For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The 2-Ethylhexyl Nitrate (2-EHN) Spot Price in North America declined by 4.69% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025, following a fluctuating trend across April, May, and June, as reflected in the Price Index.
• In April, prices surged due to aggressive restocking and heightened freight costs driven by trade policy uncertainties, including anticipated tariffs on imports from APAC countries.
• May saw a price dip as supply-demand dynamics stabilized; domestic traders held sufficient inventories and worked through backlogs amid only modest automotive demand.
• In June, prices rose slightly again due to renewed shipping disruptions and elevated freight rates, even though downstream demand remained tepid.
• Freight rate volatility, port congestion, and evolving tariff policies played a dominant role in shaping the North American 2-EHN market, overshadowing somewhat muted end-user demand trends.
Why the prices of 2-EHN change in July 2025 in USA?
• In July 2025, the 2 EHN Price Index in the United States moved lower, extending the softening trend from June. The decline was largely attributed to tepid demand recovery, ample inventories, and continued uncertainty around trade policy outcomes.
• The Production Cost Trend remained steady, as raw material prices and freight rates stabilized. However, with high inventory levels built up in previous months (in anticipation of tariff impacts), sellers were compelled to offer discounts to clear excess stock.
• The Demand Outlook stayed subdued. While the automotive sector—especially diesel vehicle sales—is a key consumer of 2 EHN, July saw only modest month-over-month growth in light vehicle sales, with diesel segment performance underwhelming. Consumer sentiment remained cautious amid elevated interest rates and rising auto loan delinquencies.
APAC
• The 2-Ethylhexyl Nitrate (2-EHN) Spot Price in South Korea declined by 7.74% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025, following a shift from initial price strength in April to sustained softening through May and June.
• In April, prices rose modestly due to constrained inventories, persistent port congestion in exporting countries, and rising intra-Asia freight rates.
• May brought a price decline, as reduced freight costs and soft downstream demand, especially in the automotive sector, created a more balanced market environment.
• June continued the downward trajectory, with pricing impacted by oversupply conditions and competitive import valuations, despite modest recovery in auto sales.
• The 2-EHN Price Index reflects a market weighed down by logistical challenges, cautious demand recovery, and improved inventory availability across the APAC region.
Why the prices of 2-EHN change in July 2025 in APAC?
• In July 2025, the 2-EHN Price Index in South Korea continued its downward trend, driven by oversupply, muted downstream demand, and persistent logistical inefficiencies that discouraged fresh procurement.
• The Production Cost Trend remained steady, with no major shifts in raw material or freight rates. However, excess inventory from previous months and subdued consumption prompted traders to lower offer prices to stay competitive.
• The Demand Outlook remained soft, particularly from the automotive sector, which is the primary consumer of 2-EHN. Despite an uptick in domestic vehicle production earlier in the quarter, retail sales stagnated, and demand for diesel fuel additives stayed weak. A continued push toward electrification and fuel efficiency measures further reduced the short-term need for cetane improvers like 2-EHN.
• Additionally, port congestion at Busan and Donghae persisted, although it did not significantly disrupt supply availability. Instead, it added to market caution, with buyers refraining from taking on additional volumes amid already sufficient stock levels.
• Traders also noted cautious sentiment due to macroeconomic concerns, including rising household debt and weak consumer confidence, which affected broader industrial demand.
Europe
• The 2 Ethylhexyl Nitrate (2 EHN) Spot Price in Europe showed a mixed pattern in Q2 2025, with minor upward moves mid quarter followed by easing, resulting in a marginal decline for the period
• Supply remained well stocked, supported by proactive restocking in late 2024 and steady imports from Asia and North America, alongside easing freight costs
• Demand from key sectors such as automotive (especially diesel applications) and industrial lubricants was moderate, matching typical seasonal patterns amid economic softness
• Freight efficiency improvements and solid port logistics helped relieve earlier supply constraints—even as broader macroeconomic uncertainty weighed on industrial activity
• Overall, market dynamics—balanced supply flows, stable inventories, and only modest demand growth—led to relatively stable but slightly soft pricing across the region.
Why the prices of 2-EHN change in July 2025 in Europe?
• In July 2025, the 2 EHN Price Index in Germany declined due to a combination of persistently weak downstream demand and ample supply levels, which outpaced market consumption.
• The Production Cost Trend remained relatively flat, as feedstock prices and freight rates stabilized across Europe. However, price competitiveness among traders intensified, leading to discounting of inventory to stimulate demand.
• The Demand Outlook was muted: Germany’s automotive sector—one of the key end-users for 2 EHN, particularly in diesel engine applications—saw limited growth. New car registrations were subdued, and industrial fuel demand remained below expectations amid slowing economic indicators and cautious consumer spending.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, the North American 2-Ethylhexyl Nitrate (2-EHN) market saw a 3.8% quarter-over-quarter price decline, shaped by easing import costs and shifting demand dynamics. January opened with a drop in prices, driven by steady supply inflows and moderate demand from the paints and coatings sector. Automotive sector performance remained resilient, supporting baseline consumption.
