For the Quarter Ending June 2026
Cumene Prices in North America
- In USA, the Cumene Price Index rose by 37.762% quarter-over-quarter, driven by feedstock benzene strength.
- The average Cumene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1424.00/MT amid balanced Gulf Coast supply and mixed derivative demand.
- Cumene Spot Price strengthened early in the quarter as benzene tightness and logistics premiums supported offers.
- Cumene Production Cost Trend showed elevated benzene-linked input costs pushing marginal producers to firm pricing.
- Cumene Demand Outlook remained mixed with steady phenol and acetone run rates but softer discretionary resin orders.
- Cumene Price Forecast indicates moderate pullback potential as benzene eases and downstream demand remains cautious.
- Cumene Price Index volatility reflected geopolitical shipping risk, elevated insurance premiums, and fluctuating crude dynamics.
- Cumene Spot Price availability was adequate later in quarter, pressuring sellers to defend contract volumes.
Why did the price of Cumene change in June 2026 in North America?
- Reduced benzene values lowered production costs and widened sellers' flexibility, prompting measured price moderation across Louisiana terminals.
- Weaker downstream polycarbonate and phenol demand reduced cumene offtake, diminishing upward pricing pressure during June.
- Stable Gulf Coast operating rates and balanced inventories prevented sharp rallies despite earlier geopolitical risk premiums.
Cumene Prices in APAC
- In China, the Cumene Price Index rose by 36.8% quarter-over-quarter, driven by higher import costs.
- The average Cumene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1182.00/MT, reflecting import and feedstock cost dynamics.
- Balanced inventories and thin Asian imports influenced the Cumene Spot Price and muted buying interest.
- Benzene declines reduced production cash costs, shaping the Cumene Production Cost Trend and pressuring offers.
- Downstream restocking cycles remained subdued, weakening the Cumene Demand Outlook despite occasional derivative operating strength.
- Freight and insurance premia from geopolitical risks lifted landed costs, feeding Cumene Price Index assessments.
- Short term forecasts show mixed signals; the Cumene Price Forecast indicates volatility from feedstock swings.
- Market sentiment balanced cost and demand, so Cumene Spot Price trend oscillated near CFR assessments.
Why did the price of Cumene change in June 2026 in APAC?
- Reduced benzene costs lowered production cash costs, prompting sellers to adjust offers and weaken margins.
- Downstream phenol and acetone demand softened seasonally, reducing offtake and limiting spot procurement appetite significantly.
- Port congestion and higher freight insurance lifted landed costs, but balanced inventories prevented sharp price escalation.
India
- In India, the Cumene Price Index rose by 63.31% quarter-over-quarter, driven by stronger downstream phenol demand.
- Cumene Spot Price showed intramonth volatility as benzene-driven production costs and freight fluctuations influenced offers.
Cumene Prices in Europe
- In the Netherlands, the Cumene Price Index rose by 23.33% quarter-over-quarter, driven by benzene cost inflation and tight supply.
- The average Cumene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1929.33/MT, reflecting sustained feedstock-driven upward pressure.
- Market participants noted the Cumene Spot Price volatility eased as benzene-led cost reductions tempered short-term selling pressure.
- Forward curves support the Cumene Price Forecast indicating modest softening into mid-summer amid weaker downstream procurement.
- Lower benzene settlements drove the Cumene Production Cost Trend downward, enabling sellers to trim offers on FOB Rotterdam.
- Balanced inventories and subdued orders define the Cumene Demand Outlook, constraining immediate upside despite supply disruptions risk.
- Regional trading patterns show the Cumene Price Index reflecting mixed signals, with export interest offset by weak domestic offtake.
- Major Rotterdam complex operating rates remained steady, supporting availability while geopolitical freight premiums kept offers resilient.
Why did the price of Cumene change in June 2026 in Europe?
- Benzene feedstock declines reduced production costs, removing prior cost-push support for cumene sellers and lowering offers.
- Sustained weak downstream demand from phenol and acetone units limited procurement, keeping spot volumes and price pressure subdued.
- Logistics normalisation at Rotterdam but inland rail disruptions maintained distribution frictions, balancing availability and price movement.
Belgium
- In Belgium, the Cumene Price Index rose by 22.822% quarter-over-quarter, supported by firmer benzene and downstream demand.
- Cumene Spot Price tightened as rerouted imports and higher insurance costs reduced cargoes and liquidity.
For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Cumene Prices in North America
- In the USA, Cumene Price Index rose by 14.05% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting tight feedstock and demand.
- The average Cumene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1033.67/MT, reflecting balanced supply conditions.
- Cumene Spot Price firmed as Gulf Coast availability tightened, prompting sellers to maintain spot offers.
- Cumene Price Forecast shifted higher for March amid geopolitical disruptions and benzene propylene upstream pressures.
- Cumene Production Cost Trend rose as benzene and propylene increases elevated manufacturing expenses, squeezing margins.
- Cumene Demand Outlook improved with phenol and acetone offtake rising, driven by resin, automotive restocking.
- Inventory draws and export interest tightened availability, lifting the Cumene Price Index and prompting offtake.
