For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Glycol Ether Prices in North America
- In the USA, the Glycol Ether Price Index fell by 3.61% quarter-over-quarter, pressuring domestic demand.
- The average Glycol Ether price for the quarter was approximately USD 1520.00/MT, supported by exports.
- Glycol Ether Spot Price steadied early quarter, strengthened in March as coatings buying tightened inventories.
- Glycol Ether Price Forecast suggests upside as coatings demand recovers and export niches remain competitive.
- Glycol Ether Production Cost Trend showed upward pressure from energy and feedstock volatility, pressuring margins.
- Glycol Ether Demand Outlook brightened in March as architectural coatings and semiconductor increased solvent procurement.
- Glycol Ether Price Index tightened late March as inventories normalized and buying pressured merchant availability.
- Producers maintained Gulf Coast run rates, while exports to Latin America absorbed volumes, moderating accumulation.
Why did the price of Glycol Ether change in March 2026 in North America?
- Balanced Gulf Coast production with no outages kept supply ample, pressuring spot values modestly.
- Rising energy and feedstock volatility raised production costs marginally, contributing to firmer end-month pricing pressure.
- Steady export liftings absorbed surplus barrels, while winter softness in coatings curtailed spot purchasing momentum.
Glycol Ether Prices in APAC
- In South Korea, the Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether Price Index fell by 5.27% quarter-over-quarter, oversupply
- The average Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether price for the quarter was approximately USD 982.33/MT globally
- Balanced inventories and steady imports kept the Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether Spot Price range-bound overall
- The Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether Price Forecast indicates limited upside absent feedstock or logistical disruptions
- Soft ethylene oxide and alcohol feedstock pricing moderated Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether Production Cost Trend
- Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether Demand Outlook remained muted as coatings and electronics procurement stayed cautious
- Export parity stability and measured domestic consumption supported the Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether Price Index
- Domestic plants ran at normal rates with no turnarounds, preserving supply into regional export channels
- Geopolitical crude and naphtha risks provided upside risk, tightening feedstock flows and influencing precautionary stocking
Why did the price of Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Steady plant run-rates, ample imports maintained availability, limiting upward pressure on Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether
- Feedstock costs eased, but Middle East tensions elevated naphtha risk and added production cost pressure
- Logistics remained orderly, yet later freight and insurance spikes increased delivered costs and procurement caution
Glycol Ether Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the Glycol Ether Price Index fell by 4.83% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting inventory overhang, weakness.
- The average Glycol Ether price for the quarter was approximately USD 1274.00/MT, reflecting balanced supply.
- Glycol Ether Spot Price rose mid-March on sentiment-driven restocking despite generally balanced production and inventories.
- Glycol Ether Price Forecast suggests range-bound conditions, with upside risk from feedstock or logistics disruptions.
- Glycol Ether Production Cost Trend muted as ethylene oxide and energy tariffs showed limited pressure.
- Glycol Ether Demand Outlook improved with coatings and EV battery slurry restocking supporting spot offtake.
- Glycol Ether Price Index showed narrowing inland premia, constrained spot liquidity, steady contractual offtake nationally.
- Major German units ran near nameplate capacity, supporting flows while inventories remained adequate for exports.
Why did the price of Glycol Ether change in March 2026 in Europe?
- Balanced domestic production and steady downstream demand left spot market sensitive to sentiment-driven occasional buying.
- Rising geopolitical risk elevated feedstock and freight costs, increasing production cost pressure for glycol ether.
- Normal Rhine logistics and adequate inventories limited supply shocks, while buyer restocking amplified price moves.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
- In the USA, the Glycol Ether Price Index fell by 4.4% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting balanced supply and softer seasonality.
- The average Glycol Ether price for the quarter was approximately USD 1577.00/MT, nationally reported today.
- Glycol Ether Spot Price liquidity remained adequate, showing limited volatility amid steady producer offers and flows.
- Inventories supported the Glycol Ether Price Index, preventing acute discounts while enabling routine contract fulfilments.
- Stable ethylene feedstocks moderated the Glycol Ether Production Cost Trend, limiting meaningful upward price pressure this quarter.
- The Glycol Ether Demand Outlook points to steady household, coatings, and industrial solvent consumption into year end.
- Near term Glycol Ether Price Forecasts appear modestly bearish given seasonality, muted coatings procurement, and closed arbitrage.
- Operational continuity at Gulf Coast plants constrained upside risk, keeping pressure on the Glycol Ether Price Index.
Why did the price of Glycol Ether change in December 2025 in North America?
- Abundant ethylene-oxide feedstock and normal cracker runs kept production costs stable, reducing upward price pressure.
