U.S. Petroleum Resin Prices Decline on Ample Imports and Weak Construction Demand

Key Takeaways

• U.S. Petroleum resin prices declined during August ****.
• Petroleum resin imports from Asia remained steady, supported by oversupply and the **-day U.S.–China tariff pause.
• Asia–U.S. freight rates fell by about **, lowering landed costs.
• U.S. construction employment dropped by *,*** jobs, cutting into Petroleum resin demand in adhesives, paints, and coatings.
• Automotive sales rose *.*** month-on-month to *.** million units, but this was insufficient to offset weakness elsewhere.

Demand-Side Developments

U.S. petroleum resin demand was subdued in August, dampened by weakness primarily in construction. The sector shed *,*** jobs, of which non-residential shed *,*** jobs, exhibiting poor project completion. These losses directly reduce Petroleum resin application in adhesives, paints and coatings, all linked directly to construction activity.

Overall economic caution, linked to tariff uncertainty and weak business sentiment, imposed further pull. Conversely, the automotive industry reported improved...