Maleic Anhydride prices were steady in Germany, the Netherlands, China, and Malaysia during the week ending July 11, 2025, as weak downstream demand and normal production canceled out increasing feedstock costs and congestion at the ports. Due to benzene price increases in Europe and slowdowns at principal Asian and European ports, players avoided speculation. A combination of prudent purchasing, pre-stock inventory, and balanced supply kept prices firm. With end-use industries such as construction and automotive exhibiting little impetus, the international Maleic Anhydride market went into a consolidation mode, defying both up and down price pressures.
During the observed week through July 11, 2025, 2025, Maleic Anhydride prices showed overall firmness in major markets such as Germany, the Netherlands, China, and Malaysia. Despite higher moves for upstream benzene prices in Europe and supply chain resistance throughout regions, the prices remained mostly stable owing to weak downstream demand, adequate inventory, and consistent output levels. Traders and producers took a wait-and-see approach, not taking speculative pricing steps given the weak consumption scenario.
Maleic Anhydride prices in Germany remained stable, weathering pressure from a 4.8% increase in the cost of benzene. Despite Huntsman's shutdown of its Moers plant, other local manufacturers and consistent import supplies provided sufficient market coverage. Downstream demand in UPR and BDO segments was weak, burdened by weak activity in residential construction and flat auto production. Even as Hamburg and Bremerhaven ports experienced rail closings and congestion in the yards, inventory buffers neutralized delivery setbacks and ensured supply continuity.
Likewise, in the Netherlands, Maleic Anhydride prices were steady against high feedstock costs. The Port of Rotterdam had significant vessel delays and system outages, yet domestic production was not interrupted. Downstream industries like construction, automotive, and agriculture indicated no demand rebound. With risk-averse attitudes, no price traction higher developed despite cost pressures.
In China, Maleic Anhydride prices remained at lower but steady levels in the face of steady production and base demand. Plants like Yantai Wanhua and Hubei Zhongneng ran without gaps, maintaining local supply in equilibrium. Shanghai port congestion and transshipment delay through Singapore slowed logistics moderately, but overall material availability remained unchanged. Downstream UPR producers maintained tight procurement, providing minimum demand support while overall industrial activity was weak.
In Malaysia, Maleic Anhydride pricing did not change as local production went on uninterrupted. While vessel bunching and high yard utilization at Port Klang resulted in moderate delays, inventories and normal production prevented the supply squeeze. Consumption downstream from resin and coating sectors remained steady, following planned replenishment schedules rather than opportunistic purchasing.
Looking forward to 2025 Q3, Maleic Anhydride prices are anticipated to see modest uptrend momentum in August on account of seasonal demand rise from construction, agriculture, and pre-holiday restocking in various regions. In Europe, the downstream industries can slowly scale up activity, potentially lifting procurement volumes, though continued logistical constraints can limit availability. China can see modest increases of Maleic Anhydride fueled by summer fiberglass applications in UPR. Nevertheless, the negative risks remain from ongoing industrial weakness and elevated inventory levels. In Malaysia, steady production and prudent demand indicate a sustained flat Maleic Anhydride price trend unless local supply shocks arise. Overall, the Maleic Anhydride market will likely support a precarious equilibrium between sluggish demand recovery and sufficient supply.
