For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• EVOH Price Index in North America increased by 0.5% quarter-on-quarter, ending at USD 8,450/MT FOB Texas. However, the overall price decline in the second quarter fueled by global oversupply and weak international competitiveness of US-origin EVOH, particularly in Asian markets, amid stagnant downstream demand and muted domestic spot activity.
• Why did the price of EVOH change in July 2025 in the USA? In early July 2025, EVOH prices stayed suppressed due to high inventories, limited export demand, and buyers’ resistance to long-term commitments ahead of the slow summer season. Despite weather-induced supply challenges, traders adopted a defensive stance, keeping prices in check.
• The EVOH Production Cost Trend rose modestly during the quarter as upstream EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) prices increased since May. However, extreme weather events including floods and wildfires led to logistical disruptions, supplier delays, and increased insurance costs—offsetting the cost inflation with supply tightness.
• EVOH Demand Outlook remained bearish with downstream packaging and automotive sectors underperforming. The packaging industry was constrained by high soft drink inventories and a hand-to-mouth procurement strategy, while the automotive sector saw a 5.6% year-on-year decline in new vehicle sales during June, with import brands hit hardest.
• Export momentum of EVOH from the USA remained subdued. Although May saw a 3.4% uptick in EVOH shipments to South Korea, overall international demand remained weak as buyers shifted preference to Middle Eastern and Chinese suppliers. Tariff-related uncertainty and oversupply in global markets kept US-origin EVOH under competitive pressure.
• Domestic procurement was limited as manufacturers reduced output to avoid inventory buildup. Persistent anti-dumping concerns, container shortages at Port Houston, and adverse weather-related disruptions added to the subdued trading environment. Despite improving business and consumer confidence in June, market activity failed to rebound, signaling no imminent demand recovery.
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
• EVOH Price Index in APAC increased by 0.4% quarter-on-quarter, ending at USD 8,350/MT FOB Osaka. However, the overall price downtrend in the second quarter was driven by persistently weak demand from the packaging and automotive sectors across Asia, despite easing trade tensions and stable upstream costs.
• Why did the price of EVOH change in July 2025 in Japan? In early July 2025, EVOH prices remained under pressure due to seasonal slowdowns in procurement following the Eid al-Adha and Dragon Boat Festival holidays, alongside an oversupplied market and subdued packaging demand.
• The EVOH Production Cost Trend declined moderately as upstream Vinyl Acetate Monomer (VAM) prices softened. Despite maintenance at VAM units, high operating rates (~80%) ensured sufficient feedstock availability, lowering overall conversion costs.
• EVOH Demand Outlook remained weak, with the packaging sector facing excess finished goods inventory and buyers operating on a hand-to-mouth strategy. Export demand was subdued due to soft international sentiment and muted inquiries from Asia, Europe, and the US.
• Export momentum of EVOH from Japan weakened during the quarter, with a 13.7% decline in June exports compared to May, as per Japan Trade Statistics. Eid holidays and cautious buying behavior in key importing countries led to shrinking order volumes and slower trade flows.
• Domestic procurement in Japan saw reduced volumes amid rising inventory levels and a lack of significant spot trading. Although the domestic automotive sector showed improved sales in June, this failed to translate into increased EVOH orders, highlighting a disconnect between downstream recovery and polymer demand.
Europe
• EVOH Price Index in Europe increased by 0.8% quarter-on-quarter, ending at USD 8,510/MT FOB Antwerp. However, the overall price decline in the second quarter, reflected persistent demand weakness, seasonal slowdown, and a gradual easing in feedstock-related supply tightness across the continent.
• Why did the price of EVOH change in July 2025 in Europe? In early July 2025, EVOH prices remained under downward pressure due to the ongoing summer lull in market activity, persistent oversupply, and weak demand from the packaging and automotive sectors. With finished goods inventories high, procurement remained limited despite minor supply relief.
• The EVOH Production Cost Trend softened as upstream EVA prices declined in June. The restart of EVA production at TotalEnergies’ Gonfreville and Versalis’ Dunkirk facilities improved feedstock availability. However, persistent port congestion in Antwerp and Rotterdam extended transit times and disrupted deliveries.
• EVOH Demand Outlook remained fragile. The packaging sector faced sluggish purchasing behavior amid high soft drink inventories, while automotive demand was weighed down by falling vehicle sales and weak economic sentiment. Consumer and business confidence further declined in June, signaling continued market caution.
• Export momentum of EVOH from Belgium showed minor recovery, with an 8% increase in May shipments. However, this uptick did little to alter the broader sentiment, as buyers maintained a defensive stance, deterred by global oversupply and competitive offers from Asia.
