For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In the USA, the Nonylphenol Ethoxylates Price Index fell by 3.21% quarter-over-quarter Q3 2025, reflecting inventories a bearish trend overall, driven by subdued demand and cautious procurement behavior across key downstream industries.
• The average Nonylphenol Ethoxylates price for the quarter was approximately USD 1948/MT, on FOB Gulf Coast basis.
• Nonylphenol Ethoxylate Production Cost Trend remained under pressure due to falling ethylene oxide prices and lower energy costs, which contributed to margin compression for producers.
• The Nonylphenol Ethoxylate Demand Outlook was weak throughout Q3, with limited activity in industrial cleaning agents, textile processing, paints and coatings, agrochemicals, oilfield chemicals, and leather finishing.
• In September 2025, the Price Index decreased due to persistent overcapacity, high inventory levels, and reduced offtake from textile and institutional cleaning sectors.
• Nonylphenol Ethoxylate Price Forecast suggests continued softness into Q4 2025 unless demand rebounds from coatings, oilfield, and textile applications.
• Domestic producers faced competitive pricing pressure from imports, while regulatory scrutiny around environmental toxicity of NPEs further dampened demand.
• Sustainability concerns and the shift toward biodegradable surfactants are influencing long-term market dynamics, especially in consumer-facing applications.
Why did the price of Nonylphenol Ethoxylates change in September 2025 in North America?
• Overcapacity and high inventories led to aggressive pricing.
• Soft demand from textile, industrial cleaning sectors reduced purchasing, weighing on Nonylphenol Ethoxylates Price Index.
• Stable feedstock ethylene oxide costs limited conversion cost pressure; logistics disruptions remained minimal.
APAC
• In China, the Nonylphenol Ethoxylate Price Index fell by 6.05% quarter-over-quarter, with subdued downstream demand.
• The average Nonylphenol Ethoxylate price for the quarter was approximately USD 1495.33/MT on FOB Qingdao basis.
• Nonylphenol Ethoxylate Price Index weakened month-over-month marking a consistent downward trend due to sluggish demand and oversupply in key producing countries such as China, India, and South Korea.
• Nonylphenol Ethoxylate Spot Price softened as exporters discounted offers amid ample inventories and muted demand.
• Nonylphenol Ethoxylate Production Cost Trend eased during the quarter, driven by falling ethylene oxide prices and stabilized energy costs, which reduced manufacturing expenses.
• The Nonylphenol Ethoxylate Demand Outlook remained weak, with limited activity in industrial cleaning, textile processing, agrochemicals, paints and coatings, and oilfield chemicals, while substitution with eco-friendly surfactants gained momentum.
• In September 2025, the Price Index decreased further due to high inventory levels, reduced offtake from textile and agricultural sectors, and mounting regulatory restrictions on NPEs in several APAC countries.
• Nonylphenol Ethoxylate Price Forecast suggests continued softness into Q4 2025 unless demand rebounds from coatings, oilfield, and institutional cleaning applications.
• Regional producers operated at reduced capacity utilization, while exports to the Middle East and Africa declined due to competitive alternatives and environmental concerns.
• Sustainability trends and the shift toward biodegradable and non-toxic surfactants are reshaping long-term demand for Nonylphenol Ethoxylate in APAC.
Why did the price of Nonylphenol Ethoxylate change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Demand from textile and agrochemical sectors remained weak.
• Regulatory pressure and substitution trends reduced market confidence.
• Oversupply and high inventories pushed the Price Index downward.
Europe
• In Germany, the Nonylphenol Ethoxylates Price Index fell by 4.22% quarter-over-quarter, driven by persistent oversupply.
• The average Nonylphenol Ethoxylates price for the quarter was approximately USD 2034.00/MT, on FOB Hamburg basis.
• Nonylphenol Ethoxylate Price Index reflected a mixed trend, with temporary recovery in August driven by short-term restocking, followed by a decline in September due to weak downstream demand.
• Nonylphenol Ethoxylate Production Cost Trend remained under pressure throughout the quarter, as ethylene oxide prices softened, and energy costs stabilized across Western and Central Europe.
• The Nonylphenol Ethoxylate Demand Outlook was subdued, with limited activity in industrial cleaning, textile processing, agrochemicals, paints and coatings, and oilfield chemicals, while demand from institutional cleaning and leather finishing remained flat.
• In September 2025, the Price Index decreased due to oversupply, cautious procurement behavior, and mounting regulatory restrictions on NPEs under REACH and other EU environmental frameworks.
• Nonylphenol Ethoxylate Price Forecast suggests continued softness into Q4 2025 unless demand rebounds from coatings, oilfield, and institutional cleaning applications.
• European producers operated at moderate capacity utilization, while imports from APAC declined slightly due to tightening environmental standards and preference for biodegradable alternatives.
