For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
Throughout Q1 2025, the Bisphenol A (BPA) market in North America showed a fluctuating but overall weakening trend. January began with a slight price increase, supported by temporary supply constraints from Asian producers and pre-holiday restocking, although downstream demand in polycarbonate and epoxy resin sectors remained sluggish amid winter construction delays.
February saw a downward correction as high inventory levels and reduced construction activity weighed on sentiment, compounded by oversupply from Asian exporters resuming operations after the Lunar New Year. While freight rates from Asia declined, easing import costs, subdued procurement patterns in the downstream housing and industrial sectors prevented any significant recovery. In March, BPA prices fell further as weak feedstock support, high global inventories, and softer construction indicators pressured the market. Although U.S. housing starts rose modestly, declining permits and completions highlighted underlying weakness.
Buyers continued to limit purchases to immediate needs, reflecting cautious sentiment amid ongoing tariff concerns and economic uncertainties. BPA market dynamics in the U.S. closed Q1 2025 under sustained bearish pressure.
APAC
Throughout Q1 2025, the Bisphenol A (BPA) market in APAC exhibited a fluctuating trend. January began with price declines, as weak downstream demand from the polycarbonate (PC) and epoxy resin sectors combined with sluggish construction activity weighed heavily on market sentiment. Stable but low feedstock costs, high inventory levels, and limited procurement ahead of the Lunar New Year further suppressed BPA prices. In February, prices rose modestly following the holiday period, supported by improved restocking activity, a short-lived pickup in agrochemical-related demand, and constrained plant operating rates. Some disruptions in production contributed to tighter spot availability, giving temporary price support despite the broader market’s cautious tone. However, March saw BPA prices return to a downward trajectory, pressured by persistently weak end-user demand, high inventories, and renewed oversupply concerns. Sluggish downstream consumption, particularly from PC and epoxy resin sectors, combined with muted export activity and weaker construction momentum, kept trading volumes low and market sentiment bearish. Overall, BPA prices in APAC ended Q1 2025 under renewed downward pressure.
Europe
Throughout Q1 2025, the Bisphenol A (BPA) market in Europe followed a mixed trajectory, starting with a price increase in January as higher freight rates from Asia, seasonal logistical disruptions, and supply constraints supported stronger landed costs. Despite the rise, downstream demand from sectors like polycarbonate and epoxy resins remained weak, pressured by a contracting Dutch construction industry. February saw a slight upward adjustment as supply tightened after the Lunar New Year, but subdued consumption in housing and infrastructure kept overall demand muted. Although lower freight rates from Asia improved import economics, cautious procurement strategies persisted amid economic uncertainty and high inventories. In March, BPA prices reversed and moved downward as global oversupply from major Asian producers weighed heavily on the market. Soft feedstock costs, weakening polycarbonate demand, and a continued contraction in the eurozone construction sector further pressured sentiment. With sluggish industrial activity, cautious buying behavior, and high stock levels, BPA market dynamics in the Netherlands closed Q1 2025 under notable downward pressure.
MEA
Throughout Q1 2025, the Bisphenol A (BPA) market in MEA displayed a mixed trajectory. January started with a slight price rise, supported by strong downstream demand from the polycarbonate (PC) and epoxy resin sectors linked to ongoing construction projects under Vision 2030. Supply constraints from Asian producers due to plant shutdowns ahead of the Lunar New Year provided further support, although broader global oversupply concerns remained. In February, BPA prices declined as export availability improved post-holiday, with operating rates normalizing at key production facilities across Asia. Despite sustained construction activity domestically, the influx of competitively priced material and high inventory levels weighed on the market. March continued the downward trend, driven by persistently weak demand during Ramadan, shorter trading hours, and mounting regional supply following the restart of LG Chem’s Daesan plant. High inventories and muted downstream activity in the construction and coatings sectors kept market sentiment cautious, preventing any price recovery. Overall, BPA prices in Saudi Arabia closed Q1 2025 under notable downward pressure.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
Throughout Q4 2024, the Bisphenol A (BPA) market in North America experienced mixed price movements. Prices rose slightly in October, supported by higher feedstock phenol costs and tighter supplies from Asian exporting nations. However, the gains were short-lived, as the last two months of the quarter saw prices return to a declining trajectory.
Persistent oversupply and subdued demand from downstream sectors, including polycarbonate (PC) and epoxy resin, exerted downward pressure. By December, BPA prices in the USA had dropped to USD 1,419/MT CFR Texas, marking a 4.1% decline from earlier levels. Reduced import costs, weak construction activity, and economic uncertainties further weakened market sentiment.
Operating rates at BPA plants remained stable, but downstream sectors struggled with excess inventory and limited profitability. Seasonal factors and structural inefficiencies in end-use industries, such as automotive and construction, compounded the bearish outlook. As the market closed the quarter, ongoing oversupply and restrained purchasing activity suggested little immediate recovery, leaving manufacturers focused on inventory management and targeted discounts to mitigate financial pressures.