- Producers implemented allocations and higher offers, keeping spot liquidity measured and supporting near-term Cumene momentum.
Why did the price of Cumene change in March 2026 in North America?
- March increases reflected rising benzene costs from Middle East disruptions tightening feedstock availability for cumene.
- Elevated phenol and acetone rates increased offtake, reducing spot barrels and supporting higher Cumene pricing.
- Logistical constraints, seller allocations and prioritized contract volumes limited exports and reduced discretionary spot availability.
Cumene Prices in APAC
- In China, the Cumene Price Index rose by 8.18% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting tighter feedstock and demand.
- The average Cumene price for the quarter was approximately USD 864.00/MT, per weekly assessments and import parity.
- Cumene Spot Price strengthened as benzene increases lifted Cumene Production Cost Trend, tightening producer margins.
- Cumene Price Forecast shows gains as the Cumene Price Index reflects supply constraints and demand.
- Cumene Demand Outlook stayed firm as phenol and acetone start-ups absorbed incremental cumene supply domestically.
- Elevated freight rates, port congestion tightened flows, reducing export volumes and supporting higher spot premiums.
- Major producers reduced cracker runs for maintenance, constraining propylene availability and tightening merchant cumene supply.
- Inventory draws and cautious seller behaviour supported rallies, while Cumene Price Forecast signals moderation ahead.
Why did the price of Cumene change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Middle East tensions raised benzene costs, while cracker maintenance reduced propylene availability, tightening cumene supply.
- Rising intra-Asia freight, port congestion increased landed costs and shortened arbitrage windows for import-dependent buyers.
- Strong downstream procurement from phenol and acetone start-ups absorbed spot barrels, amplifying upward price momentum.
Cumene Prices in Europe
- In the Netherlands, the Cumene Price Index rose by 20.1% quarter-over-quarter, driven by Strait of Hormuz disruptions.
- The average Cumene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1564.33/MT, reflecting Rotterdam assessments period
- Cumene Spot Price strengthened as delayed naphtha inflows and higher freight costs tightened benzene availability.
- Cumene Price Forecast indicates near-term firmness with short covering amid constrained feedstock supply and buyers.
- Cumene Production Cost Trend rose as benzene and energy costs climbed, widening producer margin pressure.
- Cumene Demand Outlook remains supportive from phenol and acetone, but purchasing restrained by high inventories.
- Cumene Price Index volatility increased with Cape detours elevating insurance premiums, logistics costs, and delays.
- European inventories tightened occasionally while Rotterdam hub exports surged and major units ran reduced availability.
Why did the price of Cumene change in March 2026 in Europe?
- Strait of Hormuz closure reduced naphtha and crude inflows, elevating benzene costs and tightening supply
- Cape detours and war-risk premiums delayed shipments, increasing freight and insurance costs that constrained exports
- Downstream phenol and acetone demand firm but buying restraint and high inventories limited spot uptake
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
Cumene Prices in North America
- In the USA, the Cumene Price Index fell by 1.77% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weaker downstream demand.
- The average Cumene price for the quarter was approximately USD 906.33/MT, reflecting stable supplier quotations.
- Cumene Spot Price showed mixed momentum, volatility tied to benzene availability and refinery run rates.
- Cumene Price Forecast indicates modest near-term gains, offset by year-end destocking and limited export arbitrage.
- Cumene Production Cost Trend eased then rose as benzene and propylene tightness increased cash costs.
- Cumene Demand Outlook remains cautious; phenol and acetone pull supported by construction and automotive sectors.
- Cumene Price Index experienced mixed swings, pressured by inventories and intermittent export limitations affecting arbitrage.
- High Gulf Coast operating rates and inventories limited upside while port delays affected export loadings.
Why did the price of Cumene change in December 2025 in North America?
- Elevated benzene supply and high domestic production kept cumene availability abundant, weakening price support materially.
- Benzene and propylene cost swings increased production cost volatility, pushing weekly pricing higher then retracing.
- Port delays, export arbitrage constraints and tariff impacts limited overseas demand, reinforcing domestic price sensitivity.
Cumene Prices in APAC
- In China, the Cumene Price Index fell by 12.3% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weaker import offers and subdued demand.
- The average Cumene price for the quarter was approximately USD 798.67/MT, reflecting arithmetic mean amid trading distortions.
- Cumene Spot Price momentum turned bearish earlier in the quarter amid ample benzene and propylene supply.
- Cumene Price Forecast signals modest recovery potential as restocking and seasonal procurement support near-term upticks.
- Cumene Production Cost Trend showed easing benzene costs offset by higher freight increases affecting margins.
- Cumene Demand Outlook remains weak with cautious purchases from phenol and acetone plants limiting large spot orders.
- Cumene Price Index volatility reflected inventory builds, softer export offers, and intermittent tightness from limited restarts.
- Domestic operational rates held steady while import volumes pressured CFR levels, keeping market sentiment cautiously price-sensitive.
Why did the price of Cumene change in December 2025 in APAC?
- Softer import offers from South Korea and Taiwan reduced landed prices, pressuring CFR Qingdao values.
- Ample benzene and propylene availability lowered production costs, contributing to weaker export price formation.
