For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Methanol Prices in North America
- In USA, the Methanol Price Index rose by 12.93% quarter-over-quarter, driven by supply disruptions and export demand.
- The average price for the quarter was approximately USD 905.67/MT, reflecting strong Gulf Coast delivered premiums.
- The Spot Price strengthened as tight Gulf Coast availability and export demand lifted regional barge values.
- The Methanol Price Forecast remains cautiously bullish given constrained supply, logistical delays, and elevated risk premiums.
- The Methanol Production Cost Trend showed feedstock-driven upward pressure as natural gas and freight inflation increased production costs.
- The Methanol Demand Outlook supported pricing as formaldehyde, acetic acid, and MTBE sectors resumed activity, encouraging restocking.
- The Methanol Price Index was further influenced by geopolitical oil shocks that redirected exports toward the US Gulf market.
- Inventory drawdowns, producer curtailments, and major plant outages helped sustain upward offers despite elevated domestic stock levels.
Why did the price of Methanol change in March 2026 in North America?
- Severe Gulf Coast storm outages and precautionary shutdowns materially reduced available domestic output, tightening supply.
- Surging export demand from Asia and Europe diverted cargoes, intensifying regional scarcity and reducing prompt availability.
- Rising natural gas and logistics costs translated into higher production economics, supporting stronger contract and spot pricing.
Methanol Prices in APAC
- In Japan, the Methanol Price Index rose by 13.34% quarter-over-quarter, driven by overseas supply disruptions.
- The average price for the quarter was approximately USD 354/MT, supported by stronger import parity.
- Terminal inventories declined, driving the Spot Price upward as buyers competed for available cargoes.
- Rising LNG-linked feedstock costs influenced the Methanol Production Cost Trend, supporting higher landed CFR quotations.
- Downstream restocking and automotive recovery strengthened the Methanol Demand Outlook, encouraging both spot and contract purchases.
- Inventory drawdowns and tighter import parity lifted the Methanol Price Index, signaling short-term market tightness.
- Market models shifted higher, while the Methanol Price Forecast reflected supply uncertainty and elevated freight premiums.
- Force majeures among exporters, rerouting costs, and insurance surcharges reduced spot liquidity and complicated procurement cycles.
Why did the price of Methanol change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Middle East export disruptions removed key import volumes, reducing cargo availability and elevating landed costs.
- LNG and naphtha feedstock price spikes increased cost pass-through, pressuring CFR import offers higher.
- Freight rerouting and war-risk surcharges extended lead times, constraining spot availability and prompting buyer competition.
Methanol Prices in Europe
- In France, the Methanol Price Index rose by 9.51% quarter-over-quarter, driven by feedstock tightness and logistical challenges.
- The average price for the quarter was approximately USD 380.00/MT, reflecting FD Le Havre assessments.
- The Spot Price firmed as sellers passed higher natural gas costs into FD offers.
- The Methanol Production Cost Trend reflected surging TTF gas prices and elevated war-risk freight costs, pressuring producer margins.
- The Methanol Price Forecast points to a continued upward bias in the near term as alternative cargoes remain costly.
- The Methanol Demand Outlook stayed balanced, with formaldehyde, biodiesel, and MTBE consumption supporting baseline offtake volumes.
- The Methanol Price Index mirrored port congestion, Gulf export losses, and rising war-risk insurance premiums.
- Industry inventory drawdowns and limited spot availability amplified Le Havre offers, supporting price momentum.
Why did the price of Methanol change in March 2026 in Europe?
- TTF natural gas prices surged following Gulf supply disruptions, increasing production costs and seller offers.
- Reduced Middle Eastern exports removed key cargoes, forcing importers to secure more expensive alternative shipments.
- Shipping delays, higher freight costs, and war-risk insurance premiums constrained deliveries and intensified spot market tightness.
Methanol Prices in MEA
- In Saudi Arabia, the Methanol Price Index rose by 15.09% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting stronger export demand and logistical constraints.
- The average price for the quarter was approximately USD 307.67/MT, based on FOB Al Jubail contract assessments.
- Spot indications tightened during mid-March amid shipping suspensions, creating acute arbitrage opportunities for prompt cargo allocation.
