For the Quarter Ending September 2025
APAC
• In China, the Diethyl Carbonate Price Index fell by 4.13% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting a consistent downward trend across the quarter amid subdued market activity and declining raw material costs.
• The average Diethyl Carbonate price for the quarter was approximately USD 1107/MT, on FOB Shanghai basis.
• The Price Index dropped month-over-month, influenced by oversupply conditions, and reduced buying interest from key downstream sectors such as battery electrolytes, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, paints and coatings, and synthetic fibers
• Diethyl Carbonate Production Cost Trend eased during Q3 2025, driven by falling prices of ethanol and carbon dioxide feedstocks, along with stabilized energy costs.
• The Diethyl Carbonate Demand Outlook remained soft, with limited growth in lithium-ion battery production and pharmaceutical synthesis—key applications for DEC in the region
• In September 2025, the Price Index decreased further due to high inventory levels, weak seasonal demand, and competitive pricing pressure from regional suppliers.
• Diethyl Carbonate Price Forecast suggests continued softness into Q4 2025 unless demand rebounds from the energy storage and agrochemical sectors.
• Regional producers operated at moderate capacity, while import volumes from Europe and North America remained stable, helping balance supply chains.
• Sustainability initiatives and demand for low-toxicity solvents may offer long-term support, though short-term pricing remains under pressure.
• Export demand softness and intra-Asia trade resilience limited premiums while select maintenance could tighten supply.
Why did the price of Diethyl Carbonate change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Firm Ethylene Carbonate supply sustained production, removing upstream cost support and exerting downward pressure regionally.
• Elevated inventories overseas and weaker external orders reduced export volumes, softening regional price momentum September.
• Eased freight rates and improved intra-Asia logistics increased availability, reducing urgency and constraining spot premiums.
Europe
• In the Netherlands, the Diethyl Carbonate Price Index fell by 2.73% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting a consistent downward trend across the quarter, reflecting subdued market activity and declining raw material costs.
• The average Diethyl Carbonate price for the quarter was approximately USD 1221.67/MT on CFR Rotterdam basis.
• The Price Index dropped month-over-month, influenced by oversupply conditions and reduced buying interest from key downstream sectors such as battery electrolytes, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, coatings, and synthetic intermediates.
• Diethyl Carbonate Production Cost Trend eased during Q3 2025, driven by falling ethanol and carbon dioxide prices, along with stabilized energy costs across European production hubs.
• The Diethyl Carbonate Demand Outlook remained soft, with limited growth in lithium-ion battery production and pharmaceutical synthesis—core applications for DEC in the region.
• In September 2025, the Price Index decreased further due to high inventory levels, weak seasonal demand, and competitive pricing pressure from Asian imports.
• Diethyl Carbonate Price Forecast suggests continued softness into Q4 2025 unless demand rebounds from the energy storage and agrochemical sectors.
• European producers operated at moderate capacity, while import volumes from Asia remained steady, helping balance supply chains but adding pressure to domestic pricing.
• Sustainability initiatives and demand for low-toxicity solvents may offer long-term support, though short-term pricing remains under pressure.
Why did the price of Diethyl Carbonate change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Stable regional production and firm ethylene carbonate feedstocks reduced urgent buying, easing immediate price support.
• Oversupply and high inventory levels led to competitive pricing among regional producers.
• Weak demand from battery and pharmaceutical sectors softened procurement activity, pushing the Price Index downward.
North America
• Diethyl Carbonate Spot Price in North America showed a consistent downward trend across the quarter, reflecting subdued market activity and declining ethanol-based feedstock costs.
• The Price Index dropped month-over-month, influenced by oversupply conditions and reduced buying interest from key downstream sectors such as battery electrolytes, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, coatings, and synthetic intermediates.
• Diethyl Carbonate Production Cost Trend eased during Q3 2025, driven by falling ethanol and carbon dioxide prices, along with stabilized energy costs across U.S. and Canadian production hubs.
• The Diethyl Carbonate Demand Outlook remained soft, with limited growth in lithium-ion battery production and pharmaceutical synthesis—core applications for DEC in the region.
• In September 2025, the Price Index decreased further due to high inventory levels, weak seasonal demand, and competitive pricing pressure from Asian imports.
• Diethyl Carbonate Price Forecast suggests continued softness into Q4 2025 unless demand rebounds from the energy storage and agrochemical sectors.
• North American producers operated at moderate capacity, while import volumes from Asia and Europe remained steady, helping balance supply chains but adding pressure to domestic pricing.
• Sustainability initiatives and demand for low-toxicity solvents may offer long-term support, though short-term pricing remains under pressure.
Why did the price of Diethyl Carbonate change in September 2025 in North America?
• Feedstock costs declined due to lower ethanol and CO2 prices, reducing production expenses.
• Oversupply and high inventory levels led to competitive pricing among regional producers.
