For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In USA, the Petroleum Resin Price Index fell by 2.06% quarter-over-quarter, pressured by weak construction demand and competitive imports.
• The average Petroleum Resin price for the quarter was approximately USD 1570.33/MT, reflecting elevated landed costs and mixed demand.
• Petroleum Resin Spot Price softened through August, supporting a lower Price Index amid abundant import arrivals and discounts.
• Petroleum Resin Price Forecast for Q4 indicates mild recovery, conditional on restocking and tighter export availability from Asia.
• Petroleum Resin Production Cost Trend edged higher due to rising crude-linked feedstock costs and seasonal freight pressure.
• Petroleum Resin Demand Outlook remains mixed with construction weakness offset by modest automotive and specialty resin sector gains.
• Petroleum Resin Price Index volatility reflected inventory build in Q2 and forward buying ahead of tariff review.
• Importers reported steady CFR Savannah flows, keeping availability adequate while limiting upside for immediate price gains.
Why did the price of Petroleum Resin change in September 2025 in North America?
• Elevated import offers from Asian suppliers and higher crude-driven feedstock costs increased landed costs, pressuring prices.
• Soft construction demand and cautious downstream procurement reduced offtake, amplifying downward pressure on domestic prices.
• Improved freight economics and steady import arrivals expanded supply, enabling sellers to offer competitive discounts.
APAC
• In China, the Petroleum Resin Price Index fell by 1.86% quarter-over-quarter, pressured by softer demand.
• The average Petroleum Resin price for the quarter was approximately USD 1091/MT, FOB Qingdao reported.
• Domestic Petroleum Resin Spot Price softened amid abundant inventories, restraining seller leverage despite export interest.
• Analysts' Petroleum Resin Price Forecast shows modest upside risk from monsoon disruption and restocking demand.
• C5 and C9 feedstock movements pushed the Petroleum Resin Production Cost Trend, squeezing producers' margins.
• The Petroleum Resin Demand Outlook remains mixed, stronger in adhesives, coatings but weak in rubber.
• Port congestion and typhoon risks affected the Petroleum Resin Price Index volatility, increasing logistical premia.
• Operating rates and export flows determine short-term pricing, with producers adjusting offers to match actual offtake.
Why did the price of Petroleum Resin change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Ample domestic supply and steady production levels increased availability, exerting downward pressure on market prices.
• Lower crude derived C5 and C9 feedstock costs reduced production expenses, limiting seller willingness to raise offers.
• Logistics delays and seasonal demand softness reduced immediate uptake, while export interest partially absorbed surplus volumes.
Europe
• In Europe, the Petroleum Resin Price Index increased quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025, supported by seasonal demand from adhesives, sealants, and road marking paints.
• Petroleum Resin Spot Price movements remained firm, with converters restocking ahead of Q4 and packaging manufacturers increasing procurement volumes.
• The Petroleum Resin Price Forecast for Q4 2025 signals mild upward pressure, especially in hot-melt adhesive and printing ink segments, driven by holiday season demand and tighter inventories.
• The Petroleum Resin Production Cost Trend remained stable, with feedstock prices for C5 and C9 fractions showing minimal volatility. Refining margins and energy costs were largely predictable across European facilities.
• The Petroleum Resin Demand Outlook remains constructive, with steady consumption in adhesives, rubber compounding, paints, printing inks, and construction materials. Packaging and automotive sectors are expected to support Q4 demand.
• The Petroleum Resin Price Index reflects seasonal procurement cycles and inventory normalization across European distributors, particularly in the adhesives and coatings industries.
• Inventory levels across Western Europe remained balanced, supporting disciplined pricing, and preventing bulk-buying spikes.
• Regulatory compliance and sustainability initiatives in packaging and construction sectors continue to favor petroleum resin formulations with low VOC and enhanced performance.
Why did the price of Petroleum Resin change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Seasonal restocking by adhesive and packaging manufacturers ahead of Q4 boosted demand, lifting the Petroleum Resin Price Index.
• Supply tightened slightly due to scheduled maintenance at key refining units, reducing spot availability, and supporting price firmness.
• Feedstock costs for C5 and C9 hydrocarbons remained stable, but increased freight and packaging costs contributed to the September price uptick.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Petroleum Resin Price Index in North America declined by 1.9% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025, primarily due to sluggish demand from downstream sectors, stable production operations, and easing logistical bottlenecks.
• Consumption from adhesives and coatings sectors remained weak through Q2, with converters adopting cautious procurement due to slow housing starts, tight credit, and limited industrial activity. A short-lived uptick in June demand tied to infrastructure-related restocking was insufficient to alter the overall softness.