In February, prices rebounded modestly as the automotive and aerospace sectors sustained demand, while stable inventories and declining freight costs ensured consistent supply. March witnessed a second consecutive price rise, fueled by anticipatory buying ahead of potential tariff changes, which spurred short-term demand from the automotive industry. Despite mild import restrictions from Asia, sufficient stockpiles and alternative imports from Malaysia and Europe kept the market well-supplied. Logistics costs remained stable to slightly decline, further reinforcing market balance.
Overall, the quarter was characterized by price fluctuations around a stable core, with macroeconomic uncertainties and shifting trade sentiments playing key roles in shaping short-term purchasing behavior and price trends for 2-EHN across the region.
APAC
In Q1 2025, the South Korean 2-Ethylhexyl Nitrate (2-EHN) market witnessed a modest quarter-over-quarter price decline of approximately 1.3%. The quarter opened with a price dip in January, driven by softer import costs, steady inventory levels, and moderate downstream demand, particularly from the paints and coatings sector. Although vehicle sales continued their year-on-year growth, cautious consumer spending amid inflationary pressure limited overall demand. February saw a slight price rebound, supported by strong performance in the automotive and aerospace sectors, where 2-EHN is widely used as a cetane improver. Despite firm demand, supply remained stable due to smooth cargo inflows. In March, prices rose moderately as supply tightened due to persistent port congestion in key exporting countries like China, delaying shipments. Meanwhile, demand was moderately supported by new vehicle launches, although broader consumer sentiment remained subdued. Throughout the quarter, falling freight rates and steady inventories prevented sharp price volatility. The market remained largely balanced, with logistical disruptions and downstream consumption shaping the overall price trajectory.
Europe
In Q1 2025, the European 2-Ethylhexyl Nitrate (2-EHN) market experienced mixed price movements, ultimately registering a modest decline over the quarter. January began with stable pricing as inventories remained adequate due to proactive restocking efforts in late 2024. Demand from key end-use sectors such as automotive and industrial lubricants remained moderate, aligning with seasonal trends. February saw a slight price increase, supported by improved offtake from the automotive sector amid a rebound in diesel vehicle production across parts of Central Europe. However, market fundamentals were balanced by steady inflows of imports, particularly from Asia and North America, aided by declining sea freight rates. In March, prices softened again due to weakened industrial activity and broader macroeconomic uncertainty, which limited downstream consumption. Additionally, improved logistics and sufficient inventory levels across Western Europe helped ease supply-side pressures. Overall, despite a temporary upward movement mid-quarter, subdued demand and easing logistics costs contributed to a marginal quarterly price correction, keeping the European 2-EHN market relatively balanced and well-supplied.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, the North American 2-Ethylhexyl Nitrate (2-EHN) market displayed notable price fluctuations, driven by a combination of supply chain disruptions, demand dynamics, and market adjustments.
Early in the quarter, prices surged sharply due to significant supply shortages caused by logistical challenges, including low water levels in the Panama Canal and Mississippi River, which delayed shipments and constrained imports. The Elevated freight rates from Asia to USA , driven by increased container spot rates and the anticipation of labor strikes on U.S. coasts, added to the upward price pressure. Despite subdued demand from the key automotive sector, where vehicle sales reflected year-on-year declines, supply constraints sustained the price surge.
However, as the quarter progressed, competitive imports from Asia, coupled with year-end pricing strategies, led to a gradual decline in prices. By December, market conditions stabilized, supported by adequate inventory levels and consistent demand from automotive and coatings sectors, with robust vehicle sales, such as Ford’s 15% growth, underpinning steady consumption.
APAC
In Q4 2024, the price of 2-EHN in the Asian market increased due to supply constraints and rising production costs, despite stable feedstock prices like 2-EH. Buyer interest was steady, but the underperformance of the automotive sector limited price growth. Manufacturing units faced challenges with raw material availability, leading to upward price adjustments. Meanwhile, the price of 2-Ethylhexyl Nitrate (2-EHN) declined due to reduced production rates and sufficient inventories of essential feedstock, ensuring adequate supply levels. The demand for 2-EHN remained stable, supported by growth in the automotive sector, especially electric vehicles, although the anticipated year-end surge in demand did not fully materialize. Retail vehicle sales grew by 11.21% in November, driven by two-wheeler demand, but market activity among traders and consumers remained subdued. In summary, 2-EHA prices rose due to supply issues, while 2-EHN prices fell due to stable supply and reduced production rates, with automotive sector demand playing a key role in both markets.