- The Methanol Price Forecast shows strong near-term upside driven by constrained exports and elevated war-risk premiums.
- The Methanol Production Cost Trend moved higher as feedstock gas and crude price spikes increased variable production expenses.
- The Methanol Demand Outlook remains robust, with Asian buyers accelerating purchases to replace lost regional supplies.
- The Methanol Price Index experienced heightened volatility due to simultaneous export bottlenecks and surging insurance and freight costs.
- Producers maintained high operating rates, but shipping constraints and terminal disruptions limited actual export volumes and tightened cargo availability.
Why did the price of Methanol change in March 2026 in MEA?
- Export logistics disruptions and carrier suspensions created supply shortfalls, sharply tightening available FOB allocations.
- Natural gas and crude price inflation raised production costs, pressuring margins and supporting higher producer offers.
- Emergency buying from Asia to replace disrupted regional volumes amplified demand and accelerated price increases.
Methanol Prices in South America
- In Brazil, the Methanol Price Index rose by 10.15% quarter-over-quarter, driven by tighter imports and freight surcharges.
- The average price for the quarter was approximately USD 383.33/MT, reflecting CFR Santos market realization levels.
- Spot market strength was evident as limited Atlantic cargo availability lifted seller offers and supported the Methanol Price Index.
- The Methanol Price Forecast indicates near-term upside risk from continued freight surcharges and constrained alternative export allocations.
- The Methanol Production Cost Trend edged higher as elevated global natural gas costs and insurance premiums pressured exporter margins.
- The Methanol Demand Outlook remains stable, with biodiesel and formaldehyde sectors providing consistent baseline consumption into Q2.
- Inventory buffers and steady import flows moderated volatility, but the Methanol Price Index reacted quickly to supply shocks.
- Major exporter outages and rerouted tonnage tightened allocations, lifting landed costs and strengthening spot market sentiment.
Why did the price of Methanol change in March 2026 in South America?
- Freight surcharges and rerouting increased landed costs substantially, transmitting immediate upward pressure on CFR Santos prices.
- Supply disruptions among Gulf and Middle Eastern exporters tightened import availability, increasing competition for alternative Atlantic cargoes.
- Domestic downstream buying remained routine, but cautious procurement amplified price movements when supply conditions tightened.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
- In the USA, the Methanol Price Index fell by 1.88% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting subdued demand and balanced supply.
- The average price for the quarter was approximately USD 314.00/MT, reflecting balanced market conditions.
- The Spot Price experienced fluctuations from freight changes and temporary export liftings, affecting prompt availability.
- The Methanol Production Cost Trend reflected winter gas-related risks, although inventory buffers limited immediate producer pass-through.
- The Methanol Demand Outlook remained muted as formaldehyde and MTBE offtake stayed weak during the seasonal lull.
- The regional Methanol Price Index was influenced by inventory builds, export arbitrage compression, and Gulf freight rates.
- The Methanol Price Forecast shows upside risk from winter logistics constraints and potential export restocking demand.
- Participants cited stable offers, balanced inventories, and cautious buying, tempering sustained recovery in the Price Index.
Why did the price of Methanol change in December 2025 in North America?
- Gulf Coast production and imports maintained supply, limiting upward pressure despite winter gas-cost risks.
- Muted downstream demand from formaldehyde, MTBE, and solvents reduced offtake, pressuring the Price Index downward.
- Logistics and freight shifts, along with softer export arbitrage, encouraged just-in-time buying and prevented strong spot rallies.
APAC
- In Japan, the Methanol Price Index fell by 1.78% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting softened regional demand and ample imports.
- The average price for the quarter was approximately USD 312.33/MT, based on CFR and contract assessments.
- Limited liquidity kept the Spot Price unchanged while the Methanol Price Index moved sideways amid balanced supply.
- Stable global natural gas prices supported a benign Methanol Production Cost Trend, limiting upward pressure on import costs.
- The Methanol Demand Outlook remained mixed as olefin users sought volumes while derivative sectors restrained broader consumption.
- The Methanol Price Forecast reflects modest upside risks from restocking and logistical delays, tempered by ample regional inventories.
