DIPE prices in the USA drifted lower in February as cost-driven selling and soft demand weighed on the market. After a stable start to February, mid-month momentum turned softer and carried into month-end. Easier upstream costs translated into softer spot offers, with no compensating tightening in logistics or demand. The February weekly assessment showed prices lower, reflecting the tone. Demand was mixed: mid-month activity held steady before sentiment deteriorated toward month’s end, with little sign of a demand recovery to counter the price drift. Domestic plants remain the backbone of supply, meeting around three-quarters of U.S. DIPE requirements, while imports cover the remaining share. In contrast to weak demand, some applications did not absorb incremental offers, leaving sellers to compete for limited volumes and push prices lower. Availability rose as falling natural-gas costs and cheaper steam-cracker feedstocks depressed input costs, enabling higher run-rates and broader supply. Looking ahead, softness is expected to persist unless demand strengthens or logistics tighten.
