German C10 solvent spot in January softened as weak downstream demand outweighed logistics headwinds and firmer crude signals. Port disruptions raised handling times but did not trigger supply tightness, leaving participants focused on destocking and cautious procurement. Domestic demand was restrained by seasonal softness in automotive and industrial coatings, with export activity after holidays; manufacturing indicators showed tentative improvement mid-month. By month-end, ample inventories and subdued buying interest contributed to a clear downward bias amid mixed upstream signals. Downstream sectors across paints, automotive coatings, adhesives and construction were broadly soft, pressuring spot values. The coatings complex remained subdued as producers prioritized inventory drawdown over new spot purchases; car registrations volumes remained depressed. Supply-side conditions were generally steady, with comfortable stocks cushioning the market from disruptions.
