For the Quarter Ending March 2022
North America
Paraffin wax prices increased throughout the first quarter of 2022 in the North American market. Demand remained stable from downstream paper and agriculture industry. However, strong offtakes due to consistent demand from the cosmetics and pharmaceutical segments till the end of the quarter escalated the values. In March, reduced supplies from Asian countries due to global supply chain disruption and increased upstream crude oil values boosted Paraffin wax prices in the international market. Paraffin wax CFR prices settled at USD 2250 per MT in the end of Q1 2022 in North America.
Asia Pacific
Paraffin Wax prices remained strong in the Asian market throughout Q1, 2022. In Q1, high upstream crude oil values impacted the production cost of Paraffin wax, especially in March amid the tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Supply chain disruption and increased crude oil values caused shortage in supplies to the importing countries from China. In the Indian market, values remained stagnant in the first half and increased slightly during second half amid the uncertain supplies of crude and Paraffin Wax. Paraffin Wax discussions settled at USD 1650 /MT on FOB basis in China.
Europe
In the European market, Paraffin Wax prices remained high throughout the 1st quarter of 2022. The values rose consistently throughout the period due to continuous rise in the freight rates in the European region and increased manufacturing cost of Paraffin wax prices in China. The offtakes remained strong, and the demand for Paraffin wax remained consistent from the downstream cosmetic industry during winter. However, the demand from the food industry remained sluggish. In March, the prices of paraffin wax escalated significantly in the 2nd half of Q1 by over 7% due to uncertainty in supplies of materials amid the crisis in the East- European region.
For the Quarter Ending December 2021
North America
In Q4 2021, Paraffin Wax prices traced an upward trajectory in North America backed by the tight supplies of the product due to the lower imports from China. Moreover, as Paraffin Wax is a petrochemical product thus, volatility in the prices of Crude oil directly influenced its pricing trend. Additionally, a sturdy demand from the downstream Cosmetics, Coatings, Adhesives, and other sectors was seen in this timeframe that aided the hike in Paraffin Wax prices. Hence, Paraffin wax fully refined CFR Houston monthly average prices stood at USD 1950/MT witnessing a hike of USD 215/MT since October.
Asia
In Asia, Paraffin Wax market experienced an upward rally during the fourth quarter of 2021. In China, the prices of Paraffin Wax soared due to high production cost backed of extreme energy crises and volatility in the crude oil values. In India, a significant rise in the prices of Paraffin Wax was witnessed as there was a proliferative rise in all the commodities that are imported from China. Moreover, in domestic market, firm demand and prevalent enquiries from downstream manufacturers also contributed to the hike in the cost of the product. Hence, Indian Paraffin prices experienced an upward trend throughout the quarter and Paraffin Wax 60-62 EX Depot Delhi NCR prices stood at USD 1940.13/MT in December showcasing a hike of 11.5% since October.
Europe
In Europe, Paraffin Wax market appeared to be bullish backed by the limited availability of the product and robust demand from the downstream Cosmetics manufacturers during the fourth quarter. Furthermore, lower and delayed imports from the Asian countries specially China due to curtailment in the production process in effect of energy crisis as well as container shortage led to increment in the values of Paraffin Wax in this timeframe.
For the Quarter Ending September 2021
North America
The North American Paraffine Wax prices witnessed an uptrend in the third quarter of 2021. The demand for Paraffin Wax from the downstream industries such as flexible packaging in personal care, pharmaceuticals, and the food & beverage industry surged due to a steady recovery of US economy to pre pandemic levels. Volatility in the prices of upstream crude oil led to an increase in prices of Paraffin Wax. Supply was tight during the hurricane season as refineries on the gulf coast were forced shut. Refinery restarts during the closing weeks of Q3 meant that supply will ease up going into the next quarter and will likely stabilize the prices.
Asia
Asian Paraffin wax prices were on a constant uptrend throughout Q3 buoyed by the cost of upstream crude oil and a firm demand from the end user industries. Chinese Paraffin Wax prices increased in the backdrop of a surge in demand from the domestic as well as international markets. Supply remained tight due to a combination of lower refinery run rates, an impending energy crisis as well as supply chain bottlenecks caused by a congestion at Chinese ports owing to strict covid-19 containment protocols. In India Paraffin Wax prices witnessed an uptrend as demand surpassed supply throughout Q3. Moreover, Paraffin Wax manufacturers looking forward the expected hike in its demand owing to the upcoming festive season revised its prices to have maximum benefits. Paraffin Wax (60-62) Ex-Mumbai prices settled at 1441.65 USD/MT in September up by 124.08 USD/MT since July.