• Sustainability initiatives and the push for non-toxic surfactants are reshaping long-term demand for Nonylphenol Ethoxylate in Europe, especially in consumer-facing and regulated sectors..
Why did the price of Nonylphenol Ethoxylates change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Oversupply and subdued downstream demand weighed on Q3 pricing despite export interest and seasonal restocking.
• Modest ethylene oxide cost movements and intermittent Hamburg port congestion offset effects; neutralizing cost pass-through.
• Elevated inventories, conservative procurement, and substitution to ethoxylates kept downward pressure on the Price Index.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Nonylphenol Ethoxylates Price Index in the U.S. registered a quarter-on-quarter decline of 0.7%, as prices settled at USD 1980/MT FOB Gulf Coast by end of June, reflecting mixed market sentiment driven by alternating phases of tight supply and bearish demand trends.
• Why did the price of Nonylphenol Ethoxylates change in July 2025 in USA?
• In early July 2025, Nonylphenol Ethoxylates Spot Price decreased, attributed to persistent overcapacity in the domestic chemicals sector and subdued downstream offtake from the personal care industry. Weak demand was further exacerbated by cautious buyer behaviour amid geopolitical uncertainty and trade-related disruptions.
• The Nonylphenol Ethoxylates Production Cost Trend remained relatively stable, with phenol prices steady and ethylene oxide experiencing a downward movement. However, this cost relief did little to counter the bearish pressure created by slowing exports and heightened market volatility.
• The Nonylphenol Ethoxylates Demand Outlook stayed weak across the quarter, especially from the personal care segment.
• Concerns over global recession and tariff uncertainty reduced market participation and delayed contractual engagements, leading to inventory build-up and lower transaction volumes.
APAC
• The Nonylphenol Ethoxylates Price Index in China witnessed a quarter-on-quarter increase of 0.5%, as prices settled at USD 1569/MT FOB Qingdao reflecting a volatile quarter marked by alternating bullish and bearish phases driven by supply tightness and inconsistent downstream demand.
• Why did the price of Nonylphenol Ethoxylates change in July 2025 in China?
• In early July 2025, the Nonylphenol Ethoxylates Spot Price declined, largely due to oversupply conditions and sluggish demand from the personal care sector. Additionally, trade tensions and the imposition of tariffs led to reduced export activity and cautious purchasing.
• The Nonylphenol Ethoxylates Production Cost Trend showed stability in phenol and ethylene oxide pricing, but this was insufficient to mitigate the bearish market sentiment fuelled by weakened demand and geopolitical instability.
• The Nonylphenol Ethoxylates Demand Outlook remained moderately optimistic earlier in the quarter due to increased consumption in personal care products during the summer season. However, by July, the positive sentiment faded as market uncertainty and declining export confidence curtailed procurement volumes.
Europe
• The Nonylphenol Ethoxylates Price Index in Germany declined 2.9% quarter-on-quarter, underscoring a sustained bearish trend driven by oversupply, weakened demand, and regional economic pressures.
• Why did the price of Nonylphenol Ethoxylates change in July 2025 in Germany?
• In early July 2025, the Nonylphenol Ethoxylates Spot Price remained stable, following a drop in June, as the market digested previous inventory accumulations. Despite a slight increase in feedstock costs, the prevailing oversupply and limited offtake restricted any significant upward price movement.
• The Nonylphenol Ethoxylates Production Cost Trend was influenced by rising feedstock prices (phenol and ethylene oxide), but the impact was muted due to the high inventory levels and low conversion rates across the region.
• The Nonylphenol Ethoxylates Demand Outlook stayed bearish, with personal care industry demand failing to rebound significantly. External pressures, such as high energy costs, EU compliance burdens, and slow export activity, continued to challenge market recovery throughout Q2.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, the price trend for Nonylphenol Ethoxylates in the USA demonstrated notable fluctuations, influenced by varying supply and demand dynamics. January began with a price decline, primarily due to improved supply conditions amidst input cost challenges. Despite inflationary pressures faced by manufacturers, sufficient market supply allowed pricing adjustments that catered to heightened e-commerce sales and consumer demand in the personal care sector.
February saw continued price reductions exacerbated by subdued market sentiment, leading to cautious pricing strategies from sellers. Although the demand remained steady for personal care products, market participants struggled with excess inventory and competitive pricing, culminating in a further drop in product prices.
In March, a shift occurred as prices rose. This increase was driven by low inventory levels creating a supply crunch, alongside a seasonal uptick in demand as summer approached, leading to aggressive purchasing behaviors among buyers. Overall, while Q1 exhibited initial price declines due to cautious consumer sentiment and inventory build-ups, a late-quarter rebound highlighted the resilience of the personal care sector amidst ongoing economic uncertainty.
APAC
The Q1 2025 price trend for Nonylphenol Ethoxylates in the APAC region, particularly in China, revealed a complex interplay of supply and demand dynamics driven by various economic factors.
