Japan’s EVOH Prices Nudge Up 0.4% in September Amid Supply Strains and Weak Demand

The Japan Ethyl Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer (EVOH) price increased by 0.4% in Sep 2025 FOB Osaka, showing signs of cautious stabilization after a 7.3% decline in August. The marginal price increase, which was caused by supply chains friction such as labor shortage and long lead time, was offset by the stable prices of VAM feedstock. Super Typhoon Ragasa forced the closure of Kyushu ports, holding back exports for as long as two weeks. Yet, demand was still soft in the packaging and automotive segment, while large PET stocks suppressed EVOH usage in films, as well as USA tariffs (20%) hampering exports to North America and now Europe. Japan’s CPI stagnated at 2.8%, offering little support, while buyers remained cautious over festive slowdowns and a looming global trade spat. Auto sales declined 2.4% to 428,214 units, which helped EVOH gains despite the hybrid vehicle pace. ChemAnalyst predicts an increase in prices for the month of October as the seasonal demand for packaging may help increase the enquiries, however, tariff pressure and high stock levels continues to be the pressure.