For the Quarter Ending June 2025
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
• The Epichlorohydrin Price Index in APAC increased by 1.9% in Q2. Prices settled at USD 1220/MT FOB Ningbo by the end of June 2025.
• Prices were volatile across the quarter. Early declines were driven by weak demand and falling feedstock costs, while late-June saw a 1.4% increase due to higher propylene and glycerol prices and reduced spot availability.
• Why did the price of Epichlorohydrin change in July 2025 in China? Prices remained range-bound in early July as upstream cost support persisted, but sluggish epoxy resin demand and high inventory levels capped gains.
• The Epichlorohydrin Production Cost Trend was shaped by rebounding crude and propylene prices, along with tight glycerol supply. However, weak downstream demand and reduced operating rates at several Epichlorohydrin units kept cost-push impacts in check.
• Epichlorohydrin Demand Outlook remained weak in Q2. Epoxy resin producers operated at 50–60% rates amid soft demand from paints, coatings, and export sectors. Post-festival slowdown and tariff uncertainty further dampened procurement.
• Export momentum of Epichlorohydrin slowed, with overseas buyers cautious due to trade tensions and unstable demand across India and Southeast Asia.
• Domestic procurement in China was conservative and cost-sensitive, driven by limited end-use demand, oversupply, and weak confidence in the downstream epoxy resin and coating sectors.
North America
• The Epichlorohydrin Price Index in North America increased by 3.2% on a quarter-on-quarter basis. Prices settled at USD 2029/MT CFR USA by the end of June 2025.
• However, prices were stable due to low epoxy resin demand, declining feedstock propylene prices, and bearish sentiment. Surging imports from South Korea and rising freight costs offset downward pressure.
• Why did the price of Epichlorohydrin change in July 2025 in the USA? Prices stayed flat in early July as forward-buying ahead of tariff hikes and higher freight from Asia balanced weak demand and favorable feedstock costs.
• The Epichlorohydrin Production Cost Trend was shaped by low propylene prices and high operating rates in South Korea, while increased freight and port congestion raised delivered costs to the U.S.
• The Epichlorohydrin Demand Outlook remained soft. Downstream epoxy resin and paints & coatings sectors showed sluggish recovery amid high construction costs, interest rates, and trade uncertainties.
• Export momentum into the USA surged from South Korea in May due to tariff shifts, but this was driven more by strategic stockpiling than real-time demand.
• Domestic procurement in the U.S. was cautious. Buyers limited purchases to essentials amid poor housing sentiment, project delays, and broader economic concerns.
Europe
• The Epichlorohydrin Price Index in Germany declined by 2% on a quarter-on-quarter basis, settling at USD 1915/MT FOB Hamburg by the end of June 2025. Despite declining feedstock propylene prices and soft demand, logistical bottlenecks offset downward price pressure.
• Prices showed no notable volatility throughout Q2 and remained stable due to weak demand from epoxy resin and construction sectors, countered by disruptions at key European ports such as Antwerp, Rotterdam, and Bremerhaven.
• Why did the price of Epichlorohydrin change in July 2025 in Germany? Early July saw continued rollover pricing amid unchanged demand conditions and lingering port congestion. Any drop in feedstock prices was neutralized by transportation challenges.
• The Epichlorohydrin Production Cost Trend was influenced by declining propylene costs and high feedstock inventories. However, no Epichlorohydrin plant shutdowns in Europe ensured steady production levels.
• The Epichlorohydrin Demand Outlook remained bearish. End-use industries such as epoxy resin, construction, and paints & coatings witnessed ongoing stagnation, with no significant recovery in new orders or project activity.
• Downstream sectors reported cautious procurement and stock replenishment only on a need basis, as trade and tariff uncertainties persisted despite temporary tariff pauses.
• Domestic and regional shipments were heavily affected by Rhine River water levels, labor strikes, and inland transport delays, compelling sellers to maintain price stability rather than risk margin loss.
South America
• The Epichlorohydrin Price Index in Brazil declined by 3.5% QoQ, settling at USD 2157/MT CFR Santos by the end of June 2025. Lower feedstock propylene prices and weak demand pressured prices throughout the quarter.
• Prices fell steadily in May and early June due to cheaper Asian imports and subdued demand. Port congestion and rising freight from Asia limited further downside later in the second quarter.
• Why did the price of Epichlorohydrin change in July 2025 in Brazil? Prices remained range-bound in early July as buyers continued cautious procurement. High inventories and soft construction demand were balanced by persistent logistical delays and freight cost support.
