In China Diisopropyl Ether (DIPE) market fall off by 3.40% on 9th May, compared to the closing price of April end. The downtrend was contributed by muted market activity and some extend of India and Pakistan conflict. However, this will be insufficient to offset the drag from broader market constraints. In particular, low demand from downstream sectors such as pharmaceuticals and chemical intermediates has continued to exert downward pressure on DIPE consumption rates.

The major drop in DIPE export volumes were brought by United States imposed higher tariffs, making Chinese DIPE less competitive in global markets. As a result, domestic inventories’ rise contributed to further price softening. In recent updates by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Geneva state that U.S agrees to slash tariffs for 90 days as trade talks continue.

Simultaneously in India, import prices decline by 2.15%, with Indian buyers negotiating more aggressively in response to China's need to offload surplus inventories, a situation worsened by increased U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods. The tariff-induced redirection of Chinese exports has pushed more DIPE into Asian markets, providing Indian customers with additional leverage to bargain for lower prices or defer purchases. This led the domestic manufacturing market to suffer by 1.71%.

Looking onto demand, the DIPE remains an essential need for Indian downstream sectors, paint & coating, pharmaceuticals, and construction solvents application remains high. Softer downstream demand is being driven by cautious inventory planning and reduced production runs in these sectors.

With both domestic and import channels under pressure, the DIPE market in India is likely to remain subdued in the near term, as buyers await further clarity on pricing stability and international trade movements.

The United State DIPE market has shown remarkable stability, with prices holding firm at around $2010 per metric ton over the past nine consecutive weeks. This steady trend reflects a balanced market, where moderate domestic activity is being offset by consistent international demand.

Despite the absence of major price fluctuations, domestic consumption across key downstream sectors, including pharmaceuticals, construction solvents, and industrial-grade solvents stays subdued. Inventory levels across these sectors appear sufficient, leading to conservative procurement strategies.

The high exports to neighboring countries helped to stabilize the U.S. DIPE market. For the ninth straight week, suppliers have reported decent overseas shipments, primarily driven by robust demand from the agrochemical sector and paints & coatings manufacturers abroad. This external pull has helped maintain market equilibrium despite flat local buying.

ChemAnalyst anticipates that DIPE market across USA, China and India will perform better in May with comparison of April, due to the seasonal change. Summer is widely considered for construction activities.