The US Decabromodiphenyl Ethane Market closed on a solid note in November 2025 due to increases in both the tightness of supply and seasonal demand. Gulf Coast plants focused on the production of higher value-added blends, and as a result, importers depended on shipments coming from China while dealing with ongoing Tariffs. Also, because of the increased price of freight and the blockage of ports in Los Angeles/Long Beach, the production lead time has increased, and this had an impact on the availability of spot material. Distributors have begun calling off or accelerating the purchasing of PVC siding, wire and cable compound, and electronic appliance housings in preparation for their year-end production schedule. Manufacturers in the electronics sector are starting to replenish their inventory levels prior to the start of their year-end production schedules. Limited Bromine-Brine feedstock has resulted in limited domestic production capability, requiring buyers to compete for the remaining imports. Looking ahead, the potential for softness in US demand or increased competition for supply from Asia, as well as the short-term supply problems relating to polymers and electronics, provide opportunity for stabilization. Market participants are cautious but purchasing Decabromodiphenyl Ethane with increased frequency.
The US market for Decabromodiphenyl Ethane ended November 2025 with more focus as supply-demand dynamics intensified. The European Union's tariffs have continued to negatively impact importers, while production activities were concentrated in Gulf Coast production which has been focused on the manufacture of value-added products rather than large scale exports of Decabromodiphenyl Ethane. Increased shipping costs and increased volume at the Los Angeles/Long Beach port created a scenario where all distributors had to compete for limited import shipments and therefore lead times would be extended.
Despite continued economic uncertainty at a macro level, due to seasonal demand coming from PVC siding, wire-and-cable coatings and appliance housings, the market has been optimistic. The Decabromodiphenyl Ethane pricing increased 1.5% for the month of November to USD 5,814/tonne delivered to Los Angeles. Of the total volume of Decabromodiphenyl Ethane imported by the US, majority is imported from China. The increasing demand from China is responsible for the increasing amount of landed cost of Decabromodiphenyl Ethane imported into the US Container shipping costs from East China ports Increased nearly 6% between October and November, which is adding an additional approximately USD 1,520/tonne to the landed cost of Decabromodiphenyl Ethane. Additionally, domestic inventories between Houston and Chicago have decreased to approximately two-week supply levels, well below the prior month's allocation, creating greater competition among distributors for Decabromodiphenyl Ethane.
Bromine/brine feedstock for these plants only comes from Arkansas, and because they're utilising all of their available production capacity to support stabilised levels of output (like most chemical plants along the Gulf Coast), there have been constraints on the supply side. Therefore, with increased demand for Decabromodiphenyl Ethane during the fourth quarter due to seasonal fluctuations, imports have filled the need for Decabromodiphenyl Ethane in the United States. This has resulted in electronic and polymer manufacturers building up their inventories of Decabromodiphenyl Ethane in anticipation of year-round production schedules, while some have tested phosphorus-based blends as substitutes for Decabromodiphenyl Ethane, resulting in their being priced at very high rates due to insufficient amounts being available in the marketplace for supply.
Analysts indicate that Pacific freight cost declines, reduced US housing/appliance needs or lower demand from other sectors, coupled with competition from Asian suppliers and possible drops in feedstock prices, will likely put significant downward pressure on Decabromodiphenyl Ethane pricing, likely lowering CFR Los Angeles pricing. Minor price increases may come from the short-term tightness in China along with limited film and polymer sector demand. Market participants are keeping a close watch on Decabromodiphenyl Ethane pricing and inventory movements, and any regulatory updates that impact this market.
In conclusion, USA purchasers are being cautious at present, since distributors are negotiating supply contracts as they approach the end of the fourth quarter after challenges they faced during the previous 12 months. They must weigh the cost of Decabromodiphenyl Ethane against their need for secure supplies.