• The Epichlorohydrin Production Cost Trend was shaped by low feedstock prices and high propylene operating rates in Asia, with Chinese and South Korean plants recovering from shutdowns, boosting supply.
• The Epichlorohydrin Demand Outlook was weak in Q2 due to sluggish epoxy resin and paints & coatings sectors. Brazil’s housing and construction markets showed limited recovery amid inflation, high interest rates, and weak confidence.
• Export momentum from China and South Korea to Brazil increased post-maintenance, but demand-side weakness kept buying volumes low.
• Domestic procurement in Brazil remained conservative. Importers placed replenishment orders only on a need basis due to tariff uncertainties, bearish sentiment, and soft end-user sectors.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
Throughout Q1 2025, the Epichlorohydrin prices in North America witnessed a significant downtrend of 9.4% as compared to the last quarter of 2024. During January 2025, epichlorohydrin prices in the USA declined due to softening demand and ample supply. Throughout the quarter, the downstream epoxy resin sector, which is the major consumer of ECH, showed minimal activity. The slow restart of operations after the winter holidays in the epoxy sector further weakened the demand.
On the supply side, the situation eased significantly. New production capacities in China came online, reducing global supply pressure. Shipping bottlenecks also improved, especially after the Lunar New Year, as freight rates dropped, and container availability increased in February 2025. The US construction industry, a key end-use sector for epoxy resins, remained sluggish. Seasonal factors, high mortgage rates, and economic uncertainty discouraged new construction activity.
However, by late March, uncertainty around potential tariffs led some importers to adjust their buying strategies, which contributed to a slight rebound in ECH prices. This rebound is not enough to offset the downtrend of epichlorohydrin prices in the USA.
APAC
During Q1 2025, the Epichlorohydrin price in Asia witnessed a significant incline in prices followed by a downward trend. Early January saw a brief rebound in epichlorohydrin prices in South Korea due to higher feedstock propylene prices and restocking activity ahead of the Lunar New Year. Despite low demand from the construction sector and the impact of anti-dumping duties from India, producers increased prices to offset rising production expenses. However, as mid-January arrived, the market started to soften. The Lunar New Year holiday period brought temporary closures in February 2025, lower trade activity and minimal new orders with existing inventories were sufficient to meet demand. Demand from downstream sectors, especially epoxy resin, and construction, remained weak throughout most of the quarter. However, in March, the epichlorohydrin prices began to shift sharply. Rising global trade tensions, especially the implementation of tariffs on Chinese ECH, prompted a change in import strategies. Buyers began sourcing more from alternative suppliers, including South Korea, leading to a surge in orders and a renewed upward trend in the market. The epichlorohydrin prices have increased by 2% in the first quarter of 2025 as compared to the last quarter of 2024.
Europe
Throughout Q1 2025, Epichlorohydrin prices in Europe experienced a profound decline in prices by 3.6% as compared to the previous quarter of 2024. At the beginning of January, the Epichlorohydrin prices in Germany remained under pressure despite rising production costs due to an increase in feedstock propylene prices. The demand from key downstream sectors like construction, epoxy resin, and paints and coatings stayed subdued. Although port congestion and logistical delays were present, they were not significant enough to disrupt the abundant supply. As February progressed, demand from the epoxy resin sector remained soft, largely influenced by the Lunar New Year slowdown in Asia, which affected global consumption patterns. Many buyers relied on existing stocks and made only minimal purchases. In March, although supply became tighter due to logistical issues and a shift in trade dynamics, demand remained too low to drive prices up. The downstream construction sector continued to struggle, especially in Germany, where building activity faced a sharp contraction. Paints and coatings also saw little improvement, with most companies maintaining a cautious approach.
South America
Throughout the first quarter of 2025, Epichlorohydrin prices in South America experienced a notable decline of 9.3% compared to the previous quarter. In January, Epichlorohydrin prices fell in Brazil due to weak demand and abundant supply. The epoxy resin sector, ECH's primary downstream consumer, showed limited activity, with a slow post-holiday restart further dampening demand. On the supply front, conditions improved considerably. The addition of new production capacities in China eased global supply pressure, while shipping bottlenecks began to clear following the Lunar New Year. This led to a drop in freight rates and better container availability, especially in February. Meanwhile, the Brazilian construction sector, a significant consumer of epoxy resins, remained underwhelming. However, toward the end of March, market uncertainty surrounding possible tariffs prompted some importers to adjust their purchasing strategies, causing a modest price to rebound. This late recovery was insufficient to reverse the overall downward trend in Epichlorohydrin prices across the quarter. As per ChemAnalyst, the Epichlorohydrin prices in Brazil settled at USD 2420/ MT CFR Santos during the concluding week of March 2025.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
Throughout Q4 2024, the Epichlorohydrin market in North America witnessed a significant uptrend in imported prices. In October, typhoon Bebinca disrupted the supply chain activity from China to the USA. Moreover, several ECH plant closures in China have led to a decline in the obtainability of available stocks. Additionally, the strike at the International Longshoreman's Association (ILA) ports and the devastation caused by the Hurricane disrupted the supply chain values. Moreover, the Federal Bank decided to cut the interest rate which boosted the demand and increased the consumer sentiments from the downstream construction sector.