In January, prices softened due to weak demand from the beauty and personal care sector, negatively impacted by economic uncertainty. As manufacturers faced sluggish consumer spending, with major brands struggling and reporting significant profit declines, a cautious market approach emerged, pushing prices lower.
The bearish trend persisted into February. Supply levels remained high. Despite a slight increase in retail sales, demand remained overall subdued due to ongoing economic instability.
March saw a price increase as low inventory levels created supply tightness, combined with a seasonal surge in demand as summer approached. Increased focus on personal care products bolstered demand, driven by rising consumer incomes and a shift toward premium offerings.
In summary, the quarter experienced initial price declines leading into recovery by March, indicating a potential market rebound amid evolving consumer preferences in the personal care sector.
Europe
In Q1 2025, Nonylphenol Ethoxylates prices in Europe particularly Germany exhibited a bearish trend early in the quarter, driven by weak demand and lower production costs. The prices faced downward pressure as the cosmetics and personal care sectors contended with rising operational costs and regulatory challenges. January saw sluggish sales growth, which contributed to prolonged low buyer activity and excess inventory.
As the quarter progressed into February, a continuation of subdued market sentiment saw prices further decline due to weak demand despite some resilience in specific beauty segments. The influential European beauty sector remained mixed, with only select areas demonstrating growth, indicating a cautious market sentiment.
March, however, marked a shift with prices rising. This rise was fueled by low inventory levels creating supply tightness and seasonal demand increases from the personal care industry. The momentum of summer seasonality and proactive buying behavior from suppliers indicated a tightening market position, suggesting optimism moving forward.
In summary, Q1 2025 price trends for Nonylphenol Ethoxylates in Germany reflected initial weakness due to economic pressures, followed by a notable recovery in March attributed to supply dynamics and seasonal demand increases.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
North America's Q4 2024 Nonylphenol Ethoxylates market, especially in the US, saw prices fluctuate as a result of multiple factors influencing supply and demand dynamics. October began with price increases due to strong demand from end-user industries like surfactants and detergents, despite ample supply. This upward trend continued late in the month, with a stable phenol-benzene premium offsetting declining ethylene oxide and phenol costs.
November saw price stability, maintained by consistent personal care sector demand and robust supply chains, even with a slight rise in ethylene oxide prices. However, December brought a significant price decline. This was attributed to a typical seasonal slowdown in demand, adjustments to earlier input cost inflation, and weakness in the broader manufacturing sector. Despite lower phenol prices and stable ethylene oxide costs, sufficient supply allowed for price reductions as manufacturers adapted inventory to reflect the market changes. E-commerce growth in December partially offset the overall decline in retail sales.
The market faced challenges stemming from price volatility, managing input cost inflation, and adapting to fluctuating demand patterns. Manufacturers had to balance profitability with competitive pricing strategies within a broader economic context.
APAC
In Q4 2024, the Nonylphenol Ethoxylates market in the APAC region experienced price volatility shaped by a complex interplay of factors. October opened with price increases fueled by moderate demand from the personal care sector and anxieties surrounding Middle Eastern oil supply disruptions. This upward trend continued later in the month due to rising ethylene oxide prices, despite stable phenol costs. November maintained price stability, supported by consistent personal care demand, even as phenol prices declined. However, a significant shift occurred in December. A typical seasonal slowdown, coupled with oversupply and weak demand, led to a sharp price decrease. This decline was further exacerbated by a downward trend in both ethylene oxide and phenol prices, easing overall production costs.
The personal care sector, while exhibiting moderate growth throughout the quarter, experienced a significant slowdown during the year-end holidays, directly impacting demand for Nonylphenol Ethoxylates. This created challenges for market participants who had to navigate volatile pricing, manage excess inventory due to oversupply, and contend with intensifying competition.
Europe
In Q4 2024, the Nonylphenol Ethoxylates market in the European region, particularly Germany experienced significant price volatility. October started with price increases driven by strong demand from the detergents and surfactants sector, despite sufficient supply. Late October saw further increases, with a stable phenol-benzene premium offsetting lower ethylene oxide and phenol costs. November maintained price stability due to holiday shopping and consistent personal care demand, even as raw material prices fell. However, December witnessed a sharp price decline. This was due to weak domestic demand, lower raw material (ethylene oxide and phenol) costs, and severe global port congestion impacting deliveries. The quarter ended at USD 2518/MT FOB Hamburg, a substantial decrease from the beginning of the quarter.
Several factors contributed to this volatility: strong early demand, followed by a December slowdown; fluctuating raw material costs; the positive impact of holiday shopping in November, and supply chain disruptions. Weak German manufacturing and sluggish European personal care sales also exerted downward pressure on prices in December. Market participants faced challenges in managing volatile pricing, fluctuating raw material costs, and supply chain disruptions.
