For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The 2-ethylhexyl acrylate Spot Price in North America remained stable quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025, reflected in a stable Price Index.
• The 2-ethylhexyl acrylate market in the US experienced a mixed trend over the second quarter of 2025, initially showing a bullish pattern due to rising feedstock costs and stronger downstream demand.
• Early in the quarter, the price index reflected an upward shift, supported by an increase in the feedstock acrylic acid prices and renewed demand from the construction sector, coupled with positive macroeconomic cues.
• However, as the quarter progressed, bearish sentiment set in due to weak domestic consumption, an oversupplied market, and subdued activity in the coatings and construction sectors.
• The price index subsequently declined, with suppliers adjusting quotations downward to stay competitive amid excess inventories and increased import competition.
• Overall, the market stabilized toward the end of the quarter as suppliers adopted a cautious pricing approach, reflecting a wait-and-watch sentiment in response to sluggish demand and ongoing trade uncertainties.
Why did the price of 2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate change in July 2025 in the US?
• Supply and production were well-aligned with demand, ensuring a balanced market with no significant pressure to alter prices.
• Input costs showed minimal variation, with feedstock acrylic acid prices steady and 2-ethylhexanol slightly declining, but not enough to impact the final product’s pricing.
• Buyers maintained a conservative stance, limiting purchases to immediate needs and avoiding bulk orders due to trade policy uncertainty and weak construction sector performance.
• Exporters and domestic suppliers adopted a cautious pricing strategy, opting to maintain stability amid macroeconomic unpredictability and upcoming tariff changes.
APAC
• The 2-ethylhexyl acrylate Spot Price in APAC decreased by 12.16% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025, reflected in a bearish Price Index.
• The 2-ethylhexyl acrylate Price Index in Singapore began Q2 with a brief upward movement, driven by higher import costs and constrained availability from China due to contractual obligations.
• This short-lived incline was followed by a period of price decline in May, attributed to the import costs and limited trading activity during China’s Labor Day holidays.
• The latter half of the quarter saw bearish pressure intensify as Chinese suppliers redirected cheaper exports to Singapore, creating an oversupplied market and weakening the Price Index.
• Falling feedstock costs in China, particularly for acrylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol, further drove down export prices, impacting the Singapore Price Index negatively.
• Demand from downstream sectors remained steady but lacked strong momentum, as buyers limited procurement to immediate needs.
• Despite some easing in trade tensions, market participants remained cautious, and the overall sentiment stayed subdued throughout Q2.
Why did the price of 2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate change in July 2025 in Asia?
• Import prices from China declined due to ample inventories and competitive pricing by exporters, placing downward pressure on the regional price trend.
• Market participants grew cautious after the expiration of the 90-day trade tariff suspension, limiting trade activity and adopting short-term procurement strategies.
• Demand from downstream sectors, particularly coatings and construction, remained limited as buyers avoided bulk purchases and focused only on immediate operational needs.
Europe
• The 2-ethylhexyl acrylate Spot Price in Europe decreased by 1.90% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025, reflected in a bearish Price Index.
• The 2-ethylhexyl acrylate market in Germany exhibited a predominantly bearish trend throughout the second quarter, as reflected in the gradual decline in the Price Index amid persistent supply-demand imbalance.
• Overall trading activity remained subdued due to weak demand from key downstream sectors like construction and coatings, with most buyers restricting purchases to immediate operational needs.
• Inventory levels were sufficient during the quarter, supported by stable long-term contractual agreements and improved logistics, particularly following the normalization of Rhine River water levels.
• Spot market engagement remained limited, as suppliers prioritized contract-based supply, while competitive import offers from Asia further pressured domestic market sentiment.
• The declining Price Index was also influenced by reductions in feedstock costs, including acrylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol, which led to downward adjustments in supplier quotations.
• Although some players began speculating on future recovery, overall market sentiment remained cautious, driven by muted end-user activity and minimal improvement in the construction sector outlook.
Why did the price of 2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate change in July 2025 in Europe?
• The price of 2-ethylhexyl acrylate in Europe remained unchanged in July 2025 due to balanced supply and moderate demand, allowing market players to maintain stable pricing strategies.
• Despite a slight rise in feedstock 2-ethylhexanol costs and temporary logistical disruptions, efficient inventory management and quick operational recovery helped prevent any significant market impact.
• Trading activity was limited, with buyers focusing on short-term procurement and avoiding bulk purchases or long-term commitments, which helped sustain pricing stability.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In the first quarter of 2025, the North American 2-ethylhexyl acrylate market remained under sustained bearish pressure, with sentiments shaped by a mix of economic, seasonal, and geopolitical factors.