- Seasonal coatings procurement slowdown trimmed demand while household and electronics solvent demand remained broadly steady.
- Comfortable inventories and closed arbitrage limited export-led support, keeping the domestic Price Index effectively unchanged.
APAC
- In South Korea, the Glycol Ether Price Index fell by 10.3% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting domestic oversupply.
- The average Glycol Ether price for the quarter was approximately USD 1037.00/MT, industry sources reported.
- Glycol Ether Spot Price remained pressured amid ample inventories and muted spot enquiry this quarter.
- Glycol Ether Price Forecast indicates modest downside absent feedstock shocks or sudden near-term restocking activity.
- Glycol Ether Production Cost Trend stayed subdued as ethylene oxide and n-butanol costs softened recently.
- Glycol Ether Demand Outlook remains weak with coatings lull and cautious semiconductor procurement limiting volumes.
- Glycol Ether Price Index displayed downside as exporters competed on FOB offers to clear stock.
- Domestic plant run-rates and normal imports stabilized supply, constraining arbitrage and limiting export-driven price support.
Why did the price of Glycol Ether change in December 2025 in APAC?
- Balanced domestic production and imports maintained inventories, removing urgency and pressuring sellers to reduce offers.
- Stable ethylene oxide feedstock and contained energy costs prevented cost-push, limiting upward pressure on prices.
- Weak coatings and semiconductor procurement reduced demand while smooth logistics avoided supply disruptions this month.
Europe
- In Germany, the Glycol Ether Price Index fell by 4.38% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting softer demand and steady supply.
- The average Glycol Ether price for the quarter was approximately USD 1338.67/MT, reflecting prevailing FOB market conditions.
- Weekly Glycol Ether Spot Price volatility remained low, mirroring comfortable inventories and subdued downstream procurement across Germany.
- Glycol Ether Price Forecast indicates modest near-term weakness, driven by balanced supply and muted export enquiries.
- Glycol Ether Production Cost Trend stayed flat as ethylene oxide feedstock and energy tariffs stabilised after autumn spikes.
- Glycol Ether Demand Outlook remains weak for coatings while automotive and battery solvent niches provided limited support.
- The Glycol Ether Price Index showed steady monthly prints, reflecting high utilisation, stable logistics, and comfortable coastal inventories.
- Export demand softness and substitution toward alternatives pressured offers, while domestic plants maintained near nameplate production rates.
Why did the price of Glycol Ether change in December 2025 in Europe?
- Adequate domestic production and ample imports eased supply constraints, limiting upward price movement during December.
- Stabilised ethylene oxide feedstock and energy costs softened production cost pressures, reducing seller urgency to raise offers.
- Weak coatings demand and limited pre-winter stock-building reduced spot offtake, extending the persistent downward momentum.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
- In the USA, the Glycol Ether Price Index rose 2.53% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting steady domestic demand.
- The average Glycol Ether price for the quarter was approximately USD 1650/MT, FOB Houston reported.
- Glycol Ether Spot Price remained range-bound as distributors controlled allocations and spot availability stayed limited.
- Glycol Ether Production Cost Trend showed limited pressure as ethylene oxide feedstock costs remained unchanged.
- Glycol Ether Demand Outlook stayed moderate, supported by paints, coatings, cleaning sectors and seasonal maintenance activity.
- Glycol Ether Price Forecast suggests range-bound movement near term given inventories, steady supply and end-use demand.
- Glycol Ether Price Index stability reflected distributor restocking, export enquiries, and moderate seasonal painting demand.
- Major Gulf Coast operators reported normal runs, preventing supply shocks and keeping inventories available for regional exports.
Why did the price of Glycol Ether change in September 2025 in North America?
- Balanced production with no major outages limited upside despite steady downstream demand and seasonal repainting activity.
- Stable ethylene oxide feedstock costs constrained production cost escalation, moderating price momentum for glycol ether.
- Adequate inventories and cautious just-in-time buying by paint formulators reduced spot buying and prevented volatility.
APAC
- In South Korea, the Glycol Ether Price Index fell by 9.29% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting inventory build-up.
- The average Glycol Ether price for the quarter was approximately USD 1156.00/MT, reported by market sources.
- Glycol Ether Spot Price remained pressured by weak coatings demand and elevated domestic inventory levels.
- Glycol Ether Price Forecast indicates slight upside as exporters defend offers while domestic demand recovers.
- Glycol Ether Production Cost Trend benefitted from stable ethylene oxide and n-butanol feedstock pricing recently.
- Glycol Ether Demand Outlook remains subdued across construction and industrial coatings despite steady automotive uptake.