• Weak demand from battery and pharmaceutical sectors softened procurement activity, pushing the Price Index downward.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
Europe
• In Europe, the Diethyl Carbonate Price Index in the Netherlands experienced a volatile trend during Q2 2025. After consecutive monthly declines in April and May, prices rebounded in June amid strengthening battery-sector demand and improving industrial sentiment. Imports from China, the primary supplier, remained stable throughout the quarter, albeit at competitive prices due to global oversupply.
• The Diethyl Carbonate Spot Price in the Netherlands dropped from USD 1270/MT in April to USD 1270/MT in June, reflecting demand-supply corrections. While demand in the coatings sector was relatively soft due to inflationary pressure and lower manufacturing output, battery-grade consumption, especially for EVs, showed signs of resurgence towards the end of the quarter.
• In July 2025, the Diethyl Carbonate Price Index in the Netherlands continued its upward trajectory, supported by sustained demand in the battery-grade sector and inflation-led cost increases in logistics and input materials. Additionally, EU trade restrictions on Chinese BEVs have prompted some regional buyers to diversify sourcing strategies, causing short-term procurement pressure and upward price movements.
• The Diethyl Carbonate Demand Outlook in Europe looks moderately strong as industrial activities pick up, backed by government-driven electrification programs. The Diethyl Carbonate Production Cost Trend is being closely watched due to fluctuating logistics expenses and EU regulatory shifts, which could influence sourcing and storage practices in the upcoming quarter.
APAC
• The Diethyl Carbonate Price Index across the APAC region, particularly in China, exhibited a downward trend throughout Q2 2025, driven largely by domestic oversupply and aggressive competition among local producers. Despite resilient demand from the battery and coatings segments, oversaturation in the domestic market and softening export margins kept the overall market under pressure. However, by late Q2, pricing began to stabilize, reflecting balanced market fundamentals.
• The Diethyl Carbonate Spot Price in China declined steadily, impacted by intense producer competition, falling raw material costs (like Maleic Anhydride), and subdued export returns. Even with surging New Energy Vehicle (NEV) output, particularly battery electric vehicles, the excess in production and stockpiling led to exporters adopting discounted pricing strategies to retain buyers in India and Europe.
• Into July 2025, the Diethyl Carbonate Price Index in China remained largely stable, supported by continued demand from the battery sector. However, macroeconomic uncertainties and stagnant industrial activity restricted any upward price movement. Export flows, especially to India, persisted at consistent levels, keeping prices from falling further. Thus, no significant change in the price index was noted for July.
• The Diethyl Carbonate Demand Outlook remains cautiously optimistic in China, buoyed by steady EV battery demand and the seasonal push in coatings consumption. However, ongoing trade tensions with the US and the EU could pose headwinds to broader solvent applications. The Diethyl Carbonate Production Cost Trend stayed consistent in Q2 due to subdued energy costs and steady freight conditions across APAC.
North America
• In North America, the Diethyl Carbonate Price Index showcased fluctuating trends during Q2 2025, reflecting varying levels of demand from downstream users and inconsistent import patterns. The absence of large-scale domestic production meant reliance on imports—mainly from APAC—continued to influence spot pricing based on global trade flows.
• The US market’s performance was shaped by mixed macroeconomic signals, including high interest rates, fluctuating freight rates, and uneven industrial activity across states. Battery-grade Diethyl Carbonate demand remained the primary consumption driver, especially in areas with active EV production and energy storage facilities.
• By July 2025, the Diethyl Carbonate Price Index in the US market moved slightly upward, triggered by increased procurement interest in the battery materials segment and mild freight surcharges stemming from global shipping route disruptions. Buyers also reported a preference for securing forward contracts amid cost uncertainty and logistical constraints.
• The Diethyl Carbonate Spot Price in the US was influenced more by global movements and port logistics than domestic trends. While no domestic price point is available, industry feedback confirms that production cost pressures and cautious stock replenishment practices kept the market in flux through July.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, the North American Diethyl Carbonate (DEC) market experienced notable price fluctuations, influenced by varying demand from the lithium-ion battery and electric vehicle (EV) sectors, alongside broader economic factors.
January commenced with a surge in DEC prices, driven by heightened demand from the EV industry, particularly as manufacturers ramped up production to meet year-end targets. The lithium-ion battery sector, a primary consumer of DEC as an electrolyte solvent, also saw increased activity, contributing to the price uptick.
However, February brought a moderation in prices. The EV sector faced challenges due to supply chain disruptions and a temporary slowdown in consumer demand. Additionally, the lithium-ion battery industry experienced a brief lull, attributed to inventory adjustments and cautious procurement strategies. These factors collectively led to a stabilization of DEC prices during this period.
March witnessed a renewed increase in DEC prices. The EV market regained momentum, spurred by favorable government incentives and a rebound in consumer confidence. Simultaneously, the lithium-ion battery sector ramped up production to meet the growing demand, further propelling DEC prices upward.
Overall, Q1 2025 highlighted the sensitivity of the DEC market to the performance of the EV and lithium-ion battery sectors, with prices reflecting the dynamic interplay of demand fluctuations and economic conditions.