APAC
Throughout Q4 2024, the Bisphenol A (BPA) market in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region witnessed a continuous decline in prices, driven by persistent oversupply and weak demand from downstream sectors such as polycarbonate (PC) and epoxy resin. The lack of seasonal demand recovery and subdued construction activities further exacerbated the downturn. Feedstock prices, including phenol and acetone, offered limited cost support, with mixed trends adding to market uncertainty.
In China, BPA prices dropped steadily as high inventory levels and weak enterprise profitability weighed on the market. Operating rates in the domestic PC sector fluctuated but failed to align with consumption, leading to significant stockpiles. Similarly, the epoxy resin sector saw minimal restocking activity, with demand confined to immediate requirements. Despite sporadic feedstock price fluctuations and occasional production adjustments, oversupply and restrained end-user demand dominated market sentiment.
By the end of the quarter, BPA prices in China had declined to USD 1,190/MT FOB Qingdao, reflecting ongoing bearish sentiment. Recovery signals remained absent as the market entered the new year under persistent downward pressure.
Europe
Throughout Q4 2024, the Bisphenol A (BPA) market in Europe experienced a varied pricing trend, with declines in October and November, followed by a recovery in December. Weak demand from downstream sectors, coupled with competitive import prices and high inventories, pressured the market early in the quarter. However, rising freight rates from Asia to Europe and steady downstream demand improvement supported a price rebound in December.
In October and November, BPA prices declined due to limited purchasing activity in the polycarbonate (PC) and epoxy resin sectors. The Eurozone’s contracting construction output and subdued economic conditions exacerbated market pressures. Additionally, low feedstock costs from phenol and acetone further reduced production incentives, contributing to the bearish sentiment.
December marked a turnaround, with prices rising as freight rates along Asia-Europe routes increased significantly due to pre-Lunar New Year demand and logistical challenges in Asia. By the end of the quarter, BPA prices in the Netherlands stood at USD 1,585/MT FD-Rotterdam, highlighting the bullish sentiment driven by tighter supply, improved downstream activity, and sustained freight cost pressures.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
Throughout Q3 2024, the Bisphenol A pricing scenario in North America witnessed a notable decline, with the USA experiencing the most significant price changes. Several factors contributed to this downward trend. Oversupply in the market, driven by abundant global production and sluggish demand from downstream sectors like polycarbonate and epoxy resins, exerted immense pressure on prices. Weak economic conditions and a seasonal slowdown further exacerbated the situation. The bearish market sentiment was also influenced by low cost imports, reduced cost support from key feedstocks, and declining crude values, impacting overall pricing dynamics.
In comparison to the same quarter last year, prices saw a substantial decrease of 10%, reflecting the persistent downward trajectory. Furthermore, there was a 4.9% decrease from the previous quarter in 2024. The second half of the quarter witnessed a 4% decrease compared to the first half, underlining the continued price deterioration trend.
The latest quarter-ending price for Bisphenol A in the USA stood at USD 1484/MT, CFR Texas, signifying the prevailing negative pricing environment characterized by instability and downward pressure on market prices.
APAC
Throughout the Q3 2024, the Bisphenol A (BPA) market in the APAC region experienced a notable decline in prices. Several key factors contributed to this downward trend. Weak demand from downstream sectors, such as epoxy resin and polycarbonate, played a significant role in the pricing dynamics. Additionally, limited cost support from feedstocks like acetone and phenol further weakened market confidence. The market sentiment remained negative due to sluggish global demand, new capacity additions, and declining crude values during the quarter. In Japan, the market saw the most significant price changes, with prices decreasing by 14.1% compared to the same quarter last year. The quarter recorded a 7.6% decrease from the previous quarter in 2024. The first half of the quarter also saw a decrease in prices compared to the second half. By the end of Q3, BPA prices in Japan settled at USD 1195/MT FOB Osaka, reflecting the overall lack of momentum and insufficient demand to support a market rebound.
Europe
Throughout the third quarter of 2024, the Bisphenol A (BPA) market in Europe witnessed a significant decline in prices, primarily influenced by a multitude of factors. Weak demand from downstream sectors like polycarbonate and epoxy resin, coupled with low import prices from exporting nations, created an imbalance between supply and demand. Additionally, limited cost support from feedstocks such as acetone and phenol further weighed on market prices. The oversupply situation was aggravated by several BPA production units resuming operations in the APAC region, exacerbating the downward price trend. Specifically focusing on the Netherlands, the region experienced the maximum price changes during the quarter. The overall trend in pricing reflected a consistent decrease, with a 12.1% decline compared to the same quarter last year. Furthermore, there was a 5.5% decrease from the previous quarter in 2024 and also saw a decrease in prices between the first and second half of the quarter. The quarter-ending price for BPA in the Netherlands stood at USD 1590/MT FD-Rotterdam, highlighting the persistent negative sentiment in the pricing environment.