- Term volumes and steady imports from Middle Eastern producers kept terminals supplied, supporting Price Index stability.
- Inventory rebuilding and cautious purchasing constrained rallies, while export diversions intermittently tightened nearby availability and supported seller confidence.
Why did the price of Methanol change in December 2025 in APAC?
- Ample imports and stable terminal inventories reduced urgency, keeping spot availability abundant and capping upward price movement.
- Mild downstream demand with selective restocking limited volume uptake despite holiday buying and end-user caution.
- Freight scheduling and minor regional export disruptions briefly tightened supply, offset by continued Middle Eastern cargo flows.
Europe
- In France, the Methanol Price Index fell by 1.1% quarter-over-quarter, largely due to ample imports.
- The average price for the quarter was approximately USD 347.00/MT, assessed at Le Havre.
- The Spot Price remained pressured as inventories at French terminals stayed elevated and spot volumes remained available.
- The Methanol Price Forecast shows limited near-term upside as freight spikes offset recovering seasonal demand.
- The Methanol Production Cost Trend remained contained, with stable TTF and natural gas costs limiting upward pressure.
- The Methanol Demand Outlook remained weak amid lower formaldehyde and MTBE offtake, constraining restocking activity and contract purchases.
- The Methanol Price Index reflected episodic freight support, but persistent oversupply kept regional values under pressure.
- Producers prioritized volume retention while export discussions increased selling activity, influencing spot market availability.
Why did the price of Methanol change in December 2025 in Europe?
- Rising freight and container costs increased landed import economics, modestly supporting prices despite abundant supply.
- Seasonal winter slowdown reduced formaldehyde and MTBE offtake, weakening domestic consumption and spot purchasing appetite.
- Stable production costs and uninterrupted imports maintained inventories, preserving seller competition and preventing recovery.
MEA
- In Saudi Arabia, the Methanol Price Index fell by 3.14% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting ample supply and weaker export demand.
- The average price for the quarter was approximately USD 267.33/MT, based on consolidated contract and spot-derived assessments.
- Limited liquidity kept the Spot Price subdued, while the Methanol Price Index remained stable amid balanced supply.
- The Methanol Production Cost Trend remained steady as contracted methane feedstock stayed competitively priced, supporting operating rates.
- The Methanol Demand Outlook remained muted as downstream MTO and MTBE sectors maintained contractual offtake while limiting spot purchases.
- The Methanol Price Forecast points to near-term firmness as seasonal Asian restocking and regional constraints support offers.
- High operating rates and efficient port operations kept the Price Index anchored within a narrow range.
- Elevated Asian restocking bids briefly tightened export demand, lifting spot indications and strengthening FOB offers.
Why did the price of Methanol change in December 2025 in MEA?
- High production rates and comfortable inventories reduced local price pressure despite firm contractual exports.
- Rising regional natural gas costs increased production expenses, adding upward pressure to FOB offers and negotiations.
- Iranian maintenance and Asian restocking tightened export availability, prompting firmer Saudi offers and FOB indications.
South America
- In Brazil, the Methanol Price Index fell by 0.096% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting ample import availability.
- The average price for the quarter was approximately USD 348.00/MT, reflecting the country's import dependence.
- The Spot Price reflected competitive US Gulf offers, which kept the Methanol Price Index subdued.
- The Methanol Price Forecast shows upside risk from winter gas spikes, offset by comfortable export availability.
- The Methanol Production Cost Trend reflected elevated Northern Hemisphere winter natural gas input costs across exporting regions.
- The Methanol Demand Outlook remains muted near term as biodiesel and formaldehyde sectors delay incremental spot purchases.
- Terminal inventories remained comfortable, and steady imports limited upward pressure despite occasional freight-driven CFR increases.
- Port operations remained fluid, while freight spikes were transmitted into CFR values, causing temporary price firmness.
Why did the price of Methanol change in December 2025 in South America?
- Competitive low-cost imports and smooth port operations increased availability, directly pressuring Brazilian CFR values.
- Subdued downstream demand from biodiesel, formaldehyde, and industrial users encouraged buyers to defer purchases.
