US Aniline Market witnesses Cost Decline Amid Firm Stock Availability

In March 2024, the Aniline price trend tilted downward as import prices reduced by 2.7% in the USA. In key Aniline exporter China, the availability of stocks was firm amid a reduction in demand from buyers, and the operating rates were moderate after the holidays. At the same time, the selling prices were declined slightly by Asian exporters to promote new business. Meanwhile, Aniline's offtakes remained low from the buyers.

In February 2024, the Purchasing Manager's Index for manufacturing in the USA rose and sustained levels above 50, propelled by heightened levels of new orders, production, and output rates within the nation. This indicates ongoing enhancement in manufacturing sector operations. The Aniline demand was consistent from MDI industries to produce Polyurethane components in the Polyurethane segment amid a rise in demand from the construction sector for stocking purposes due to the anticipation of the revival of construction activities in the North American region with the arrival of spring. At the same time, the automotive industry witnessed stable demand for Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate as the production of electric vehicles was moderate amid the need for lightweight PU materials made from MDI. On the other hand, the wood furniture sector faced a decline in demand for PU foam and PU key component MDI due to reduced production rates. On the other hand, the orders moderate from the Pharma sector.

The availability of Aniline stocks was adequate in the market due to the firm output rates by Asian producers during the past month. At the same time, in the producing country, the cost support on Aniline production costs fell from the feedstock Benzene and Nitric Acid due to a slight decline in selling prices by producers amid vigilant buying activities from the buyers before the beginning of the second quarter of 2024.

During the second week of March 2024, the Aniline price trend stabilized, and import quotations rolled over in the USA amid no change in the previous week's market sentiments and stable demand-supply dynamics. Conclusively, according to the ChemAnalyst data sources, the Aniline CFR Texas USD 1600/MT at the end of the week concluded on 15th March 2024.

As per the estimation, the Aniline demand is likely to increase from domestic buyers for stocking purposes before Q2 2024. At the same time, the anticipated increase in feedstock Benzene costs will raise the cost support. The Aniline production rates may remain moderate in the producing country, and inadequate availability of supplies towards the end of the quarter would impact the exporter's quotations.