Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In USA, the 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Price Index fell by 4.51% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting ample inventories and demand.
• The average 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 2130.33/MT.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Spot Price remained range bound as balanced imports and cautious procurement limited volatility.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Production Cost Trend showed limited movement, with propylene and 2-ethylhexanol feedstock costs stable.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Demand Outlook remained weak as automotive coatings procurement cautious and spot activity subdued.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Price Index benefited from pre-tariff stockpiling but faced easing due to destocking ahead.
• Distributors maintained high inventories, limiting spot offers and reinforcing stable 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Spot Price levels.
Why did the price of 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid change in September 2025 in North America?
• Elevated inventories from pre-tariff import activity reduced buying urgency, suppressing near-term price recovery momentum significantly.
• Port congestion and freight rate volatility intermittently disrupted arrivals, creating short-term availability uncertainty for importers.
• Subdued automotive coatings demand and procurement strategies by end-users limited spot purchases and price support.
APAC
• In Japan, the 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Price Index fell by 2.72% quarter-over-quarter, driven by producer cuts.
• The average 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 1381.67/MT, Yokkaichi basis.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Spot Price weakened amid destocking and softer export enquiries from the United States.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Production Cost Trend remained subdued as 2-ethylhexanol, and propylene feedstock costs eased slightly.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Price Index volatility was tempered by steady domestic operations and coordinated pricing actions.
• Major producer operational stability provided supply, but port congestion amplified inventory accumulation, pressuring spot liquidity.
Why did the price of 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Producer-led price reductions and tactical destocking increased supply available, directly depressing domestic price levels in September.
• Port congestion delayed exports, created inventory backlogs, and reduced export demand responsiveness from international buyers.
• Feedstock cost easing marginally lowered production costs, but weak downstream procurement limited upward price pressure.
Europe
• In Germany, the 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Price Index dropped by 12.21% quarter-over-quarter, driven by inventory rebuild.
• The average 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 2327.67/MT.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Spot Price largely range-bound in September amid balanced supply and intermittent logistic delays.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Production Cost Trend shows upward pressure from rising propylene and 2-EH feedstock prices.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Price Index peaked mid-quarter before weakening late September on absent downstream buying activity.
• Inventories rose from port congestion and delayed exports, increasing seller offers while spot liquidity softened.
Why did the price of 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Steady domestic production and consistent imports created oversupply, despite logistical constraints and subdued demand pressure.
• Downstream procurement weakened, notably automotive and specialty segments, reducing order volumes and limiting price support.
• Port congestion and rail disruptions delayed shipments, amplifying local inventories and triggering short-term selling pressure.
South America
• In Brazil, the 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Price Index fell by 4.22% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting reduced demand conditions.
• The average 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 2079.33/MT.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Spot Price remained steady in September as inventories and balanced supply constrained further volatility.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Production Cost Trend remained stable as feedstock and energy costs showed minimal variability.
• 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Demand Outlook remained cautious with automotive and coatings sectors supporting selective procurement activity.
• Domestic production resilience and efficient logistics supported the 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Price Index against downside shocks.
• Inventory management and propylene stability limited sellers' pricing flexibility in the 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid spot market.
Why did the price of 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid change in September 2025 in South America?
• Balanced domestic supply with steady production maintained inventories, reducing immediate upward and downside price pressure.
• Subdued automotive and coatings demand constrained buying, prompting distributors to adopt conservative inventory procurement strategies.
• Stable freight and no major outages kept costs flat, while regulatory consultation created compliance uncertainty.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Spot Price Index of imported 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid (2-EHA) in North America showed a marginal quarter-over-quarter decline of 0.13% in Q2 2025, with prices recorded at 2233 USD/MT in April, 2230 USD/MT in May, and 2230 USD/MT in June.
• This marginal dip was driven by a narrowing supply-demand gap, ample inventories, and precautionary stockpiling ahead of anticipated tariff adjustments.
• Weak air freight demand from China and subdued eCommerce activity further contributed to softer import dynamics.
• Traders held sufficient inventories, having pre-booked aggressively in response to potential trade policy changes, while buyers pulled back amid cautious sentiment in end-use sectors like automotive coatings.
• Although port congestion at Los Angeles and Long Beach intensified due to rising import volumes and labor issues, no significant supply outages occurred.
• Automotive sector performance was mixed: while sales growth in April spurred demand, declines in May and June reflected weaker sentiment, especially in diesel vehicle segments.
• Despite modest demand, stricter EPA regulations continued to support baseline consumption of 2-EHA as a fuel additive.
Why did the price of 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid change in July 2025 in the US?
• In July 2025, the 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Price Index experienced a marginal decline, continuing the muted trend from the previous quarter.
• This movement was primarily due to weak downstream demand from the automotive coatings segment and elevated on-hand inventories following proactive stockpiling.
• The 2-EHA Production Cost Trend remained relatively stable despite persistent cost pressures from upstream feedstocks and international freight.