• Domestic procurement across Europe stayed subdued due to high inventory levels and seasonal purchasing pauses. Despite easing production constraints, high freight rates, anti-dumping investigations, and a lack of new packaging or automotive orders kept spot market activity low, with sellers focused on contract-based transactions.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
The first quarter of 2025 for the Ethyl Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer (EVOH) market in North America is characterized by increasing prices. Despite a decline in the downstream packaging demand, EVOH prices in the USA increased in January 2025 due to several shutdowns and production disruptions. Mitsubishi Chemical America in La Porte, Texas exerted a force majeure due to cold weather conditions which affected the supply dynamics. Moreover, a significant increase in the feedstock EVA has surged the manufacturing costs during this timeframe.
While the demand for EVOH from the downstream packaging sector was low due to off-seasonality, export reductions and supplier delays, driven by tariff concerns, hindered trade which led manufacturers to stabilize the EVOH prices in February 2025.
Moreover, Hurricane-force winds in Texas during early March 2025 triggered a force majeure at several major VAM production facilities, including Celanese Corporation (Units 1 & 2) and Millenium Petrochemicals further contributed to an increase in EVOH prices during March 2025. As per ChemAnalyst data, the EVOH prices in the USA have risen by 11.4% quarterly.
APAC
The first quarter of 2025 for the Ethyl Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer (EVOH) market in the APAC region witnessed a significant price surge due to the tight flow of goods. EVOH supply from Japan to Indonesia remained tight during January 2025 due to production disruptions. Moreover, a significant increase in the feedstock EVA prices has surged the manufacturing costs. At the same time, suppliers' delivery times lengthened due to a small tsunami followed by an earthquake seismic event over the eastern coast of Miyazaki, Japan which affected intra-Asian logistics. While the demand from the downstream packaging sector was low, a slowdown in export volume from Japan amid low production rates led to stable EVOH prices in Indonesia during February 2025. Furthermore, the EVOH prices in Indonesia again rebounded in March 2025 despite a decrease in freight charges. An announcement by Kuraray, a major EVOH manufacturer in Japan, to increase its prices influenced the EVOH trend in importing nations as well to settle at USD 8640/MT, EVOH, CFR Tanjung.
Europe
The first quarter of 2025 for the Ethyl Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer (EVOH) market in Europe witnessed a significant increase. Despite a low demand from the downstream packaging sector, the price trend has showcased a remarkable upward trajectory in January 2025. This upward trend was not attributed to the demand, but the rising feedstock EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) prices. While the EVOH prices were stable in Belgium during February 2025, the overall market supply was tight due to reduced availability of the feedstock EVA. TotalEnergies declared force majeure on its EVA supply from its Gonfreville site on February 11th, citing unforeseen plant breakdowns. This outage severely limited the availability of EVA grades, making it difficult for the company to meet contractual obligations within Europe. Moreover, Celanese, a major producer, announced a price increase for vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) and its derivative in March 2025 within the Western Hemisphere which surged the production costs of EVOH along with the improvement in demand during this timeframe. As per ChemAnalyst data, the EVOH prices in Belgium have risen by 11.9% quarterly.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
The fourth quarter of 2024 for Ethyl Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer (EVOH) in North America characterized by decreasing prices. EVOH prices in the USA remained stable in October 2024. Sufficient spot supply and subdued off-season packaging demand limited upward price pressure. Declining freight charges due to the end of peak shipping season further eased price pressure and lower feedstock (EVA) prices reduced manufacturing costs.
However, these downward pressures were offset by an increased supplier delivery delay. Rebounding demand from the automotive sector fueled positive consumer sentiment amidst the Presidential Election uncertainty which led manufacturers to keep the price trend stable during October 2024.
While ample domestic supply and weak downstream packaging demand kept the market fundamental at a lower end during November 2024. Moreover, the decline in feedstock ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) prices further eased the manufacturing costs. Several market players believe ample domestic supply has prevented significant price increases. Spot activity remains limited with consumers focusing on contractual commitments which led to oversupply in the market.
APAC
The fourth quarter of 2024 for Ethyl Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer (EVOH) in APAC region witnessed a complex interplay of factors influencing prices. October saw relative stability amid sufficient spot supply and the off-season packaging and automotive demand are limiting upward price momentum. Moreover, a decline in the freight charges due to the end of peak shipping season has reduced the demand for shipping containers. Despite the downward pressure, the prices have remained unchanged during October due to a rise in the feedstock ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) prices which surged the manufacturing costs. Several units including Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation in Japan have kept the EVOH plant under maintenance which somewhat balanced the downward supply pressure. However, November brought renewed downward pressure. Ample domestic supply and weak downstream packaging demand created a surplus in the market. Declining feedstock (EVA) prices further reduced manufacturing costs. Market players attributed the lack of significant price increases to the ample domestic supply. Spot activity remained subdued as consumers prioritized contractual commitments, further contributing to the oversupply situation in EVOH market.