Simultaneously, due to the rebound in the downstream construction sector, the sales volume of ECH surged in November. The Election uncertainty has increased consumer sentiments from the downstream paints and coating sector which created an upward pressure on the overall market.
Furthermore, the implementation of anti-dumping duties on Indian ECH imports compelled Chinese suppliers to increase their quoted prices in December as well. This increase, coupled with higher import costs, contributed to the upward pressure on ECH prices in the USA.
APAC
Throughout Q4 2024, the Epichlorohydrin market in Asia witnessed a significant incline in prices. During October 2024, the post-National Day holiday celebrated in Taiwan and China, consumer sentiments have increased from the downstream paints and coating sector in the Asian market which created an upward pressure on the ECH inquiries. Moreover, the continuous surge in the feedstock Propylene prices in October has increased the manufacturing costs of ECH during this timeframe. The imposition of anti-dumping duties during November 2024 on ECH imports from China, South Korea, and Thailand by the Indian government has had a profound impact on the global Epichlorohydrin market. The additional costs associated with the anti-dumping duties have been passed on to importers, leading to higher FOB prices for Epichlorohydrin from South Korea. The ECH prices in South Korea have continued to showcase a bullish trend during December 2024 despite the low demand from the downstream construction sector. The supply of Epichlorohydrin within the domestic market was tight due to several maintenance shutdowns which created a shortage of available spot goods.
Europe
Throughout Q4 2024, the Epichlorohydrin market in Europe experienced a profound decline in prices influenced by several significant factors. In October, a decline in the feedstock Propylene prices declined the manufacturing costs. Moreover, the resolution of a port strike eased supply pressures and reduced freight charges which made imported ECH prices lower. The low demand from the construction industry, driven by factors such as declining construction spending, sluggish housing demand, economic slowdown, and inflationary pressures, impacted ECH orders to remain low. The ECH prices in Europe including Germany have continued their downtrend during November 2024 amid a low performance in the downstream construction sector. The consumer sentiments remained lulled amid a surge in the inflation rate. Moreover, in December, European ECH markets continued to see quiet spot activity driven by a general slowdown ahead of the winter downturn which limited the need for goods from the downstream paints and coating industry. Henceforth, despite the increasing congestion due to the rail car front, the market continued to face downward pressure.
South America
The South American Epichlorohydrin market experienced a significant uptick in imported prices throughout the fourth quarter of 2024. In October, a confluence of events disrupted the global supply chain, driving prices higher. Firstly, Typhoon Bebinca severely disrupted supply chain activity from China to Brazil. Secondly, several ECH plant closures in China led to a decline in available stock, further tightening supply. Producers of goods observed an increase in delivery delays on the supply side, brought on by delayed international logistics, traffic at Asian ports, and distributor shortages of essential supplies. In November, the market witnessed a surge in ECH sales volume, driven by a rebound in the downstream construction sector which boosted consumer sentiment within the downstream paints and coatings sector, creating an upward pressure on overall market demand. However, the market dynamics shifted toward bearishness in December 2024 despite the increase in the feedstock Propylene prices. Moreover, the end-of-year destocking season has led several manufacturers to clear their inventory levels to avoid taxation which further eroded the market sentiments.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
Throughout Q3 2024, the Epichlorohydrin market in North America witnessed a significant decline in prices. However, during July, rising production expenses, driven by increased raw material Propylene costs and logistical challenges, contributed to an upward pricing trajectory.
The pricing dynamics reversed in a backward direction in August due to an oversupply of Epichlorohydrin in the market, coupled with weakening demand from sectors like construction and coatings, which exerted downward pressure on prices during September 2024. Moreover, a brief Canadian rail lockout and the threat of an ILA port worker strike added to market uncertainty and decreased purchases. A slowing US job market, with weaker-than-expected job growth in August, indicates an economic slowdown.