In January, market activity was subdued as the construction sector experienced a seasonal slowdown and businesses hesitated to initiate new projects ahead of expected policy changes from the incoming U.S. administration. The uncertainty surrounding trade policies, coupled with heavy snowfall and logistical disruptions, reinforced cautious buying behavior and limited procurement. In February, bearishness deepened as the polar vortex further disrupted industrial operations, slowing down project execution in key downstream sectors such as coatings and construction. Weak demand and abundant inventory levels continued to suppress pricing momentum.
By March, although weather conditions began to normalize and some supply chain disruptions were resolved, economic uncertainty and concerns over potential tariffs persisted. Limited demand from the construction sector and cautious procurement strategies remained key themes, with market participants opting for conservative trading amid unstable economic indicators. The bearish sentiment throughout the quarter was underpinned by a combination of weak new orders, high inventory levels, and a general reluctance among buyers to make aggressive purchasing decisions in an uncertain environment.
APAC
In Q1 2025, the 2-ethylhexyl acrylate market in the APAC region exhibited bearish sentiment, shaped by fluctuating production dynamics, subdued demand, and macroeconomic uncertainty. In January, despite a slight rise in production costs, manufacturers chose to absorb the increase to support falling sales, resulting in price stability. However, bearishness prevailed due to weak downstream demand, cautious trading ahead of the Lunar New Year, and concerns about growth and potential trade tariffs. Moving into February, demand failed to pick up post-holiday as expected. The anticipated rebound in orders from coatings and construction industries did not materialize in the second week of the month, and most buyers preferred to rely on pre-existing inventories, which maintained market stability. However, in the second half of the month, the market activity witnessed a slight rebound, preventing a sharp decline during February. By March, the market witnessed a sharper downturn as demand further weakened. The end of post-holiday restocking and sluggish downstream performance contributed to oversupply. With limited new orders and declining exports, suppliers focused on fulfilling contracts and clearing inventories, reinforcing the bearish sentiment. Overall, the quarter was marked by weak demand, supply-side pressure, and cautious trading behavior that kept the market under persistent downward pressure.
Europe
In Q1 2025, the European 2-ethylhexyl acrylate market exhibited a consistently bearish sentiment, driven by weak demand and economic uncertainties. In January, the market witnessed subdued market sentiments, reflecting the ongoing challenges in the construction sector and cautious trading behavior. The resilience of the Paints and Coatings sector was insufficient to counterbalance the broader economic struggles, including subdued domestic demand and geopolitical uncertainties. By February, weak demand persisted, especially from the construction sector, which further constrained market activity. The decline in exports and overall economic slowdown added to the cautious sentiment, with market participants adopting a wait-and-see approach. Moving into March, a slight increase in feedstock prices failed to spur the prices of the commodity, as the construction sector's sluggish performance continued to dominate market dynamics. Ample inventory levels kept supply stable, reducing the urgency for fresh purchases. Additionally, weak performance in the downstream sectors and limited new orders reinforced the bearishness. Overall, Q1 2025 was marked by a slow start to the year, with market participants remaining cautious amid ongoing economic pressures and subdued demand from key industries.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
Throughout Q4 2024, the U.S. 2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate market maintained a bearish sentiment which can be attributed to the declining production costs due to a decrease in the prices for feedstocks 2-ethylhexanol and acrylic acid. Furthermore, declining demand from key downstream sectors, such as Coating and Construction, remained the primary factor driving this downturn. Market bearishness was further challenged by external factors, including Hurricane Milton, which disrupted ongoing construction projects, and the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) strike that began on October 1st, causing significant supply chain interruptions. The strike, and its effect on major ports, compounded existing supply chain issues, raising economic concerns.
Despite modest growth in downstream sector performance towards November, it was insufficient to uplift the overall market sentiment. Business confidence declined, and new orders continued to decrease while existing inventory levels were adequate to meet the subdued demand.
As a result, market participants maintained this cautious approach. The Federal Reserve's interest rate cut aimed to boost demand, but uncertainties surrounding future trade policies and economic stability, especially following Donald Trump’s presidential victory, continued to influence the bearish outlook for the 2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate market.
APAC
Throughout Q4 2024, the 2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate market in China showcased bearish sentiments. The market experienced fluctuations in production costs as feedstock acrylic acid continued to witness bullishness while 2-ethylhexanol witnessed a declining trend. Despite government efforts to bolster economic growth and support the struggling downstream Coating and Construction sectors, these measures were insufficient to address broader economic challenges. The market was characterized by subdued demand and sufficient supply. However, the market faced disruptions from logistical challenges and fluctuating demand dynamics. Notably, there was a slight surge in demand following the Golden Week holiday, leading to a slight price hike and market activity. Yet, towards the later weeks, stable prices returned due to persistent weak demand from the downstream sectors. Government efforts to stabilize the real estate sector and initiatives aimed at reducing home purchase costs provided some support. Nevertheless, inventory levels continued to meet subdued demand, resulting in a cautious market sentiment. The narrowing spread between feedstocks and the final product indicated sustained bearishness. Ultimately, the market reflected a balanced yet cautious approach from participants, navigating through economic uncertainties and varying demand conditions.