- Freight and logistical shifts eased discharge times but rising regional freight supported temporary price firmness.
Europe
- In the Netherlands, the Cumene Price Index rose by 0.51% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting firmer benzene costs.
- The average Cumene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1302.33/MT, reflecting elevated winter energy and feedstock costs.
- Cumene Spot Price fluctuated amid thin stocks while the Cumene Price Index signalled upward pressure.
- Cumene Price Forecast suggests gains into January driven by winter energy surcharges and restocking activity.
- Cumene Production Cost Trend rose as benzene and TTF gas uplifted costs, supporting pricing discipline.
- Cumene Demand Outlook remains subdued short-term due to downstream destocking and weak coatings procurement activity.
- Cumene Price Index movements were influenced by exports to Germany and Belgium absorbing volumes, limiting oversupply.
- Higher domestic operating rates and thin port inventories tightened availability, supporting Cumene Spot Price resilience.
Why did the price of Cumene change in December 2025 in Europe?
- Ample domestic production supplying roughly 86% of demand reduced spot urgency, pressuring prices lower in December.
- Benzene feedstock declines lowered production costs, directly easing Cumene Price Index and diminishing seller bargaining power.
- Logistical disruptions at regional ports slightly tightened availability while overall inventories remained swollen, moderating price recovery prospects.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
- In USA, the Cumene Price Index rose by 1.21% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting tighter downstream supply resilience.
- The average Cumene price for the quarter was approximately USD 922.67/MT, supported by balanced feedstock costs.
- Cumene Spot Price remained steady, underpinning the Price Index stability amid muted downstream demand and ample supply.
- Cumene Price Forecast pointed to limited near-term upside due to cautious buying and tariff headwinds.
- Cumene Production Cost Trend eased as benzene costs cooled and crude oil offered softer inputs.
- Cumene Demand Outlook remained soft from phenol and acetone sectors, limiting price upside potential near term.
- Price Index has traded within a narrow range on logistics stability and export activity recently.
- Cumene Spot Price fluctuations reflected upstream benzene supply dynamics and regional port constraints, influencing near-term pricing.
- Supply chain disruptions and inventory levels supported Price Index stability despite mixed downstream activity in the region.
Why did the price of Cumene change in September 2025 in North America?
- Supply/demand balance in September tightened modestly as phenol and acetone demand remained muted in downstream sectors.
- Logistics and hurricane-season disruptions kept imports and shipments constrained, supporting price resilience but not gains.
- Tariff and feedstock benzene cost pressures added uncertainty, limiting upside and widening supply adequacy through September.
APAC
- In China, the Cumene Price Index rose by 13.46% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting strong logistics demand and supply tightness.
- The average Cumene price for the quarter was approximately USD 910.67/MT, reflecting mixed regional demand, imports, and currency effects.
- Cumene Spot Price movements in APAC remained firm on supply tightness and elevated freight costs.
- Cumene Price Forecast suggests near-term stability with range-bound trading as downstream phenol/acetone demand softens across Asia.
- Cumene Production Cost Trend remains sensitive to benzene and crude oil price shifts, pressuring margins.
- Cumene Demand Outlook in China stays cautious due to weak downstream sectors and inventory restocking.
- Cumene Price Index readings reflect a bearing of imported supply pressures and domestic demand fluctuations.
- Supply chain logistics constraints and elevated freight costs supported pricing resilience despite soft downstream activity.
- Export restocking dynamics and port congestion were mixed drivers for near-term cumene pricing in APAC.
Why did the price of Cumene change in September 2025 in APAC?
- The current bearish sentiment is driven by a surplus of upstream and discounted prices from the USA.
- Feedstock benezene prices in the USA declined which lowered the manufacturing costs of cumene in the exporting nation.
- Additionally, the demand from the downstream phenol sector was low, which lowered the procurement activity.
Europe
- In the Netherlands, the cumene Price Index rose by 2.07% quarter-over-quarter, supported by supply tightness.
- The average cumene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1295.67/MT, signaling mid-1300s pricing levels.
- Cumene Spot Price faced modest volatility as downstream acetone and phenol demand stayed weak throughout.
- Cumene Price Forecast indicates range-bound trading due to balanced feedstock costs and cooling downstream demand.
- Cumene Production Cost Trend reflected steady benzene costs, modest run-rates, and seasonal port delays throughout.
- Cumene Demand Outlook remained muted across downstream sectors, with phenol and acetone driving modest buying.
- Cumene Price Index tracked sideways with q/q easing amid macro headwinds and robust downstream inventories.
- Supply tightness earlier quarter eased as port congestion improved, supporting limited price resistance and stability.
- Export demand fluctuations from Europe to Asia influenced Cumene Spot Price, with seasonal procurement patterns.
- Industrial activity indicators remain a key driver for Cumene Price Index movements in Q3 2025.
Why did the price of Cumene change in September 2025 in Europe?
- Seasonal holidays reduced activity, dampening acetone phenol demand in September.
- Logistics constraints and congestion extended lead times, pressuring price discovery.
- Persistent benzene feedstock costs and crude oil limited price swings.
