inflows, oversupply, and poor offtake in olefins and formaldehyde, keeping sentiment bearish.
N-Propanol declined by 1.7% in South Korea as construction and coatings demand lagged despite stable ethylene costs and balanced supply conditions. MEK trended lower through Q2 due to weak paints, coatings, and real estate activity, but July saw a sharp rebound as plant outages and lower inventories tightened availability.
Overall, the APAC polar solvents market in Q2 2025 was dominated by oversupply and demand-side weakness, with temporary supply disruptions and niche end-uses like batteries offering only limited price support heading into Q3.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, the North American polar solvents market showed varied price trends driven by supply-demand dynamics and sector-specific factors. Acetone prices declined by 13.12%, pressured by subdued early demand from cosmetics and coatings but saw late-quarter supply constraints and rising production costs.
Acetonitrile recorded a 7.42% increase, supported by steady pharmaceutical demand, stable production, and export growth. Dimethylformamide's market was mixed with fluctuating demand across pharmaceutical and chemical sectors, resulting in moderate price movement. Methanol prices fell modestly by 1.14%, impacted by oversupply and weak downstream demand. Phenol prices rose 15.48%, buoyed by supply tightness, winter disruptions, and increased construction activity.
Methenamine prices remained stable due to steady pharmaceutical demand and reliable supply chains. Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) experienced a 4.14% decline, reflecting weak construction demand and high inventories early on, followed by slight recovery late in the quarter. N-Propanol prices stayed flat, with balanced supply and moderate demand from the coatings sector amid seasonal slowdowns.
Overall, the quarter showed a mixed but cautiously optimistic outlook across polar solvents heading into Q2 2025.
Europe
In Q1 2025, the European polar solvents market experienced predominantly bearish price trends, with most solvents recording declines amid macroeconomic pressures and subdued downstream demand. Acetone prices fell sharply by 20.94%, reflecting weak domestic consumption, particularly in Germany, and lower feedstock cumene prices despite stable supply levels. Acetonitrile prices registered a modest decline of 1.79%, after early strength gave way to weaker demand from the pharmaceutical and agrochemical sectors and improved supply dynamics. Dimethylformamide (DMF) showed a mixed pattern with no definitive percentage change, shaped by uneven recovery in downstream sectors and cautious production strategies. Methanol declined by 4.93%, impacted by weak construction activity, softening downstream consumption, and temporary logistical issues. Phenol saw a 4.28% drop, following initial price spikes driven by higher crude and benzene costs but reversed by oversupply and slowing demand later in the quarter. Methenamine remained stable, supported by consistent pharmaceutical demand and regulated supply. Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) dropped 5.14%, driven by weak early demand, followed by slight recovery due to tight supply and energy costs. N-Propanol prices remained mostly flat, with minor declines influenced by cautious demand from the coatings sector and steady supply. Overall, Q1 2025 for polar solvents in Europe was marked by a subdued market environment, conservative purchasing behavior, and moderate to weak price momentum.
APAC
In Q1 2025, the Asia-Pacific polar solvents market exhibited a mixed pricing trend influenced by varying supply-demand dynamics across key regions. Acetone prices declined slightly by 2.48%, driven by subdued demand and cautious buying despite stable feedstock and supply levels. In contrast, Acetonitrile posted a modest 0.22% increase, reflecting early-quarter strength from global demand and tight supply, although gains tapered due to oversupply by March. Dimethylformamide (DMF) saw a marginal drop of 0.87%, shaped by steady supply and moderate demand, particularly from the pharmaceutical and textile sectors. Methanol prices rose by 4.22%, fueled by regional supply disruptions, resilient downstream demand, and tight spot cargo availability, especially in India and Southeast Asia. Conversely, Phenol recorded a sharp 11.23% decline, as bearish conditions early in the quarter gave way to limited recovery amid supply constraints and cautious construction sector activity. Methenamine experienced the steepest decline at 11.51%, weighed down by weak agrochemical and automotive demand and high inventory levels, despite steady pharmaceutical consumption. Meanwhile, Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) prices increased by 2.74%, supported by strong demand in January but pressured later by oversupply and slowing exports. N-Propanol edged down by 0.12%, reflecting soft downstream demand and high inventories. Overall, the APAC polar solvents market in Q1 2025 was marked by moderate volatility, with price trends shaped by supply fluctuations, demand-side caution, and region-specific economic and seasonal factors.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