In the USA specifically, the market experienced the most significant price fluctuations. The quarter saw a notable -2% decline from the previous quarter in 2024. Furthermore, there was a distinct -5% price variance between the first and second halves of the quarter. The quarter concluded with Epichlorohydrin priced at USD 2027/MT CFR New Jersey, reflecting the overall downward trajectory in pricing.
APAC
Throughout Q3 2024, the Epichlorohydrin market in Asia witnessed a significant incline in prices, followed by a downtrend. In July, the Epichlorohydrin prices declined due to low demand from the downstream paints and coating industries. Capacity utilization remained below half, and producers adopted a largely order-fulfillment approach, displaying a lack of urgency to adjust pricing. Moreover, several downstream epoxy resin buyers maintained a cautious stance, which contributed to a downward pricing trajectory. However, The ECH market in South Korea experienced a price increase during September due to supply disruptions. Longer delivery times hurt the South Korean market even though the rainfall has decreased resulting in an upward trajectory. These rising costs put pressure on manufacturers, forcing some to increase their prices. In late August, multiple production enterprises underwent equipment maintenance, resulting in a tight market supply. Henceforth, despite the reduced production costs, the ECH market witnessed price hikes primarily driven by supply chain disruptions. The quarter concluded with Epichlorohydrin priced at USD 1105/MT FOB, Busan, South Korea, reflecting the overall upward trajectory in pricing.
Europe
Throughout Q3 2024, the Epichlorohydrin market in Europe experienced a decline in prices influenced by several significant factors. However, during July, logistical issues, such as increased freight rates from Asia to Europe, added to the inflated costs, impacting overall market dynamics toward bullishness. Nevertheless, a notable factor was the persistent low demand from downstream industries, particularly in the construction and paints and coatings sectors. This subdued demand created a surplus in supply, leading to a price decrease during August 2024. A significant drop in new business indicates that weak demand circumstances were the main cause of the slump as declines in housing activity during September 2024. In the Netherlands specifically, the market saw the most significant price changes within the region. Compared to the previous quarter in 2024, there was a recorded -2% change, indicating a consistent decline. Moreover, the second half of the quarter saw a notable -4% drop compared to the first half. The quarter-ending price for Epichlorohydrin CFR Rotterdam in the Netherlands stood at USD 2139/MT, reflecting the overall negative and decreasing sentiment in the pricing environment.
South America
Amidst a challenging quarter for Epichlorohydrin in South America, market prices have witnessed a significant decline. However, in July, growing manufacturing costs, caused by higher prices for the feedstock propylene and logistical difficulties pushed the prices upward. Nevertheless, due to an excess of epichlorohydrin in the market and declining demand from industries including coatings and construction, pricing dynamics reverted to a downward trajectory in August, which continued into September 2024. These factors have created a negative pricing environment, impacting market sentiment across the region. In the case of Brazil, which experienced the most significant price changes, the Epichlorohydrin market has been marked by, a -1% decline from the previous quarter in 2024 further underscoring the challenging market conditions. Notably, the second half of the quarter recorded a substantial -5% price difference compared to the first half, indicating a deepening of the downward trend. As the quarter drew to a close, Epichlorohydrin prices in Brazil stood at USD 2551/MT, signaling a continued negative trajectory in pricing dynamics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. What is the current price of Epichlorohydrin in APAC?
By the end of Q2 2025, Epichlorohydrin prices in China stood at approximately USD 1220/MT FOB Ningbo.
2. What is the current price of Epichlorohydrin in North America?
By the end of Q2 2025, Epichlorohydrin prices in the USA stood at approximately USD 2029/MT CFR USA.
3. What is the current price of Epichlorohydrin in Europe?
By the end of Q2 2025, Epichlorohydrin prices in Germany stood at approximately USD 1915/MT FOB Hamburg.
4. What is the current price of Epichlorohydrin in South America?
By the end of Q2 2025, Epichlorohydrin prices in Brazil stood at approximately USD 2157/MT CFR Santos.
5. Why did Epichlorohydrin prices change in July 2025?
• APAC: Prices remained range-bound in early July. Upstream support from firm crude and propylene prices persisted, but weak epoxy resin demand and high inventories limited any price rise.
• North America: Prices held steady as pre-tariff stockpiling and higher freight costs offset weak downstream demand and favorable feedstock dynamics.
• Europe: Prices remained unchanged in early July. Despite lower propylene prices, persistent port congestion and sluggish downstream demand discouraged any pricing shift.
• South America: Prices were range-bound in early July. While buyer caution, high inventories, and soft construction demand persisted, logistical delays and elevated freight costs provided price support.