- Rising winter natural gas costs increased production cost pressure, while freight volatility pushed CFR levels higher.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
- In the USA, the Methanol Price Index rose by 8.6% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting stronger downstream offtake.
- The average price for the quarter was approximately USD 320.00/MT, according to regional assessments.
- The Spot Price firmed as Gulf Coast derivative demand tightened availability and supported prompt offers.
- The Methanol Price Forecast shows modest upside risk as construction activity and marine fuel adoption lift near-term demand.
- The Methanol Production Cost Trend remained muted due to low natural gas costs, limiting pressure on producer margins.
- The Methanol Demand Outlook improved as formaldehyde and petrochemical feedstock consumption increased across the Gulf Coast.
- The Methanol Price Index was influenced by import duty changes, Beaumont capacity shifts, and export parity dynamics.
- Major producers operated reliably, with high utilization sustaining supply, though incremental outages or policy changes could alter market balances.
Why did the price of Methanol change in September 2025 in North America?
- Domestic production remained high, increasing availability and applying downward pressure on spot market values.
- Resilient downstream petrochemical throughput raised offtake, tightening prompt availability and supporting recent gains.
- Stable low natural gas feedstock costs limited production cost inflation, reducing the need for aggressive price increases.
APAC
- In Japan, the Methanol Price Index fell by 2.95% quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025, reflecting weaker import demand.
- The average price for the quarter was approximately USD 318.00/MT, based on CFR Nagoya assessments and contractual supply coverage.
- The Spot Price remained pressured by ample Middle Eastern cargoes and elevated port inventories across Northeast Asia.
- The Methanol Price Forecast suggests range-bound movement as logistics stability offsets currency-related cost pressures.
- The Methanol Production Cost Trend showed upward pressure from firmer LNG-linked feedstock costs, supporting offers during the quarter.
- The Methanol Demand Outlook remained muted, with formaldehyde and MTBE operating rates subdued and limiting offtake growth.
- The Methanol Price Index was influenced by high port inventories and cautious Japanese buying, restraining momentum.
- Major supplier schedules remained reliable, while export demand softness and efficient port operations supported stable supply.
Why did the price of Methanol change in September 2025 in APAC?
- Balanced import flows and elevated port inventories reduced urgency for spot purchases, pressuring prices.
- Yen weakness and LNG feedstock gains raised import costs, though weak demand continued to suppress market sentiment.
- Smooth port operations and reliable supplier schedules reduced logistical risks, limiting upside potential.
Europe
- In France, the Methanol Price Index rose by 1.06% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting import tightness and end-use restocking.
- The average price for the quarter was approximately USD 351.00/MT on an FD Le Havre basis.
- The Spot Price strengthened amid tight prompt availability, while the Price Index indicated consolidation pressure.
- The Methanol Production Cost Trend remained elevated due to higher European energy input costs, supporting price resilience.
- The Methanol Demand Outlook remained mixed, as stable formaldehyde consumption contrasted with weaker fuel-blending demand.
- The Methanol Price Forecast reflects short-term firmness from logistics constraints but potential medium-term softening if imports normalize.
- The Methanol Price Index was influenced by inventory accumulation and export demand across European terminals.
- Strong operational uptime at French and regional plants kept supply flowing, limiting upside despite spot tightness.
Why did the price of Methanol change in September 2025 in Europe?
- Reduced overseas inflows and port congestion tightened prompt availability, supporting short-term market strength.
- Stable domestic production and end-user restocking increased buying activity, while inventories remained uneven across the region.
- Higher European energy costs raised feedstock pressure, supporting the Methanol Production Cost Trend and producer pricing.
MEA
- In Saudi Arabia, the Methanol Price Index fell by 7.49% quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025, due to oversupply conditions.
- The average price for the quarter was approximately USD 276.00/MT, based on FOB Al Jubail contracts.
- The Spot Price remained subdued as term contracts limited availability and discouraged opportunistic purchases.
- The Methanol Price Forecast signals range-bound movement in the near term amid steady output and weak export appetite.
- The Methanol Production Cost Trend remained stable, supported by low gas tariffs that sustained high operating rates and margins.