• Demand Outlook remains cautious with limited recovery in auto sales and persistent macroeconomic headwinds impacting diesel vehicle demand.
APAC
• The Spot Price Index of 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid (2-EHA) in Malaysia in Q2 2025, continuing the mild downward trend seen throughout the period.
• A soft demand environment persisted due to weakened purchasing across both domestic and international markets, with Malaysia’s automotive sector showing consistent underperformance.
• Uncertainty around potential tariff hikes contributed to cautious procurement, reducing order volumes and suppressing market sentiment.
• Inventories remained adequate as BASF and other key producers sustained healthy operating rates, while logistical bottlenecks at Port Klang and other major hubs exacerbated inventory buildup.
• Export activity showed volatility—after some recovery in May and early June, international demand softened again by late June, pressured by regional trade disruptions and geopolitical concerns.
• Persistent port congestion across Southeast Asia, partially driven by the Red Sea crisis and global rerouting of vessels, strained logistics and contributed to temporary oversupply conditions in Malaysia.
• Environmental and regulatory tailwinds helped provide minimal support to demand for 2-EHA-based additives, though not enough to offset overall market weakness.
Why did the price of 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid change in July 2025 in Asia?
• In July 2025, the 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Price Index in Malaysia declined modestly, reflecting ongoing softness in downstream demand and a cautious procurement environment.
• This price drop was primarily driven by ample inventories, trade-related uncertainties, and weakness in Malaysia’s automotive sector, which is a major consumer of 2-EHA-based coatings and lubricants.
• The 2-EHA Production Cost Trend remained steady as key suppliers operated at full capacity, while logistical congestion at ports like Klang and Tanjung Pelepas contributed to temporary oversupply.
• The Demand Outlook continues to reflect pessimism, with declining vehicle registrations and weak export performance indicating persistent downstream fragility.
Europe
• The Spot Price Index of 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid (2-EHA) in Europe rose significantly in Q2 2025, with values increasing from 1824 USD/MT in April to 2375 USD/MT in June.
• The initial half of the quarter was marked by stable-to-firm pricing due to restocking activity, increased offers from major producers like Perstorp and OQ Chemicals, and limited spot availability amid logistical disruptions.
• However, the latter part of the quarter saw softer domestic demand and logistical backlogs across Northern European ports—particularly Hamburg, Rotterdam, and Antwerp—which led to localized inventory buildup and constrained inland transport.
• Downstream consumption, especially in automotive and lubricant sectors, remained weak throughout Q2, with new car registrations declining month-over-month.
• Export performance provided moderate support to overall demand, particularly from markets in the U.S. and neighboring European countries.
• Supply remained stable, supported by healthy production rates and sufficient feedstock availability (2-EH and Propylene), though high winds and yard congestion impacted vessel schedules and caused delivery delays in May and June.
• Macroeconomic indicators in Germany, such as flat PMI readings and inflation easing to 2.0% by June, added to subdued industrial sentiment, limiting aggressive buying activity.
Why did the price of 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid change in July 2025 in Europe?
• In July 2025, the 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Price Index in Germany declined modestly, following a prior quarter of strong gains.
• The decline was driven by weakened downstream demand, as consumer confidence softened and automotive sector activity slowed, despite inflation returning to the ECB's 2.0% target.
• The 2-EHA Production Cost Trend remained stable even with rising 2-EH prices, suggesting limited feedstock pass-through due to oversupplied inventories.
• The Demand Outlook remains cautious amid stagnant private sector activity, weaker car registrations, and slower export flows due to logistical disruptions and low Rhine River water levels.
• The 2-EHA Price Forecast indicates continued volatility, with potential downside pressure unless demand from the EV and lubricant segments accelerates or port congestion resolves significantly.
South America
• The Spot Price Index of 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid (2-EHA) in Brazil remained largely stable quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025, recorded at 2173 USD/MT in April and 2170 USD/MT in both May and June, reflecting minimal fluctuation.
• The stable price trend was driven by a well-balanced supply-demand dynamic, with consistent domestic industrial activity and ample inventories from key producers such as Arkema, BASF, Dow Chemical, Mitsui Chemicals, and LG Chemicals.
• Despite a moderate dip in import volumes—partly due to heightened U.S. tariffs on Brazilian steel and aluminum—domestic demand remained resilient, especially in the automotive sector.
• Brazilian vehicle production and sales remained robust through May, although signs of softening automotive activity emerged by June, contributing to steady but cautious procurement behavior.
• The 2-EHA market experienced no major supply disruptions, as domestic output met consumption needs effectively without surplus or shortage.
• Broader global trends in 2-EHA and its feedstock 2-EH indicated subdued demand, influencing a cautious trading environment, while inflationary concerns weighed on sentiment.
• Traders adopted a lean inventory strategy, avoiding aggressive pricing moves to preserve market stability amid limited external volatility.