Europe
The price of 2-Ethylhexyl Nitrate (2-EHN) in the European market remained subdued during the final quarter of 2024, reflecting a stable balance between supply and demand. Inventories were sufficiently stocked to meet consistent consumption needs, particularly from the automotive sector, which remains the primary end-user of 2-EHN in paints, coatings, and lubricants. Although global automotive production has shown signs of growth, European and North American markets have been constrained by slower vehicle sales and production challenges, partly driven by the ongoing transition toward electrification. Germany emerged as an exception, maintaining steady automotive production, supported by its strategic push toward electric vehicle manufacturing. This steady demand has helped stabilize the German 2-EHN market, allowing it to absorb minor cost fluctuations without significant disruption. Nevertheless, European manufacturers continued to face challenges, including a prolonged destocking cycle, geopolitical uncertainties, and a challenging economic climate, all of which led to reduced production activity. Despite these headwinds, stable inventories and steady automotive demand have provided a favorable outlook for the European 2-EHN market.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
Throughout the third quarter of 2024, the North American market for 2-Ethylhexyl Nitrate (2-EHN) experienced a consistent downward trend in prices, driven by a combination of demand-side and supply-side factors. One of the primary reasons behind this price decline was the weakening demand from major end-use industries, most notably the automotive and construction sectors, both of which are significant consumers of 2-EHN.
The automotive sector, in particular, has been grappling with a slowdown in vehicle production and sales, compounded by increasing competition from electric vehicles. Meanwhile, the construction industry faced headwinds due to rising interest rates and reduced project activity, further limiting the demand for 2-EHN. On the supply side, North America saw a surplus of domestically produced 2-EHN, which added downward pressure on prices. This oversupply situation was exacerbated by logistical challenges in distribution, contributing to significant stockpiling of inventories across the region.
Additionally, fluctuating crude oil prices, a key factor in 2-EHN production costs, further complicated pricing dynamics, although the impact of these fluctuations remained relatively moderate. The quarter-ending price of 2-EHN in Houston stood at USD 1666 per metric ton, reflecting the steady downward trajectory that had been observed throughout Q3 2024. Overall, the market faced ongoing imbalances between supply and demand, contributing to the persistent softness in pricing.
APAC
In the third quarter of 2024, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region experienced a significant downturn in 2-Ethylhexyl Nitrate (2-EHN) prices, with India witnessing the most pronounced fluctuations. The quarter was marked by a bearish market sentiment, driven by several key factors. Elevated supply levels of 2-EHN, supported by strong production rates and ample availability of raw materials, exerted substantial downward pressure on prices. This was further compounded by weak demand from downstream industries, particularly the automotive sector, which contributed to the overall price decline. Additionally, external influences such as fluctuations in feedstock prices and global economic conditions further shaped the pricing environment. The overall market trend in Q3 2024 reflected a negative correlation between supply and demand, resulting in stable to declining prices. In India, the market experienced a significant -9% decrease in prices compared to the previous quarter, underscoring the challenging market conditions. Seasonal factors, such as reduced automotive sales following the monsoon season, also played a role in influencing price dynamics. The quarter concluded with 2-Ethylhexyl Nitrate priced at USD 1,195 per metric ton, FOB JNPT, in India, highlighting the continued pressure on pricing throughout the period.
Europe
In the third quarter of 2024, the European 2-EHNmarket experienced notable fluctuations, primarily trending downward due to a confluence of key factors. A significant contributor to this decline was the subdued demand from the automotive sector, a major consumer of Petroleum Resin. The automotive industry encountered substantial challenges, including sluggish sales figures and intensified competition from Chinese electric vehicles, which collectively diminished the need for 2-EHNin manufacturing processes. Moreover, the prices of essential feedstocks, particularly Crude Oil, failed to provide the necessary support to counteract the prevailing negative market trends. This lack of stability in feedstock prices further compounded the challenges faced by manufacturers in the region. Germany, in particular, witnessed the most pronounced price fluctuations, reflecting the difficult outlook for traditional automotive manufacturers amid ongoing industry transformations. The cumulative impact of reduced demand, competitive pressures, and stagnant feedstock prices created a challenging environment for 2-EHNpricing throughout the quarter. Consequently, the market remained on the lower end, highlighting the need for strategic adjustments within the industry to navigate these evolving dynamics effectively.
FAQs
1. What is the current price of 2-Ethylhexyl Nitrate?
Prices vary by month and region. In North America, prices fluctuated throughout Q2 2025, with notable increases in April followed by declines in May and July. Pricing was largely influenced by tariff concerns, freight costs, and demand shifts from the automotive sector.
2. Who are the top 2-Ethylhexyl Nitrate suppliers in North America?
Leading suppliers include BASF, EURENCO, Innospec, and niche specialty chemical distributors that import 2-EHN primarily from Asia and Europe. These suppliers play a key role in serving the U.S. automotive additive and diesel blending industries.
3. What is the 2-Ethylhexyl Nitrate Price Forecast for Q3 2025?
The forecast indicates a cautiously bearish trend, with prices expected to remain under pressure due to ample inventories, weak diesel demand, and improved freight conditions—unless new tariffs or logistical disruptions re-tighten the market.
4. How is the 2-Ethylhexyl Nitrate Production Cost Trend impacting North American prices?
While raw material and shipping costs surged earlier in 2025, recent stabilization in freight and feedstock markets has eased cost pressures. However, high inventory levels and subdued demand are placing more influence on final market prices than production costs alone.