- The Methanol Demand Outlook stayed soft, with term volumes dominating and minimal Asian spot restocking observed.
- The Methanol Price Index recorded weekly declines reflecting weak Asian demand and persistent high regional run rates.
- Strong contract coverage and high Saudi utilization constrained upside, limiting recovery in contract values.
Why did the price of Methanol change in September 2025 in MEA?
- Sustained high plant run rates and stable gas feedstock availability created ample supply, suppressing price momentum.
- Weak Asian and Indian spot buying reduced export demand, reinforcing oversupply and downward pressure on contracts.
- Red Sea freight escalations and higher voyage costs increased logistics premiums, partially offsetting selling pressure.
South America
- In Brazil, the Methanol Price Index rose by 6.4% quarter-over-quarter, driven by currency depreciation and logistics delays.
- The average price for the quarter was approximately USD 348.33/MT, reflecting higher landed costs and logistical constraints.
- The Spot Price strengthened amid biodiesel and MDF demand, reducing available spot cargoes and supporting offers.
- The Methanol Price Forecast indicates modest near-term firmness due to import cost pass-through and steady downstream consumption.
- The Methanol Production Cost Trend increased as higher US export costs and elevated Brazilian natural gas tariffs raised landed expenses.
- The Methanol Demand Outlook remained supportive due to B13 biodiesel mandates and resilient formaldehyde resin manufacturing activity.
- The Methanol Price Index reflected vessel delays, enforcement seizures, and variable import schedules that influenced trader behavior.
- Ample coastal inventories limited downside risk, though export demand and anti-dumping uncertainty maintained upward pressure on offers.
Why did the price of Methanol change in September 2025 in South America?
- Tight near-term availability caused by berth delays and vessel queues reduced prompt supply and tightened the domestic market.
- BRL depreciation and higher US-origin import costs increased landed procurement expenses, pushing offers upward.
- Enforcement seizures, tariff uncertainty, and sporadic freight surcharges introduced risk premiums and encouraged cautious buying.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
- In the USA, the Methanol Price Index declined by 21.4% quarter-over-quarter, marking the sharpest drop among all regions.
- The Methanol Demand Outlook remained tepid, with derivative sectors such as formaldehyde, acetic acid, and coatings showing limited recovery.
- The Methanol Production Cost Trend remained stable despite an 8.3% rise in natural gas feedstock prices in early June, as producers relied on stored gas inventories.
- High inventory levels and limited export demand pressured suppliers to lower prices during the quarter.
- Operational consistency at major facilities including Methanex Geismar, OCI Beaumont, and Natgasoline ensured robust supply throughout the period.
- The Methanol Price Forecast remains range-bound in the short term due to ample availability and muted downstream consumption.
Why Did the Price of Methanol Change in July 2025 in the U.S.?
- In July 2025, the Methanol Price Index in the U.S. decreased, reflecting improved rail and barge availability alongside easing natural gas prices.
- Downstream demand softened modestly, particularly in fuel blending, due to lower gasoline blending activity after peak summer production.
- High inventories, especially in the Midwest, encouraged buyers to adopt cautious procurement strategies.
- Improved logistics and fewer supply bottlenecks prompted producers to reduce spot offers to remain competitive.
Europe
- In the Netherlands, the Methanol Price Index declined by 19.2% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting persistent bearish market conditions.
- Early in Q2, the market remained oversupplied, with elevated inventories and weak consumption across automotive, coatings, and construction sectors.
- The Methanol Production Cost Trend increased in June as a 5.4% rise in natural gas prices elevated manufacturing expenses.
- Production across Northwest Europe remained consistent, although operating rates varied depending on natural gas affordability.
- Demand from formaldehyde resins, biodiesel, and acetic acid sectors was mixed but showed limited volatility.
- Seasonal construction activity in Central and Eastern Europe modestly supported consumption from wood panel resin applications.
- Imports from Russia and the Middle East remained strong, while spot activity stayed range-bound due to predictable offtake patterns.
Why Did the Price of Methanol Change in July 2025 in Europe?
- In July 2025, prices across Europe were largely stable, as long-term contract deliveries continued to dominate market activity.
