For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Ethylene Carbonate Prices in APAC
- In China, the Ethylene Carbonate Price Index rose by 23.54% quarter-over-quarter, supported by battery demand.
- The average Ethylene Carbonate price for the quarter was approximately USD 862.33/MT, FOB Qingdao assessed.
- Ethylene Carbonate Spot Price tightened as allocations to battery makers reduced prompt parcels and liquidity.
- Ethylene Carbonate Price Forecast suggests modest upside; freight and feedstock pressures combine with electrolyte demand.
- Ethylene Carbonate Production Cost Trend rose from firmer ethylene oxide and coal-derived feedstock, pressuring margins.
- Ethylene Carbonate Demand Outlook remains firm for battery electrolytes despite industrial slowing and restrained exports.
- Ethylene Carbonate Price Index showed volatility; Middle East shipping risks elevated freight and insurance premiums.
- Inventory accumulation in the quarter increased prompt availability, prompting sellers to offer competitively and soften.
Why did the price of Ethylene Carbonate change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Surging battery electrolyte demand tightened prompt availability, shifting allocations to cell makers and lifting prices.
- New Chinese capacity additions and domestic run-rates increased inventories, intensifying supplier competition and downward pressure.
- The Middle East conflict raised freight and insurance costs, increasing replacement costs and narrowing export competitiveness.
Ethylene Carbonate Prices in North America
- Ethylene Carbonate Price Index in North America trended moderately higher through Q1 2026, supported by firm demand from lithium-ion battery electrolyte producers, lubricant additives, and high-performance surface coatings.
- Ethylene Carbonate Spot Price strength was most visible in battery-grade material, where EV and stationary-storage demand kept high-purity volumes at a premium to industrial grades.
- A constructive Ethylene Carbonate Demand Outlook was underpinned by expanding EV and energy-storage capacity, steady automotive and industrial lubricant demand, and stable pull from specialty coatings and plasticizer applications.
- The Ethylene Carbonate Production Cost Trend moved slightly upward, as firmer ethylene oxide and still-elevated utilities/logistics costs filtered into producer cash costs, lending cost-push support to the regional Price Index.
- Market participants maintained a bullish-to-cautious Ethylene Carbonate Price Forecast for the remainder of 2026, expecting continued support from battery and lubricant demand while monitoring potential new capacity and imports that could cap aggressive Price Index gains.
- Established battery and chemical hubs in the US and Canada reported balanced-to-tight availability for battery-grade material, whereas industrial-grade supply for lubricants, coatings, and plasticizers remained adequate, creating a two-tier structure within the overall Price Index.
Why did the price of Ethylene Carbonate change in March 2026 in North America?
- In March 2026, the North American Ethylene Carbonate Price Index increased, driven by a ramp-up in lithium-ion battery electrolyte production for EVs and grid-scale storage, which strengthened the Ethylene Carbonate Demand Outlook.
- Short-term tightening from maintenance and qualification-related constraints at selected ethylene carbonate and ethylene-oxide units lifted the Ethylene Carbonate Spot Price, especially for ultra-high-purity grades.
- A modest rise in ethylene-oxide feedstock and associated energy costs nudged the Ethylene Carbonate Production Cost Trend higher, giving producers cost-push justification and reinforcing a firmer Ethylene Carbonate Price Forecast into Q2 2026.
Ethylene Carbonate Prices in Europe
- The Ethylene Carbonate Price Index in Europe was broadly stable to slightly bearish over Q1 2026, as steady demand from EV battery electrolytes, industrial solvents, and specialty formulations was offset by cautious procurement amid macro uncertainty.
- Ethylene Carbonate Spot Price movements remained subdued, with most battery and lubricant volumes covered under contracts; spot activity was concentrated in incremental needs for coatings, plasticizers, and specialty solvents.
- The regional Ethylene Carbonate Demand Outlook was mixed: structural support from electrification and energy-storage policies persisted, but weaker-than-expected EV sales growth and delayed battery-plant ramp-ups tempered near-term offtake.
- The Ethylene Carbonate Production Cost Trend stayed relatively flat, as softer ethylene-oxide feedstock prices were partially offset by higher energy, carbon-compliance, and regulatory costs, limiting any strong cost-driven uplift in the Price Index.