Europe
The fourth quarter of 2024 for Ethyl Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer (EVOH) in Europe witnessed a mixed trend influencing prices. October saw relative stability, despite downward pressures from ample spot supply, reduced off-season packaging demand, and declining freight costs. These were offset by increased supplier delivery delays, a rebounding automotive sector, and positive consumer sentiment, prompting manufacturers to maintain stable prices. However, November brought renewed downward pressure. Ample domestic supply and weak downstream packaging demand created a surplus in the market. Declining feedstock (EVA) prices further reduced manufacturing costs. Market players attributed the lack of significant price increases to the ample domestic supply. Spot activity remained subdued as consumers prioritized contractual commitments, further contributing to the oversupply situation during November 2024. However, unexpectedly, EVOH prices in December 2024 remained unchanged due to rise in freight charges and port congestion due to extreme weather conditions which offset the declining trend. Henceforth, the EVOH prices in Belgium remained stable during December 2024 to settle at USD 7450/MT, FOB Antwerp followed by a decline in prices.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
The third quarter of 2024 for Ethyl Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer (EVOH) in North America witnessed a challenging market environment characterized by decreasing prices. Several significant factors influenced market prices during this period. Supply pressure due to lower demand from downstream industries, particularly the packaging sector, led to a global oversupply of EVOH. Weak consumer spending sentiment, high borrowing rates, and decreased production costs further contributed to the declining prices.
Despite previous market expectations of a demand pickup in September, driven by buyers preparing for the winter holidays, demand has remained consistently slow. This has put sustained pressure on the EVOH market, with overall market transactions remaining low which led producers to lower their offer levels, further contributing to the price slump during September 2024.
In the USA, the market experienced the most significant price changes, with a notable -4% decrease from the previous quarter. The quarter ended with EVOH priced at USD 8100/MT FOB Texas in the USA, reflecting the prevailing negative sentiment in the pricing environment.
APAC
The third quarter of 2024 has been challenging for the Ethyl Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer (EVOH) market in the APAC region, with prices experiencing a significant decrease. Various factors have contributed to this trend, including oversupply in the market and reduced demand from downstream industries. These challenges have led to a bearish market sentiment, impacting pricing dynamics. In Japan, the market has seen the most significant price changes, reflecting the overall downward trend in the region. Japan's EVOH prices have been influenced by similar factors, with lower production costs due to low priced feedstock ethylene vinyl acetate and weak demand contributing to the price decline. The correlation between these factors and the price changes has been evident throughout the quarter, showcasing a consistent negative trend. Additionally, the price change from the previous quarter in 2024 recorded at -5% highlights the ongoing downward trajectory. The quarter-ending price of USD 7950/MT of Ethyl Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer FOB Osaka in Japan reflects the overall decreasing pricing environment.
Europe
In Q3 2024, the Ethyl Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer (EVOH) market in Europe experienced a significant downtrend due to reduced purchasing power amid high energy costs and economic slump. Despite certain logistical challenges, the price of ethyl vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) in France showed a declining trend in July 2024. Overproduction of EVOH occurred globally during this period due to lower production costs from an excess of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and weak demand from the downstream packaging sector led to price slump. The summer holiday season and the poor economic conditions throughout Europe severely reduced demand in August as the recovery of demand in September has not gone as smoothly as anticipated. The global ease in freight charges has provided some respite to the supply chain further impacting the EVOH market. Additionally, the buying appetite for import material has also been minimal, as there is no arbitrage from Asia registered despite storms and Typhoon during September 2024. European EVOH makers remain well-supplied domestically, further limiting the need for imports during this timeframe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. What is the current price of EVOH in APAC?
By the end of Q2 2025, EVOH prices in Japan stood at approximately USD 8,350/MT FOB Osaka.
2. What is the current price of EVOH in North America?
By the end of Q2 2025, EVOH prices in the USA stood at approximately USD 8,450/MT FOB Texas.
3. What is the current price of EVOH in Europe?
By the end of Q2 2025, EVOH prices in Belgium stood at approximately USD 8,510/MT FOB Antwerp.
4. Why did EVOH prices change in July 2025?
• APAC: Prices remained under pressure due to seasonal slowdowns, high inventory levels, and muted demand from the packaging sector, despite sufficient upstream supply and stable operating rates.
• North America: Prices remained weak as demand from packaging and automotive sectors continued to be subdued, while elevated feedstock costs and weather-related logistics disruptions offered limited support.
• Europe: Prices continued to decline slightly amid weak market momentum, seasonal holiday demand dips, and competitive import pressures, despite improved feedstock availability and ongoing port congestion.
