TDI Prices Dip in Europe, but Summer Supply Crunch May Push Rates Higher

At the beginning of Qx xxxx, Toluene Diisocyanate (TDI) prices in Europe declined amid moderate production rates and decline in production costs. However, supply rates were affected by labor shortages, and rising transport costs. Meanwhile, demand remained mixed as automotive sales dropped in Western Europe, reducing TDI use in polyurethane car parts, while the UK saw stronger sales that supported local demand. Construction-related PU demand also stayed weak. Despite this, TDI prices are expected to rise in the first half of Qx, due to seasonal rise in demand for coatings.

TDI production rates were moderate in the region, influenced by fluctuations in feedstock toluene supplies. These swings were driven by affected production rates amid uncertainty in global crude oil supplies due to earlier geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. However, feedstock toluene prices eased after a sharp drop in crude oil prices,...