- A cautious Ethylene Carbonate Price Forecast for the rest of 2026 prevailed, with buyers expecting range-bound Price Index behavior until EV and battery demand re-accelerate or supply tightens meaningfully.
- Adequate regional production and imports, combined with conservative inventory strategies by battery and chemical producers, kept supply comfortable and constrained any significant upside in the European Price Index.
Why did the price of Ethylene Carbonate change in March 2026 in Europe?
- In March 2026, the European Ethylene Carbonate Price Index edged down slightly, as slower-than-anticipated EV and battery-electrolyte orders softened the short-term Ethylene Carbonate Demand Outlook.
- Stable-to-softer ethylene-oxide and power costs kept the Ethylene Carbonate Production Cost Trend flat to marginally lower, removing cost-push support for higher prices.
- Comfortable regional supply and ample spot availability weighed on the Ethylene Carbonate Spot Price, prompting competitive offers and reinforcing the mild month-on-month decline in the Price Index.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
Ethylene Carbonate Prices in APAC
- In China, the Ethylene Carbonate Price Index rose by 16.08% quarter-over-quarter, supported by battery demand.
- The average Ethylene Carbonate price for the quarter was approximately USD 698.00/MT, reported FOB Qingdao.
- Ethylene Carbonate Spot Price strengthened as inventories tightened and exporters booked barrels, limiting prompt availability.
- Ethylene Carbonate Price Forecast indicates near-term gains tempered by upcoming plant restarts and feedstock flows.
- Ethylene Carbonate Production Cost Trend showed rising coal-based ethylene oxide, elevating cash costs, firming offers.
- Ethylene Carbonate Demand Outlook strong as EV and ESS sustain electrolyte procurement, supporting production levels.
- Ethylene Carbonate Price Index volatility increased at quarter-end due to export loadings and tighter availability.
- Major domestic producers ran high operating rates post-turnarounds, limiting spot volumes and prompting contract coverage.
Why did the price of Ethylene Carbonate change in December 2025 in APAC?
- Export bookings absorbed incremental supply, and inventories fell below coverage, tightening availability and elevating prices.
- Rising coal-based ethylene oxide costs and firmer steam tariffs increased cash costs, pressuring producer margins.
- Strong year-end electrolyte procurement by battery makers, supported by NEV sales, intensified downstream offtake significantly.
Ethylene Carbonate Prices in Europe
- In Europe, Ethylene Carbonate demand is driven by EV battery electrolytes, industrial solvents, and specialty chemical formulations, linking its market closely to automotive electrification trends.
- The Ethylene Carbonate Price Index in Q4 2025 showed a bearish trend, influenced by weak EV sales growth and delayed battery plant ramp-ups.
- The Ethylene Carbonate Spot Price declined steadily as buyers adopted conservative procurement strategies amid macroeconomic uncertainty.
- In December 2025, prices decreased, primarily due to seasonal demand slowdown, excess spot availability, and reduced offtake from battery electrolyte producers.
- The Ethylene Carbonate Production Cost Trend remained mixed, with lower feedstock prices partially offset by higher energy and compliance costs in Europe.
- The Ethylene Carbonate Demand Outlook remains subdued in the short term, though structural growth from energy storage and EV policies supports longer-term demand.
- The Ethylene Carbonate Price Forecast suggests prices may remain range-bound in early 2026 until downstream demand improves.
Why did the price of Ethylene Carbonate change in December 2025 in Europe?
- The Ethylene Carbonate Price Index declined due to year-end demand slowdown from battery and industrial solvent consumers.
- Excess spot supply and delayed restocking by electrolyte manufacturers pressured the Ethylene Carbonate Spot Price.
- Softer upstream feedstock prices reduced cost support despite relatively high production expenses.
Ethylene Carbonate Prices in North America
- Ethylene Carbonate is widely used as a key solvent in lithium-ion battery electrolytes, as well as in lubricants, plasticizers, gas separation membranes, and pharmaceutical intermediates, making battery demand the primary price driver.
- During Q4 2025, the Ethylene Carbonate Price Index in North America showed a slightly bearish to stable trend, reflecting moderate supply availability and cautious downstream procurement.
- The Ethylene Carbonate Spot Price softened during October and November as battery manufacturers slowed purchasing due to sufficient inventories and delayed EV production schedules.