Europe
The European Paraffin Wax market remained tight during the third quarter of 2021 owing to delayed imports from the US and Chinese markets. The hurricane season in US and persistent congestion at Chinese ports meant that supplies of paraffin wax were hard to come by during Q3. In addition, lower refinery run rates due to a crisis in critical energy markets led to an increase in the prices of the paraffin wax. Demand remained strong from the candles, coatings, and packaging industries. Soaring sea freight charges and limited availability of shipping containers added further upward pressure on the prices during Q3.
For the Quarter Ending June 2021
North America
Prices of Paraffine Wax remained in a narrow range during this quarter across North America region, backed by high inventory levels. Due to the polar storm in last quarter, production of Paraffin Wax remained low in the country. However, availability remained abundant to tackle any demand from downstream cosmetics and candle manufacturers. Despite of slow refinery rate, older stocks was so abundant that led to an overall slump in the prices of Paraffin Wax in the country. Therefore, price of Paraffin wax tumbled effectively settling at around USD 1355/MT for light grade in Texas.
Asia
Paraffin wax prices varied with country over country in Asia during this quarter. In China, prices traced an upward trajectory due to sturdy domestic and cross border demand against the tight supply. While in India, after April, prices started declining in effect of rapid upsurge in pandemic cases in the country. To curb the spread country-imposed movement restrictions, which plunged the overall demand from cosmetic market. Therefore, prices of Paraffin Wax declined in India and climbed up in China, and eventually reached USD 1283/MT and USD 1307/MT respectively for India and China during end of June.
Europe
Europe experienced an overall stability in Paraffin Wax market, while the demand remained steady throughout the quarter. Post decline in COVID pandemic in major European economies, demand for Paraffin Wax started rebounding from regional cosmetic, candle, and coating sector. However, stocks remained abundant to satisfy the overall requirement of the market, which led to an overall stability in prices while facing some fluctuations under demand supply gap.
For the Quarter Ending March 2021
Asia
In line with the rise in demand from downstream industries, Asian paraffin wax market witnessed a fair recovery during Q1 2021. This demand for Paraffin wax remained stable till January, which later during February and March observed a further pickup due to significant recovery in service sector. This improved demand mainly came from cosmetics, packaging and candles making segments which enhanced the market sentiments and hence supported the prices of Paraffin wax in Asian market. Accordingly, CFR India prices for Paraffin wax rose from USD 1046 per MT (January 2021) to USD 1095 per MT (March 2021). Meanwhile, Indian Oil Corporation announced to expand its Chennai refinery in collaboration with Chennai petroleum corporation ltd, which will cost around USD 4298.2 Million.
North America
North America region faced challenges to satisfy the demand for Paraffine wax during Q1 2021, although the demand remained below the expectations. The reason behind this fall was disrupted plant activities, due to winter storm in gulf during Q1 2021 and multiple plant shutdowns due to the spate of hurricanes in Q4 2020. Owing to the limited manufacturing activities, feedstock base oil prices skyrocketed during January and February, although improvement in manufacturing activities during March stopped this price acceleration across the region.
Europe
After months of stagnancy and depressed market, European paraffin wax witnessed a fair flight during Q1 2021. Construction and paper manufacturing sector improved by 4-5% compared to Q4 2020. Furthermore, with vaccination drives running in several European countries like UK and France, manufacturers remained optimistic regarding the demand for paraffin wax from downstream sectors in the near term. Meanwhile, during March end, Total dropped the plan to resume its France base oil production plant, due to low demand for feedstock Base Oil.
For the Quarter Ending December 2020
Asia
Festive season in Asia during final quarter of 2020, raised the demand of Paraffin wax from different sectors. Fairly improved demand of Paraffin wax from industries like cosmetics, packaging and candles enhanced the market sentiments and supported its prices. In India, CRF price of Paraffin wax were said to improve from USD 964.16/tonne in October to USD 997.27/tonne in December. Similarly, other Asian countries like China and Korea reported resilient demand for Paraffin wax post COVID-19 recovery. Improved crude oil values also supported the prices of Paraffin wax during Q4 2020 in the Asia pacific region.
North America
Amid fair recovery in industrial activities and businesses across the region, the demand of Paraffin wax from the packaging and cosmetic sector was moderately improved during Q4 2020. Although multiple refineries were kept on low capacities and many of them remained completely non operative, demand-supply situation seemed somewhat balanced during the quarter. In addition, Royal Dutch shell was heard closing its Louisiana refining facility due to malfunction, which is one of the largest facilities in USA. This shut down may have a significant impact on Paraffin wax supply across the region.
Europe
The European Paraffin wax market remained low on sales and experienced stable growth from the construction and paper manufacturing sector. Although the demand for Paraffin wax improved from cosmetic industries compared to prior quarter. Meanwhile, the COVID-19 restrictions affected the activities of multiple refining units and that reduced the overall availability of Paraffin wax which has already been dealing with slackening demand. On other hand, some countries like UK announced complete lockdown and implemented COVID-19 restrictions that induced the downward trend in demand fundamentals.