The North American Polar Solvent market experienced a mix of price trends in Q4 2024, influenced by supply-demand dynamics, cost fluctuations, and global trade factors. Acetone prices remained bearish due to stable production costs and moderate demand from downstream sectors, though minor supply disruptions and geopolitical uncertainties created fluctuations. Acetonitrile saw price volatility, initially surging due to tight supply and high freight costs before softening in November, only to rebound in December with renewed pharmaceutical demand. Dimethylformamide (DMF) experienced steady demand growth from pharmaceuticals and polymers, supported by sustainability initiatives. Meanwhile, Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) followed a bearish trajectory, facing weak demand and oversupply despite temporary supply constraints from maintenance shutdowns. Methanol prices surged due to strong downstream demand, supply disruptions, and global regulatory shifts favoring methanol-based fuels. Phenol prices, however, declined throughout the quarter, pressured by oversupply, weak downstream consumption, and economic headwinds. Methenamine showed stable demand from pharmaceuticals but faced headwinds in the rubber industry due to fluctuating feedstock costs. Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) saw a persistent price decline, driven by weak demand, rising imports, and subdued industrial activity. Lastly, N-Propanol prices remained stable, with balanced supply and cautious inventory management from key industries. Overall, Q4 2024 reflected varied market conditions across the polar solvent sector, with economic pressures and trade dynamics shaping price movements.
Asia
In Q4 2024, the APAC polar solvent market exhibited mixed pricing trends, shaped by supply chain dynamics, fluctuating demand, and raw material costs. Acetone prices in South Korea declined due to weak demand from key sectors like MMA and aromatics, subdued trading sentiment, and falling cumene prices, despite stable supply. Similarly, acetonitrile export prices from Japan initially rose due to supply constraints and strong demand but declined in December amid oversupply and weakened downstream activity. Dimethylformamide (DMF) prices in China remained largely stable, with only a marginal 0.1% quarterly change, as moderate demand and balanced inventories prevented significant fluctuations. Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) in South Korea experienced fluctuating prices, remaining stable in October before declining in November due to weak demand, despite some supply constraints. The methanol market saw a consistent decline across APAC, driven by weak demand, reduced electricity consumption, and an oversupplied market, particularly in Japan. Phenol prices in China also dropped as a result of weak construction and automotive demand, high inventories, and seasonal slowdowns. Conversely, methenamine prices in China rose by 5.5%, supported by increased pharmaceutical demand and regulatory changes in the agricultural sector. Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) exhibited mixed trends, with declines in October and November due to weak demand, followed by a recovery in December, driven by strong export activity. N-Propanol prices varied by region, with China experiencing an increase in November due to strong downstream demand, while South Korea faced declining prices amid inventory adjustments. Overall, the APAC polar solvent market in Q4 2024 reflected a largely bearish sentiment, with oversupply and subdued demand prevailing across most commodities. However, specific segments, such as methenamine and MEK, displayed resilience, driven by sector-specific demand and export activity.
Europe
In Q4 2024, the European polar solvent market exhibited varied price trends influenced by supply chain disruptions, feedstock fluctuations, and demand shifts across key industries. Acetone prices faced downward pressure due to oversupply and weak demand from solvents and adhesives, despite reduced phenol production. Acetonitrile prices in Belgium saw consistent increases, driven by strong pharmaceutical demand, global supply constraints, and higher import costs amid a weaker Euro. Dimethylformamide (DMF) prices remained stable, supported by steady production costs, moderate demand, and cautious market sentiment. Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) in Germany experienced sustained price declines due to oversupply, weak demand, and inventory liquidation, despite rising propylene costs. Methanol prices surged across Europe due to high natural gas costs, supply disruptions, and strong demand from derivative markets. Phenol prices in Germany followed a bearish trend, pressured by subdued construction and automotive demand, ample supply, and lower benzene costs. Russia’s methenamine market witnessed an 11.7% price rise, fueled by strong pharmaceutical demand and steady supply conditions. Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) prices fell sharply in Europe, influenced by weakened construction demand, rising inventories, and lower feedstock costs. N-Propanol prices experienced a slight decline due to seasonal demand slowdowns and stable supply. Overall, while methanol and acetonitrile showed resilience with strong price gains, the broader polar solvent market in Europe was largely bearish, characterized by oversupply, weak demand, and cautious market sentiment.