- In December 2025, the Price Index declined, driven by year-end destocking, reduced battery electrolyte demand, and lower ethylene oxide feedstock costs.
- The Ethylene Carbonate Production Cost Trend improved marginally as energy prices stabilized and upstream petrochemical inputs softened, reducing cost pressure on producers.
- The Ethylene Carbonate Demand Outlook remains moderate, supported by long-term battery investments, though near-term demand recovery is expected to be gradual.
- According to the Ethylene Carbonate Price Forecast, prices are expected to stabilize in early 2026 as restocking resumes and battery production ramps up.
Why did the price of Ethylene Carbonate change in December 2025 in North America?
- Aggressive destocking by battery producers reduced spot market demand.
- A favorable Ethylene Carbonate Production Cost Trend allowed suppliers to lower prices.
- Slower EV production schedules weakened the short-term Ethylene Carbonate Demand Outlook.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
APAC
- In China, the Ethylene Carbonate Price Index fell by 10.02% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weaker export demand.
- The average Ethylene Carbonate price for the quarter was approximately USD 601.33/MT, reflecting EV demand.
- Ethylene Carbonate Spot Price remained range-bound as producers passed through steady ethylene oxide feedstock costs.
- Ethylene Carbonate Price Index showed downward pressure from subdued exports despite high coastal plant operating rates.
- Ethylene Carbonate Production Cost Trend was neutral as ethylene oxide and CO2 feedstocks stayed steady.
- Ethylene Carbonate Demand Outlook remains steady with robust EV and ESS procurement offsetting cautious buying.
- Ethylene Carbonate Price Forecast indicates modest upside from restocking, balanced by ample inventories and market competition.
- Ethylene Carbonate Price Index volatility was limited by comfortable inventories, smooth logistics, and steady coastal plant operations.
Why did the price of Ethylene Carbonate change in September 2025 in APAC?
- Balanced supply-demand as high plant run-rates met resilient EV demand, capping any significant price increases.
- Stable feedstock ethylene oxide and CO2 costs kept production expenses contained, limiting upward pricing pressure.
- Just-in-time procurement and subdued export spot buying reduced transactional volumes, exerting mild downward pressure on.
North America
- Ethylene Carbonate Spot Price in North America remained relatively firm through Q3 2025, supported by stable demand from lithium-ion battery manufacturers and industrial lubricants sectors.
- The Price Index showed a mild upward trend in July and August, but declined slightly in September 2025 due to easing feedstock costs and moderate downstream restocking activity.
- Key downstream uses of Ethylene Carbonate include electrolyte solvents in lithium-ion batteries, plasticizers, lubricants, and surface coatings, with battery applications dominating demand.
- The Ethylene Carbonate Production Cost Trend eased in September due to lower ethylene oxide prices and improved plant utilization rates, contributing to the slight price dip.
- The Ethylene Carbonate Demand Outlook remains positive, driven by robust EV sales and expanding energy storage projects, though Q3 saw a temporary slowdown in procurement due to inventory saturation.
- The Ethylene Carbonate Price Forecast for Q4 2025 suggests a rebound, supported by seasonal demand recovery and tightening supply from planned maintenance turnarounds.
Why did the price of Ethylene Carbonate change in September 2025 in North America?
- A decline in ethylene oxide prices, a primary raw material, reduced overall production costs, contributing to a softer Ethylene Carbonate Spot Price and a downward shift in the Price Index.
- Higher operating rates at production facilities enhanced supply availability, which, combined with stable demand, reduced pricing pressure.
- Downstream buyers engaged in only essential procurement due to previously accumulated inventories, leading to a temporary dip in demand and a slight price correction.
Europe
- Ethylene Carbonate Spot Price in Europe remained stable through most of Q3, with a slight increase in September 2025 due to tightening supply and strong demand from the automotive sector.
- The Price Index reflected upward momentum in September, driven by increased procurement from battery manufacturers and limited imports from Asia.
- Major downstream uses in Europe include battery electrolytes, industrial lubricants, personal care formulations, and medical applications, with EV growth fueling demand.
- The Ethylene Carbonate Production Cost Trend rose marginally in September due to higher energy costs and constrained feedstock availability, contributing to the price uptick.
- The Ethylene Carbonate Demand Outlook remains bullish, supported by EU electrification targets and rising consumer electronics production.