MEA
In Q3 2024, the Bisphenol A market in the MEA region experienced decreasing prices, reflecting a -7% change from the same quarter last year. Various factors influenced this trend, including a significant oversupply of BPA in the market, sluggish demand in downstream sectors, and weakening support from feedstocks like acetone and phenol. These conditions led to a bearish sentiment, with prices declining by 3.9% from the previous quarter in 2024. Saudi Arabia witnessed the most substantial price changes during this period, with a notable -4% shift in prices between the first and second half of the quarter. The market in Saudi Arabia exhibited a consistent downward trend, driven by subdued demand, high inventory levels, and limited market activity. Despite robust economic activity in the construction sector, BPA prices faced downward pressure due to escalating production costs and reduced purchasing activities. In conclusion, the quarter ended with Bisphenol A prices at USD 1389/MT CFR Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, reflecting the prevailing negative pricing environment characterized by declining prices and a challenging market landscape.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
The North American region experienced a mixed pricing environment for bisphenol A (BPA) in Q2 2024. In April, BPA prices in the USA declined slightly by 2.2% due to ample supplies and low demand in downstream epoxy resin and polycarbonate (PC) market.
However, May and June saw a robust recovery, with prices surging by 11.6% and 6.4%, respectively. This positive trend was driven by limited availability of feedstock phenol and acetone, alongside increased crude oil prices due to geopolitical tensions. Plant shutdowns in exporting Asian nations further exacerbated scarcity, pushing prices higher.
Demand for BPA in the USA domestic market improved, fueled by a strong recovery in the housing sector. Additionally, container shortages and delays in empty container returns intensified the problem, disrupting global supply chains and affecting BPA transportation and pricing. By the end of Q2 2024, the price for Bisphenol A in the USA stood at USD 1556/MT CFR Texas, reflecting a positive pricing environment overall compared to Q1 2024, driven by increased demand.
APAC
The APAC region witnessed a mixed pricing environment for bisphenol A (BPA) in Q2 2024. In April 2024, BPA prices declined by 6.8% due to oversupply and low demand in downstream epoxy resin and polycarbonate (PC) market. However, May and June saw a robust recovery, with prices surging by 13.5% and 6.7%, respectively. This positive trend was driven by limited availability of feedstock phenol and acetone, alongside increased crude oil prices due to geopolitical tensions. Plant shutdowns in China and other exporting nations further exacerbated scarcity, pushing prices higher. Demand for BPA in China's domestic market improved, fueled by a strong recovery in the housing sector. Additionally, China’s exports grew at their fastest pace in over a year in May 2024, rising 7.6% year-on-year to $302.35 billion, which helped sustain healthy BPA prices. By the end of Q2 2024, the price for Bisphenol A in China stood at USD 1356/MT FOB Qingdao reflecting a positive pricing environment overall compared to Q1 2024, driven by increased demand.
Europe
The European region experienced a mixed pricing environment for bisphenol A (BPA) in Q2 2024. In April and May, BPA prices in the Netherlands declined significantly by 6.5% and 1.8%, respectively, driven by decreased demand in downstream polycarbonate and epoxy resin industries. This decline was particularly due to the slowdown in construction activity in Europe. The Eurozone construction sector continued to decline at the start of Q2 2024, with new orders falling sharply, leading to further reductions in construction activity, as well as a retrenchment of employment and purchasing. However, June saw a recovery, with prices surging by 2.4%. This positive trend was driven by limited availability of feedstock phenol and acetone, alongside increased crude oil prices due to geopolitical tensions. Plant shutdowns in exporting Asian nations further exacerbated scarcity, pushing prices higher. Additionally, container shortages and delays in empty container returns intensified the problem, disrupting global supply chains and affecting BPA transportation and pricing. By the end of Q2 2024, the price for Bisphenol A in the Netherlands stood at USD 1682/MT FD-Rotterdam, reflecting a negative pricing environment overall compared to Q1 2024.
MEA
The MEA region experienced a mixed pricing environment for bisphenol A (BPA) in Q2 2024. In April, BPA prices in the Saudi Arabia declined by 4% due to oversupply and low demand in downstream epoxy resin and polycarbonate (PC) industries. However, May and June saw a robust recovery, with prices surging by 12.7% and 6.8%, respectively. This positive trend was driven by the limited availability of feedstock phenol and acetone, alongside increased crude oil prices due to geopolitical tensions. Plant shutdowns in exporting Asian nations further exacerbated scarcity, pushing prices higher. Demand for BPA in the Saudi Arabian market improved, fueled by strong demand in the construction industries. Supply chain disruptions, including maintenance shutdowns at major global plants and exacerbated logistical strains due to elevated port congestion, further strained market availability. By the end of Q2 2024, the price for Bisphenol A in Saudi Arabia stood at USD 1445/MT CFR Jeddah, reflecting a positive pricing environment overall compared to Q1 2024, driven by increased demand.
