For the Quarter Ending September 2021
North America
In North America, Aniline prices continued to trace an upward trajectory owing to the scarcity of upstream feedstock Benzene during the Q3. In the end of August, Ida hurricane landfall made most of the manufacturing plants and petrochemical refineries shut for almost two weeks because of power outages across the Gulf Coast of the USA. It’s not only impacted the production process but also disrupted the supply chain which consequently led to the scarcity of Aniline and its downstream products. PBF Energy shut down its Benzene facility and Rubican shut down its Aniline and MDI production units in Louisiana as a repercussion of the hurricane. Furthermore, the high demand for Aniline for its downstream MDI from end-use industries including Automotive, Construction and Consumer goods contributed to the surge in the pricing trend of Aniline. However, it is anticipated that the resumption of the industrial activities with full efficacy in the upcoming quarter would soften the market sentiments of Aniline.
Asia
During the third quarter, Aniline prices soared in the Asian market owing to the inflation in the prices of upstream Benzene. Another factor that firmly supported the rise in Aniline prices was the congestion on several China ports due to the shutdown of Ningbo port which is the world’s third busiest port following the zero-tolerance coronavirus policy which resulted into the disturbance in the supply chain. There are several countries that import Aniline from China including India, the USA, Japan, Hungary, Belgium, etc. which consequently suffered a proliferative trajectory in prices of Aniline during the quarter. Ex Mumbai Aniline prices witnessed an upsurge of USD 210.52/tonne from July to September, finally settling at USD 2194.99 in September.
Europe
In Q3 2021, the market outlook of Aniline witnessed an exponential rise in the pricing trend of Aniline backed by the cut down in the production rates by several industries due to the energy crisis. Besides, the demand for Aniline remained firm from downstream industries throughout this timeframe. Value of Aniline also remained influenced by high upstream Benzene prices and the exorbitant rise in freight prices during the quarter.
For the Quarter Ending June 2021
North America
Prices of Aniline remained volatile during the second quarter of 2021, as the demand from downstream manufacturers remained high in the first half of the quarter however it gradually declined in the other half. On the demand perspective, automotive sector showcased firm sentiments during the quarter, which increased the demand for Aniline derivatives in USA. However reduced production of automotive due to material shortage affected the demand for Aniline in the later half. Thus, after gaining momentum since the previous quarter, prices of Aniline declined in the month of June and settled at USD 1350/MT in Texas, USA. In addition, improved production activities in the Gulf of USA also effectively contributed to this decline, as the supply of upstream Benzene improved effectively.
Asia
Asian market encountered dullness for Aniline, where the demand fundamentals remained tight throughout the quarter. Despite of continuous decline in prices of Aniline in China, traders remained stressed, as prices were still 120% high Y-o-Y basis. Some temporary shutdowns and plant resumptions like Dongying Huatai and Jinling Dongying suppressed the inventory level. Traders remained cautious about the sudden surge in pandemic cases in India, which dented the demand from China as well as from the domestic market. In India, under dull demand fundamentals, manufacturers ran their operations on 30% to 40% capacity during this timeframe. Therefore, after an effective decline, prices of Aniline hovered around USD 2113/Mt and USD 1640/MT for India and China, respectively during may ending.
Europe
Prices of Aniline rose effectively in Europe during the second quarter of 2021, as the demand from domestic and international market remained firm throughout this timeframe. High upstream Benzene prices influenced the prices of several downstream products including Aniline, which also influenced the market of USA. However, global benzene shortage decreased the production of Aniline across the region thus dented the overall market sentiments.
For the Quarter Ending March 2021
North America
The North American market suffered a rare cold snap that kneeled the production activities across Texas. Prolonged shortage of feedstock chemicals including Aniline since Q4 2020 got another boost after this extreme weather disruption, that supported its average prices and led it to rise by 8.75% within the quarter, taking it to USD 1400 per MT levels by March end. Most of the downstream MDI manufacturing plants were shut down during this period due to weather conditions, like Covestro announced force majeure on its MDI plant, similarly to other manufacturing unit based in Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida, that reduced the demand of Aniline across the region and prevented the prices from further acceleration.
Asia
The Asian market witnessed a stable demand from domestic downstream sector, amidst shortage of feedstock chemicals. Prices of Aniline increased aggressively in Chinese market due to lower inventory level after Lunar holidays and firm demand from downstream MDI and ink manufacturers, which led to rise in average FOB prices by 64% within the quarter and settled down at USD 2013.34 per MT till March end. Similarly, in the Indian market shortage of Benzene and lack of Chinese supply led the prices to rise by 5.8% from January to March, backed by improved crude oil values.
Europe
Firm demand from the downstream MDI manufacturers amidst critical shortage of the feedstock chemicals, pushed the prices to follow upward trend during Q1 2021. Insufficient supply from the US gulf coast to the global market forced European manufacturers to increase their exports to other continents like Asia. Although the trade route congestion and high freight cost supported the prices of Aniline to rise effectively across the region.
For the Quarter Ending September 2020
Asia
The Asia Pacific Aniline demand surpassed its Q2 quarter levels as strong demand for MDI served as the key contributing factor for improved margins. The Chinese Aniline plant operating levels have been high, driven by increased buying sentiments right from mid-June onwards, which however, is yet to regain strength up to the pre-pandemic levels. Strong recovery in PU foams sector which is used in the furniture and appliances is predicted with many Southeast Asian producers ramping up production feeling the festive push. Indian Aniline demand from the pharmaceutical industry remained high throughout the quarter with several market players receiving shipment orders from the US.
Europe
The Aniline market remained pressured in the third quarter as the second wave of COVID-19 wreaked havoc in the Europe Union. The demand for Aniline from the downstream automotive and construction sectors remained muted as the economy continued to grapple with the economic downturn. The pricing curve maintained grounds as there were several reports of downstream MDI plant turnarounds in the region, further pressing the demand side. Production outages at several automotive factories further crimped the Aniline consumption. The quarter ended with the news of Borsod Chem starting production at its new 200 KTPA aniline plant in Hungary during Q3 FY21.
North America
Regional Aniline demand witnessed a sharp rebound with strong uptick in PU demand from the automotive and construction sector which remained in doldrums during the second quarter as the nation continued strictest coronavirus-related restrictions on economic activity. The end-use markets reported supply tightness due to logistic disruptions and plant closures in several US provinces caused by the Hurricane Laura. Aniline consumption by the manufacturers of methylene diphenyl diisocycanate (MDI) showed sharp recovery with better sales figures reported from sectors such as consumer durables and home appliances.