- The Ethylene Carbonate Price Forecast for Q4 2025 indicates continued firmness, with potential supply bottlenecks and sustained demand from battery and industrial sectors.
Why did the price of Ethylene Carbonate change in September 2025 in Europe?
- Limited imports from Asia and constrained local production led to reduced availability, pushing the Ethylene Carbonate Spot Price slightly higher.
- Increased procurement from battery manufacturers, especially for EV applications, drove up the Price Index during the month.
- The Ethylene Carbonate Production Cost Trend rose due to higher energy prices and restricted feedstock access, contributing to the upward price movement.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
- The Ethylene Carbonate Price Index in China rose slightly by 0,9% quarter-on-quarter, settling at around USD 638 per tonne FOB Qingdao in June.
Why did the price of Ethylene Carbonate change in July 2025 in China?
- Prices softened in early July amid subdued restocking activity and persistent just-in-time procurement from electrolyte and battery material manufacturers.
- The Ethylene Carbonate Price Forecast for Q3 suggests a rangebound-to-soft trajectory. While EV production remains firm, cautious downstream procurement and stable feedstock pricing are likely to cap significant upside.
- The Ethylene Carbonate Production Cost Trend remained soft throughout Q2, driven by falling feedstock ethylene oxide costs. In early May, ethylene oxide prices fell 3.1%, enabling producers to cut EC offers while maintaining margins.
- The Ethylene Carbonate Demand Outlook was steady but cautious. Despite high NEV output, electrolyte and cathode manufacturers maintained lean inventories, limiting bulk EC procurement. Export volumes held firm, but spot demand from India and the U.S. remained muted due to tariff uncertainty and freight costs.
- China’s packaging and consumer electronics sectors offered minimal incremental support to EC demand, while battery-related consumption remained the primary driver.
- Automotive Sector: NEV registrations in China reached 1.31 million units in May, marking a record high for the year.
- Power battery installations surged, lifting baseline EC consumption. However, most end-users continued to source hand-to-mouth amid declining lithium salt prices.
North America
- The Ethylene Carbonate Price Index in North America likely remained stable through Q2 2025, supported by consistent demand from lithium-ion battery and specialty chemical segments.
Why did the price of Ethylene Carbonate change in July 2025 in North America?
- Prices held steady as producers balanced strong EV battery-related consumption with cautious restocking across energy storage and electronics applications.
- The Ethylene Carbonate Price Forecast for Q3 indicates modest upward potential, depending on battery-grade solvent demand and raw material volatility. Tariff shifts may also influence import dynamics from Asia.
- The Ethylene Carbonate Production Cost Trend remained manageable, aided by relatively low upstream costs and stable energy pricing.
- Domestic EC production was adequate to meet contract demand.
- The Ethylene Carbonate Demand Outlook is supported by ongoing investments in gigafactory capacity and electric mobility.
- However, conservative procurement strategies in smaller battery and chemical formulation firms kept spot activity subdued.
- The Automotive Sector continued to underpin EC demand, particularly with EV and plug-in hybrid vehicle production rising in the U.S. and Canada.
- Midstream battery manufacturers remained steady consumers of electrolyte solvents like EC.
Europe
- The Ethylene Carbonate Price Index in Europe was largely stable through Q2, with muted movements reflecting cautious buying and reliance on Asian imports.
Why did the price of Ethylene Carbonate change in July 2025 in Europe?
- Prices stayed rangebound as import flows remained uninterrupted and downstream demand showed no significant rebound.
- The Ethylene Carbonate Price Forecast for Q3 suggests steady-to-soft movement due to flat EV production, higher regulatory compliance costs, and elevated freight rates from Asia.
- The Ethylene Carbonate Production Cost Trend remained pressured by regional energy costs, but stable Asian imports helped limit volatility in landed pricing.
- The Ethylene Carbonate Demand Outlook in Europe stayed conservative.
- NEV adoption showed signs of slowing, and industrial solvent demand remained tied to battery-grade material use.
- Buyers continued to minimize inventories and deferred bulk procurement.
- The Automotive Sector faced margin pressures amid rising compliance costs and soft retail trends.
- While EV market share remained strong in Western Europe, actual vehicle output growth was muted, keeping EC demand on a tight leash.
