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.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
In Q2 2024, the North American market for 2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate generally exhibited a stable pricing environment, primarily influenced by steady feedstock costs and balanced supply-demand dynamics. The prices for Acrylic Acid and 2-ethyl hexanol, key feedstocks, remained unchanged, ensuring that production costs did not fluctuate significantly. This stability was bolstered by ample inventory levels that satisfactorily met the moderate demand from downstream sectors, principally the Paint and Coating industries.
Focusing specifically on the USA, the market experienced the most pronounced price movements. Overall trends demonstrated a stable scenario, influenced by seasonality where Q2 typically sees increased activity in the construction sector, thus driving demand. Despite this, the correlation in price changes remained minimal, indicating a stable market sentiment. Prices remained consistent between the first and second halves of the quarter, further supporting an equilibrium in market forces. From a year-over-year perspective, Q2 2024 saw a modest 2% increase in prices, reflecting a stable but slightly positive trend. Compared to the previous quarter, prices rose by 3%, signaling steady demand improvements and manageable supply chain conditions. The stable sentiment was further cemented with the quarter-ending price for 2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate being USD 1665/MT DEL Louisiana, underscoring the equilibrium in the market.
In conclusion, the pricing environment for 2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate in North America, particularly in the USA, has been stable throughout Q2 2024. This stability, driven by balanced market dynamics and steady feedstock prices, indicates a neutral to positive market sentiment, with no significant disruptions anticipated in the near term.
APAC
In Q2 2024, 2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate pricing in the APAC region has predominantly exhibited stable trends. The quarter was characterized by steady production costs due to unchanged prices of feedstocks like Acrylic Acid and 2-ethyl hexanol. Market stability was further reinforced by consistent demand from downstream sectors such as Construction, Paint, and Coating, which matched the ample inventory levels maintained by market participants. Additionally, strategic procurement activities by buyers, opting for on-demand instead of bulk purchases, sustained price equilibrium. Focusing on China, which experienced significant price fluctuations, the market exhibited a -4% decline from the same quarter last year and an -8% decrease from the previous quarter in 2024. Despite these declines, the first and second halves of the quarter saw a 0% price change, indicating a balanced pricing environment. Seasonal factors such as the Dragon Boat Festival initially suggested potential price increases, however, sufficient inventory levels mitigated any substantial price hikes. The correlation between upstream Acrylic Acid and 2-ethylhexyl Acrylate remained stable, contributing to a consistent price environment. The quarter-ending price for 2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate in China was USD 1500/MT FOB Qingdao, reflecting a stable sentiment in the pricing environment. This stability, despite earlier declines, underscores the market's resilience due to effective supply chain management and balanced supply-demand dynamics. Consequently, the overall pricing environment remains stable, with no significant positive or negative shifts observed.
Europe
In Q2 2024, the European market for 2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate experienced a mixed market trend. During the first month of the second quarter, the 2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate experienced a bullish market scenario due to a surge in the production cost of the commodity affected by the increased prices of the feedstocks 2-Ethylhexanol and Acrylic Acid. Furthermore, the demand from the downstream Coating and Construction sectors inclined as well, contributing to the bullish market scenario. However, during the second half of Q2, the market showcased a slight declining pattern. The most significant price changes were observed in Germany. The market was predominantly influenced by a contraction in the construction sector, which served as a primary consumer of 2-ethylhexyl Acrylate within paints and coatings. The German construction industry faced stagnation due to broader economic uncertainties, further compounded by labor strikes and rising costs of raw materials. In Germany, elevated energy costs, inflationary pressures, and subdued demand from the downstream construction sector exacerbated the market's bearish sentiment. Seasonal factors also played a role, with reduced construction activities traditionally seen during this quarter, further weakening demand. Consequently, the pricing environment has been predominantly negative, reflecting a broader economic malaise and lower consumer confidence across related sectors. From the previous quarter of 2024, prices witnessed a slight increase of 2%, indicating the persistence of these adverse conditions. Notably, the comparison between the first and second half of the quarter showed a marginal -1% decline, underscoring the sustained downward pressure on prices. The quarter ended with the price of 2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate settling at USD 1760/MT (FD-Hamburg), a clear indicator of the challenging market conditions.