Why did the price of 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid change in July 2025 in South America?
• In July 2025, the 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Price Index in Brazil remained stagnant, continuing the stable trend seen through Q2.
• Some buyers began shifting toward alternative raw materials, further tempering consumption.
• The 2-EHA Production Cost Trend remained neutral, with no significant disruptions reported among domestic producers, allowing price levels to hold steady.
• The Demand Outlook has turned cautious as distributors manage inventories conservatively amid economic uncertainty and muted market signals.
• The 2-EHA Price Forecast points to continued pricing stability unless either demand recovery in automotive applications or trade conditions shift significantly.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
During the first quarter of 2025, the North American 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid (2-EHA) market exhibited a mixed pricing trajectory. Prices declined throughout January and February, primarily due to improved supply conditions, lower freight costs, and inconsistent demand from downstream sectors, particularly automotive coatings. The early-quarter downturn in demand was influenced by cautious market sentiment and subdued industrial activity.
However, a notable recovery in 2-EHA prices was observed in March, with values rising to approximately USD 2,254/MT by the end of the quarter. This rebound was largely attributed to the imposition of tariffs and heightened geopolitical tensions, which disrupted international trade flows and added to input costs.
Additionally, anticipatory buying activity emerged in the automotive industry ahead of a scheduled 25% tariff on imported vehicles, effective April 3, 2025. This strategic purchasing behavior tightened inventories across the value chain and contributed to a temporary uptick in 2-EHA demand. Overall, while the market faced headwinds early in the quarter, tightening supply and tariff-driven dynamics supported a price recovery toward the end.
APAC
During the first quarter of 2025, the Asian 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid (2-EHA) market exhibited a mixed pricing trajectory, with Japan, China, and Malaysia among the most affected regions due to interconnected global trade dynamics. Prices declined through January and February, largely attributed to improved supply conditions, reduced freight costs, and fluctuating demand from downstream sectors, particularly automotive coatings. The early-quarter softness was reflective of cautious procurement activity and weak export momentum. However, as the quarter progressed, a gradual recovery in international demand—especially from the United States—began to take shape. This revival was spurred by concerns surrounding the implementation of a 25% tariff on imported vehicles, which led to anticipatory buying and bolstered demand for 2-EHA, a key raw material in automotive applications. Additionally, the Malaysian government’s decision to impose port tariffs exerted further upward pressure on logistics and input costs. These combined factors contributed to a rebound in prices by March 2025, stabilizing the market after a weak start and highlighting the growing influence of trade policy and regional disruptions on chemical pricing.
Europe
During the first quarter of 2025, the European 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid (2-EHA) market exhibited a mixed pricing trajectory, with Germany and Belgium among the most impacted regions due to evolving global trade dynamics. Prices declined in January and February, primarily due to improved supply conditions, reduced freight rates, and fluctuating demand from downstream sectors such as automotive coatings. According to data from the German Federal Motor Vehicle Office (KBA), new passenger car registrations fell by 2.8% year-over-year in January 2024, totaling 207,640 units, with Tesla reporting a steep 59.5% drop, further dampening demand for 2-EHA. However, as the quarter progressed, recurring port strikes and labor shortages across key European logistics hubs disrupted the supply chain, driving prices upward. Additionally, the market experienced further cost pressure following price increases for 2-Ethylhexanol (2-EH)—a primary feedstock for 2-EHA—announced by major producers OQ Chemicals and Eastman. These hikes, combined with logistical uncertainties, contributed to a price rebound in March, underscoring the market’s sensitivity to upstream cost dynamics and regional supply chain disruptions.
South America
During the first quarter of 2025, the South American 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid (2-EHA) market exhibited a mixed pricing trajectory, with Brazil emerging as one of the most impacted regions amid shifting global trade dynamics. In January and February, prices trended downward, largely due to improved regional supply availability, lower freight costs, and inconsistent demand from key downstream sectors, particularly automotive coatings. However, this downward momentum was reversed in March as the market faced significant logistical disruptions. Recurring port strikes and persistent labor shortages across critical South American logistics corridors led to transportation delays and supply chain inefficiencies, exerting upward pressure on prices. Compounding these issues, major global producers—OQ Chemicals and Eastman—announced price increases for 2-Ethylhexanol (2-EH), the essential feedstock for 2-EHA, which intensified cost pressures across the value chain. As a result, 2-EHA prices rebounded toward the end of the quarter, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to both upstream input fluctuations and structural bottlenecks in logistics infrastructure.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, the North American 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid (2-EHA) 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-EHA 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-Ethylhexanoic Acid (2-EHA) declined due to reduced production rates and sufficient inventories of essential feedstock, ensuring adequate supply levels. The demand for 2-EHA 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-EHA 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-Ethylhexanoic Acid (2-EHA) 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-EHA 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-EHA 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 favourable outlook for the European 2-EHA market.