Europe
In the fourth quarter of 2024, the European 2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate market remained bearish due to declining production costs and weak demand from the downstream Coating and Construction sectors. A key factor was the decrease in feedstock acrylic acid, and 2-ethylhexanol prices, which reduced manufacturing expenses. The European construction industry faced ongoing challenges, with subdued activity and weak demand for construction materials. The German construction sector experienced a sharp decline in new orders for 2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate, growing pessimism, and significant job cuts, further reducing demand for construction-related materials. Consumer sentiment reflected a lack of confidence, leading to lower purchasing activity. Despite price reductions, the market remained bearish due to eroded consumer confidence. The European Central Bank cut interest rates to counter weakening inflation, but the market pressure persisted. The market remained bearish with lower quotations, reflecting subdued market activities and lackluster demand trends. Business confidence in Germany fell, influenced by government changes and the threat of trade tariffs, while rail freight disruptions exacerbated market conditions.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the North American region witnessed a downturn in the pricing of 2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate, with the USA experiencing the most notable price changes. The quarter unfolded amidst a challenging market landscape characterized by multiple factors influencing the decline in prices. The primary drivers of this decreasing trend included reduced demand from the Coating and Construction sectors, leading to surplus inventory levels and muted consumption. Additionally, a decrease in the production costs due to declined feedstock prices of 2-Ethylhexanol and acrylic acid further contributed to the downward pressure on market prices.
The USA, in particular, experienced a consistent negative correlation in price changes throughout the quarter, reflecting a bearish sentiment. Due to the declining production cost of the commodity, the market sentiment remained subdued due to the lackluster demand and surplus inventory levels in the region.
Compared to the same quarter last year, the pricing environment for 2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate remained unchanged, indicating a stagnant market scenario. However, there was a notable decrease of 1% from the previous quarter in 2024, highlighting the gradual decline in prices. The second half of the quarter witnessed a further decline of 1% in prices, emphasizing the sustained negative trend.
APAC
In Q3 2024, the 2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate market in the APAC region experienced a significant price decline, driven by multiple factors. Supply chain disruptions, particularly in logistics and transportation, played a critical role in this downward trend. Additionally, reduced demand from downstream industries such as Coating and Construction further exacerbated the negative pricing environment. Singapore experienced the most pronounced price changes, where market dynamics were significantly affected by fluctuations in production costs, especially within the Acrylic Acid and 2-ethyl hexanol markets. The quarter highlighted a direct correlation between lower demand and declining prices, underscoring the market's sensitivity to demand-supply dynamics. Overall, the market reflected a notable -9% decrease from the previous quarter, maintaining a consistent downward trajectory. A comparison between the first and second halves of the quarter indicated a -6% decline in Singapore, reinforcing the prevailing negative sentiment in the pricing landscape and signaling challenges for stakeholders in the 2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate market.
Europe
In Q3 2024, the Europe region experienced a significant rise in 2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate prices, with Germany noting the most pronounced price changes. Several factors contributed to this upward trend. Despite a decrease in production costs driven by bearish feedstock markets, the overall market displayed a bullish sentiment. The widening spread between 2-ethyl hexanol, acrylic acid, and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate further indicated market optimism. In Germany, stable demand from construction sectors, even amid a sluggish housing market, helped sustain price stability. While feedstock prices showed a slight downward trend, the balance between supply and demand kept prices steady. Notably, there was a 3% increase compared to the same quarter last year and a 1% rise within the quarter, illustrating a consistent upward trajectory. The quarter's conclusion reflected a positive pricing environment, demonstrating resilience in the face of economic uncertainties and market challenges, indicating strong underlying demand for 2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate in the region.
FAQs
1. What are the main factors driving sulphuric acid price volatility?
Price volatility in the sulphuric acid market is influenced by fluctuations in feedstock costs, changes in freight rates, supply disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and seasonal demand patterns from key sectors like fertilisers and mining.
2. Who are the top sulphuric acid producers globally?
Leading producers include BASF, The Mosaic Company, Ma’aden, Aurubis, and OCP Group, all of which operate large production capacities across major regions.
3. What is the sulphuric acid used for?
Sulphuric acid is widely used in the production of fertilisers (especially phosphates), metal processing, petroleum refining, battery manufacturing, and industrial wastewater treatment.
4. Does sulphuric acid production impact environmental sustainability?
Yes, sulphuric acid production can affect environmental sustainability through emissions and waste generation. However, many producers are adopting cleaner technologies and recycling processes to reduce their environmental footprint.