What Factors Accelerated the US Polyol Price Decline in August?

U.S. Polyol market sentiment weakened through August as improved Gulf Coast availability, comfortable inventories, subdued downstream activity and limited feedstock cost support strengthened buyer leverage. Construction-related consumption remained soft alongside weaker housing activity, reducing requirements from rigid and flexible polyurethane foam manufacturers. Automotive seating and furniture applications provided some stability, while export enquiries from Latin America, Europe, Canada and Mexico continued without being strong enough to absorb the available material. Feedstock conditions also remained broadly supportive of lower production costs, with propylene oxide showing limited upward pressure and ethylene oxide supplies remaining uninterrupted. ChemAnalyst believes the market has shifted into a distinctly buyer-favoured phase as normalized production increases competition among sellers and limits their ability to sustain firm offers. Looking ahead, U.S. Polyol prices are expected to remain under pressure as inventories stay comfortable and import flows remain steady. Hurricane-season procurement and potential maintenance may provide intermittent support, but a sustained recovery will likely require stronger downstream activity or renewed supply constraints.