- Soft downstream demand in several countries, combined with high terminal inventories, kept spot values under pressure.
- Some producers offered slight discounts to encourage offtake ahead of expected maintenance activities later in Q3.
APAC
- In Indonesia, the Methanol Price Index fell by 5.2% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting a sustained bearish trend.
- Demand remained soft as key downstream sectors, including formaldehyde and fuel blending, operated at reduced rates.
- Oversupply conditions persisted as Iranian and Middle Eastern imports continued flowing steadily into the region.
- The Methanol Production Cost Trend remained relatively stable despite geopolitical tensions and maintenance at Kaltim Methanol Industri, which had limited impact on broader market pricing.
- The Chinese market remained under pressure due to subdued downstream activity, particularly in olefins and formaldehyde.
- Bearish sentiment persisted because of stable imports, cautious procurement behavior, and low global confidence linked to U.S.-China trade tensions.
- High feedstock availability, currency appreciation, and consistent production volumes weakened the Methanol Price Index.
- Overall, the market adopted a wait-and-see approach as buyers hesitated to build inventories amid weak demand sentiment.
Why Did the Price of Methanol Change in July 2025 in APAC?
- Prices across Asia-Pacific remained flat to slightly lower, especially in China, due to continued weakness in MTO units and formaldehyde consumption.
- Buyers in India and Southeast Asia delayed bulk purchases, anticipating further corrections amid oversupply.
- Ample availability from Middle Eastern suppliers kept spot values under pressure, particularly in CFR India and CFR Southeast Asia markets.
South America
- The Methanol Price Index in Brazil fell by 10.2% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025, indicating a prolonged bearish trend.
- Import volumes from Chile, Trinidad & Tobago, and the U.S. remained consistent; however, stable supply and muted demand from formaldehyde, biodiesel, and fuel-blending sectors created pricing challenges.
- The Methanol Demand Outlook remained cautious throughout the quarter, with buyers maintaining a wait-and-see approach amid economic uncertainty and restrained industrial consumption.
- A temporary uptick in May, driven by tighter imports and increased biodiesel blending mandates, proved short-lived and was offset by broader market weakness.
- Despite occasional port bottlenecks and rainfall disruptions in Paraná, logistics normalized quickly and provided little price support.
Why Did the Price of Methanol Change in July 2025 in Brazil?
- Prices in Brazil continued to decline in July 2025 due to sluggish demand and elevated inventories.
- Despite the peak soybean harvest season, which typically supports biodiesel demand, forward purchasing had already covered most blending requirements.
- High inventory levels at key ports such as Santos reduced urgency among buyers and dampened fresh procurement activity.
Middle East & Africa (MEA)
- The Methanol Price Index in Saudi Arabia declined by 4.9% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025, reflecting weak global sentiment.
- The Methanol Production Cost Trend remained steady, supported by uninterrupted feedstock availability from methane-rich gas fields such as Ghawar, Karan, and Wasit.
- Supply remained strong throughout the quarter, with major producers including SABIC (Ar-Razi), Sipchem, Chemanol, and Tasnee maintaining utilization rates above 90%.
- The Methanol Demand Outlook remained neutral, as downstream sectors including formaldehyde, MTBE, and methanol-to-olefins (MTO) operated steadily but failed to generate significant growth momentum.
- Export demand from China, Japan, and India remained stable through term contracts but did not create upward pressure on FOB values.
- Drone-related risks in the Red Sea marginally affected freight sentiment, though export logistics from Jubail and Yanbu continued operating smoothly without backlog.
Why Did the Price of Methanol Change in July 2025 in Saudi Arabia?
- Prices declined in July 2025 due to muted downstream demand and sustained high operating rates among key producers, including SABIC-Ar-Razi, Sipchem, Chemanol, and Tasnee.
- Domestic consumption remained stagnant, with no major downstream capacity additions or significant procurement activity from formaldehyde and MTBE manufacturers.
- Export sentiment weakened as buying interest from major markets such as China and India remained subdued amid currency depreciation and inventory overhangs.
- Stable feedstock costs and the absence of supply-side disruptions removed additional upward support from production economics.
