The U.S. 2-Ethylhexanol market remained steady during November 2025, with no fluctuation in prices for most of the month and then rising by 1.11% in the last week of the month. Feedstock propylene costs were stable, whilst poor automotive sales and stagnant construction have been capping 2-Ethylhexanol market growth.
The U.S. 2-Ethylhexanol market was stable in November 2025 with prices being unchanged for most of the month. Market players noted stability supported by well-balanced supply-demand and stable feedstocks prices. This chemical intermediate, which is mainly used in the production of plasticizers for polyvinyl chloride applications, was being traded in limited volumes. The month ended with just a moderate increase of around 1.1% in the last week, which were minor revisions rather than any changes in the 2-Ethylhexanol market fundamentals.
Prices of feedstock propylene remained unchanged throughout the month of November, indicating a stable cost support for the production of 2-Ethylhexanol. The stagnant business in propylene was a sign of ample supplies and moderate demand from derivative downstream sectors. Inventories of propylene remained above average level for the season, thereby supported the stability of prices throughout the month. The operating cost structure enabled 2-Ethylhexanol producers to see stable cost conditions without much margin pressure.
The downstream construction industry gave mixed indications during November, thereby constraining the demand growth for the derivatives of 2-Ethylhexanol. Construction spending dropped almost 3% from the previous year, with commercial building down more than 8%. Industrial construction also contracted, although infrastructure work backed by federal programs held steady. Rising interest rates and affordability concerns led to a continuing multi-year slide in residential construction. The construction industry’s low performance was directly felt in the usage of plasticisers, as flexible PVC applications in construction materials saw reduced orders.
Moreover, the automotive sector, another major user of 2-Ethylhexanol, showed notable weakness in November, with vehicle sales falling around 8% year-on-year. The seasonally adjusted annual sales rate dropped to 15 million units, as affordability issues and reducing EV demand after federal tax credits expiration affected the business volumes. Leading car companies, including Honda, have reported production disruptions due to a shortage of semiconductors. Sales of light trucks dominated those of passenger vehicles, but the overall auto market was still tight. This downstream weakness led to a decrease in 2-Ethylhexanol demand in automotive coatings and adhesives in November.
Market analysts are expecting the 2-Ethylhexanol price to remain stable until the end of the year. The supply-demand synergy should bring limited volatility unless an unforeseeable supply disruption or a major volatility in feedstock costs would occur. Seasonal destocking in line with normal December practices may exert a little downward pressure although it should be very limited. Downstream demand in construction and automotives is expected to stay moderate during the winter season, which would limit 2-Ethylhexanol price growth.