- Glycol Ether Price Index shows exporter-led firming late August, but balanced supply kept assessments stable.
- Inventory build-ups, steady plant operations, and tepid Southeast Asian exports limited near-term price recovery prospects.
Why did the price of Glycol Ether change in September 2025 in APAC?
- Soft coatings and construction demand reduced domestic offtake, pressuring spot assessments and export activity volumes.
- Stable feedstock ethylene oxide and n-butanol lowered production costs, limiting sellers' need to raise offers.
- Smooth port operations but weak Southeast Asian demand and cautious buyers constrained prompt buying momentum.
Europe
- In Germany, the Glycol Ether Price Index fell by 4.31% quarter-over-quarter due to inventory overhang.
- The average Glycol Ether price for the quarter was approximately USD 1400.00/MT and mirrored stability.
- Glycol Ether Spot Price stayed range-bound as selling and steady production kept the Price Index subdued.
- Glycol Ether Price Forecast indicates sideways movement due to balanced supply and muted downstream consumption.
- Glycol Ether Production Cost Trend eased slightly as ethylene oxide costs softened, reducing producer pressure.
- Glycol Ether Demand Outlook sees industrial coatings and automotive refinishing, while decorative demand remains weak.
- High inventories and export inquiries limited spot activity and tempered the Glycol Ether Price Index.
- Port congestion delayed shipments while major producers ran steady, influencing the Glycol Ether Price Forecast.
Why did the price of Glycol Ether change in September 2025 in Europe?
- Elevated inventories and subdued coatings demand reduced buying, exerting downward pressure on Glycol Ether prices.
- Softer ethylene oxide feedstock costs lowered production expenses in September, moderating cost-push on Price Index.
- Hamburg logistics delays and cautious restocking limited spot liquidity, preventing meaningful upward Price Index moves.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
- The Glycol Ether Price Index in North America saw a quarter-on-quarter increase of 6.2% in Q2 2025, as prices increased to USD 1628/MT FOB Houston primarily due to steady demand and escalating feedstock and upstream costs.
- Despite modest fluctuations, the Glycol Ether Spot Price remained bullish by the end of June.
Why did the price of Glycol Ether change in July 2025 in USA?
- In early July 2025, the Price Index remained on a bullish trajectory due to sustained cost pressures from upstream crude oil and Ethylene Oxide. The price uptick in the third week was underpinned by the Glycol Ether Production Cost Trend, influenced by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, notably Israel-Iran conflict threats affecting global oil supplies via the Strait of Hormuz.
- Demand Outlook for Glycol Ether was stable, supported by consistent consumption in cosmetics (fragrance reformulations) and paints & coatings, especially in infrastructure and commercial construction. However, residential demand was comparatively sluggish.
- With no major supply disruptions, domestic production remained stable, ensuring steady material flow. However, producers marginally increased offers to reflect rising costs, resulting in a price increase mid-June, followed by another increase by end-June.
APAC
- The Glycol Ether Price Index in China declined by 10.2% to USD 1215/MT CFR Qingdao quarter-on-quarter in Q2 2025, reflecting a bearish market trend driven by high inventory levels and sluggish downstream demand, especially in coatings and cleaning sectors.
Why did the price of Glycol Ether change in July 2025 in China?
- In early July 2025, the Price Index witnessed a decline, driven by weak industrial activity, rising inventories, and lower imports from South pressuring CFR Qingdao values to settle lower.
- The Glycol Ether Spot Price softened amid a subdued Demand Outlook, as industrial recovery lagged behind expectations. Weakened activity in printing inks, coatings, and cleaning agents contributed to the drop.
- On the supply side, South Korean producers continued offering competitively amid regional oversupply and weak export activity. Lower prices for feedstock n-butanol further contributed to the negative Glycol Ether Production Cost Trend.
Europe
- The European Glycol Ether Price Index fell by 2.7% quarter-on-quarter in Q2 2025, driven by mixed demand, logistical constraints, and muted downstream activity in key sectors such as paints, coatings, and personal care.
Why did the price of Glycol Ether change in July 2025 in Germany?
- In early July 2025, the Price Index decreased largely due to subdued off-takes, increased inventory levels, and weak sentiment in decorative coatings and personal care sectors.
- The Glycol Ether Spot Price remained under pressure despite rising feedstock Ethylene Oxide costs caused by escalating upstream Brent crude prices. Geopolitical tensions and threats to global oil supply chains further complicated the cost structure.
- The Glycol Ether Demand Outlook remained cautious, impacted by summer slowdown in construction and lower consumption in personal care segments. At the same time, the Glycol Ether Production Cost Trend remained high, compressing margins amid limited buyer willingness to absorb elevated prices.
