In early May 2025, the global cyclohexanone market showed irregular trends in core markets. Prices declined in Europe due to poor demand and deteriorating raw material prices. The US market, however, remained largely stable. In China, there was continuous price weakening on the back of supply pressure and weak downstream demand.

The European cyclohexanone market continued to experience pressure. Major downstream markets such as caprolactam and adipic acid were weak in demand. Buyers remained hesitant due to ongoing economic uncertainty. Supplies were sufficient to meet the moderate demand. Falling benzene prices also helped to reduce production costs, so the sellers were more willing to trim offers. Congestion at major ports was another bottleneck. Labor shortages, congestion, and tight port movements in ports like Hamburg, Rotterdam, and London Gateway slowed down the movement of cargo and pushed delivery back. These problems introduced uncertainty among suppliers and buyers in the region.

In the U.S., prices of cyclohexanone were relatively stable. Nylon and solvents downstream markets were balanced in demand. Domestic supplies along with imports were well balanced. Benzene prices did not witness extreme movements, keeping cyclohexanone cost conditions intact. Despite international shipping disruptions affecting the US market to a lesser extent in the short term. Trade tensions with China raised more broad-based concerns though. A few US importers canceled orders because of increased tariffs. Freight demand to the US from China fell sharply as a result. Some of the carriers carried volumes from Southeast Asia to make up for the gap, but chemical imports like cyclohexanone's effect remained muted temporarily.

China cyclohexanone prices continued to drop throughout April and early May. Oversupply and weak demand were the features of the market. Downstream buyers were reluctant to place new orders. Chemical fiber and allied industries were not willing to place fresh purchases. Inventories were high, and supplies kept going on, so the sellers reduced cyclohexanone prices to clear stock. Raw material benzene was also declining with poor cost support. Typically, market sentiment in the market was low. Market bargains thus shifted mainly to lower cyclohexanone prices. There were limited logistics issues in China but poor exports with deteriorating US demand and blank sailings kept the pressure on.

In the coming times, the cyclohexanone market may stay soft in Europe and China until demand improves. The US market may stay robust if the trade situation does not worsen further. Shipping delays, port congestion, and changes in trade policies, however, can affect world flows.