APAC
In the APAC region during Q1 2025, the Diethyl Carbonate market experienced subdued demand influenced by stable yet cautious industrial activity, particularly in sectors such as lithium-ion batteries and paints and adhesives. Supply chains remained robust with consistent ethanol availability supporting production, despite some logistical challenges. Market sentiment was generally bearish due to competitive global conditions and lower feedstock costs, while inventory levels were maintained at steady levels. Seasonal factors and automotive sales trends contributed to a nuanced demand landscape, with price fluctuations expected to remain within a narrow range throughout the quarter. In China, Diethyl Carbonate prices declined by 9% from Q4 2024 to Q1 2025, averaging $1203/MT in the current quarter. The intra-quarter price trend was largely flat, with monthly prices showing minimal variation. This softness was primarily driven by a 5.4% reduction in ethanol costs and intensified global competition, exerting downward pressure on export pricing. The overall market trend is bearish, although near-term forecasts suggest limited volatility with stable demand expected to persist.
Europe
The European Diethyl Carbonate market in Q1 2025 is characterized by stable supply chains despite minor logistical constraints, particularly in air freight and trucking. Demand remains closely linked to key end-use sectors such as lithium-ion batteries and paints, with regional variations influenced by automotive sales and industrial activity. Ethanol price reductions have eased production costs, contributing to a generally subdued pricing environment. Market sentiment reflects cautious stability, with inventory levels steady and price fluctuations expected to remain within a narrow range throughout the quarter. In the Netherlands, DEC prices declined by 7.43% from Q4 2024 to Q1 2025, averaging $1333/MT during the current quarter. Monthly prices exhibited a flat intra-quarter trend, reflecting balanced supply-demand dynamics amid minor logistical challenges. The price softness is primarily driven by lower ethanol costs and competitive import conditions, resulting in a bearish to stable market stance. Near-term outlook suggests limited volatility with demand and prices anticipated to fluctuate modestly within a narrow band.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, the Diethyl Carbonate (DEC) market in North America experienced a mixed pricing trend, influenced by a combination of demand and supply dynamics. On the demand side, seasonal fluctuations and strong performance in downstream sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and electronics provided periods of heightened activity, leading to localized price increases. Additionally, the overall economic environment in North America played a pivotal role; regions with robust industrial performance supported demand growth, while areas impacted by economic slowdowns saw subdued market activity.
Supply-side factors also contributed to the mixed trend. Temporary production disruptions, stemming from facility maintenance and sporadic raw material shortages, tightened supply in certain periods, pushing prices upward. Conversely, elevated inventory levels among manufacturers and distributors exerted downward pressure on prices, particularly during periods of weakened demand. Competitive dynamics further influenced pricing, as intensified competition among regional suppliers in some segments stabilized or reduced prices, whereas limited supplier competition in niche applications allowed for price hikes.
Overall, the interplay of these factors resulted in fluctuations across the quarter, with prices reflecting both upward and downward pressures, dependent on localized demand and supply conditions.
APAC
In Q4 2024, Diethyl Carbonate (DEC) prices in the APAC region, particularly in China, India, and the Netherlands, experienced an overall decline driven by a combination of reduced ethanol prices and subdued demand in several key sectors. Early in the quarter, DEC prices surged due to increased production costs and supply constraints in China, coupled with strong demand from the automotive and coatings sectors. However, by November and December, the market saw a significant reversal. The primary factor contributing to the decline was a decrease in ethanol prices, a critical raw material for DEC production, which led to lower production costs and falling import prices in India and the Netherlands. Despite strong growth in the New Energy Vehicle (NEV) sector, which boosted demand for DEC in battery production, overall consumption remained weak in automotive and technical applications. This was compounded by slower economic activity, particularly in industries like construction. As a result, DEC prices fell across all key markets in the region, reflecting the broader global downturn in pricing and demand.
Europe
In Q4 2024, the price trend of Diethyl Carbonate (DEC) in Europe, particularly in the Netherlands, experienced an overall decline due to multiple factors. Throughout the quarter, the market saw a significant reduction in DEC prices across various regions, driven by lower ethanol prices, a key raw material, and reduced demand from major sectors like automotive and technical applications. In October, DEC prices initially surged due to strong demand from automotive and coatings sectors in India, China, and the Netherlands, but the momentum quickly reversed. As production costs declined in China, a leading exporter, and ethanol prices fell, DEC prices in these markets also dropped.
The Netherlands, heavily reliant on imports, saw a price decrease as Chinese export prices dropped, easing procurement costs. Demand in the European region was subdued, particularly in automotive markets, with weaker performance from Germany and France offset by some recovery in Spain. By December, DEC prices dropped further due to continued sluggish demand, despite growth in electric vehicle sales and lithium-ion battery production. Overall, the quarter ended with a bearish outlook for DEC, with prices continuing to decline across key markets.