• On the supply side, import volumes from Asia fluctuated amid regional trade uncertainties, but overall resin availability stayed stable. Local inventory levels remained adequate throughout the quarter, discouraging aggressive spot buying.
• In essence, Q2 pricing weakness stemmed from a demand-constrained market, with brief late-quarter restocking unable to offset broader downstream inertia.
Why did the price of Petroleum Resin change in July 2025 in North America?
• In July 2025, the Petroleum Resin Price Index in North America fell from June, reflecting a return to broader Q2 softness after the brief June uplift.
• The downtrend was driven by reduced seasonal offtake from adhesives and construction segments, with logistical normalization improving resin availability from Asia.
• Demand cooled further as mid-year project completions wrapped up and no major procurement drivers emerged in coatings or packaging applications.
• Overall, the July decline marked a correction following temporary restocking-led support, reaffirming the weak demand environment prevailing in the region.
Europe
• Petroleum resin prices in Europe continued to decline through Q2 2025, driven by weak downstream demand and steady supply conditions across the region.
• Consumption from adhesives, automotive coatings, and printing inks remained sluggish as high interest rates, stagnant construction output, and industrial headwinds dampened end-user activity. A brief uptick in early June tied to inventory restocking failed to provide lasting price support.
• Regional supply remained stable, supported by consistent domestic production and uninterrupted import flows from Asia and the Middle East. Producers operated at moderate rates, and there were no major feedstock or operational disruptions.
• Overall, Q2 pricing weakness stemmed from soft macroeconomic conditions and cautious buying behaviour, with limited momentum even during seasonal restocking periods.
Why did the price of Petroleum Resin change in July 2025 in Europe?
• In July 2025, petroleum resin prices in Europe declined further, extending the softness seen in Q2 amid persistent demand headwinds and logistical constraints.
• End-use consumption weakened due to the summer holiday slowdown, particularly in adhesives, packaging, and industrial segments, while no major recovery emerged in automotive or coatings demand.
• Although production levels remained stable, logistics disruptions—especially in road freight and inland container movements—continued to affect scheduling and inventory turnover.
• The July downtrend underscored ongoing structural demand weakness and supply-chain inefficiencies, reinforcing bearish sentiment across the European resin market.
APAC
• The Petroleum Resin Price Index in APAC declined by 1.6% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025, as bearish market sentiment persisted amid weak downstream demand and consistent supply.
• Demand from adhesives, coatings, and rubber sectors remained muted across April and May, with converters exercising caution due to oversupply, high inventories, and slow construction activity. A marginal improvement was observed in June, driven by moderate gains in infrastructure applications and industrial adhesives.
• Supply remained abundant throughout the quarter as producers maintained stable operating rates, supported by declining feedstock costs and steady refinery-linked production. Inventory levels remained elevated despite minor production cuts and logistical slowdowns in late Q2.
• Raw material prices—particularly cracking C9—fell in April and May, reducing cost support for resin pricing. Rising crude values in June added slight upward pressure, but gains were limited by only modest demand recovery.
• Overall, Q2 prices softened due to persistent market oversupply and subdued downstream activity, with only a marginal late-quarter uptick insufficient to alter the broader downward trend.
Why did the price of Petroleum Resin change in July 2025 in Asia?
• In July 2025, petroleum resin prices in the APAC region fell compared to June, reflecting a return to oversupply-driven pressure after a brief stabilization in late Q2.
• Demand weakened again as seasonal construction activity tapered and industrial usage remained inconsistent, particularly in rubber and tire segments.
• Supply availability remained high, with most producers continuing normal output levels despite slow-moving inventories and limited restocking interest.
• The July decline highlighted the structural imbalance between stable production and insufficient end-use demand, reinforcing market weakness amid limited price support from cost or consumption drivers.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, Petroleum Resin prices in the North American region recorded a quarter-on-quarter decline compared to Q4 2024. At the beginning of the quarter, petroleum resin prices in North America rose, supported by elevated import costs from Asia and supply-side constraints. Federal infrastructure projects in energy and data centres stimulated demand in construction adhesives and coatings, while improved automotive offtake also contributed to the upward movement.
As the quarter progressed, prices began to soften amid easing supply concerns. Chinese producers ramped up output post-holidays, and freight rates fell sharply, enhancing resin availability. While end-user demand showed resilience, especially in construction, oversupplied inventories and cautious purchasing behaviour capped further gains. Buyers adopted a wait-and-see approach amid economic and policy uncertainties.
By quarter-end, prices continued their downward trend as sluggish demand outpaced any supply risk. Despite stable output and cost relief from falling freight, muted downstream activity — especially in adhesives and coatings — drove the overall QoQ price decline. The U.S. witnessed the most significant change with a noticeable drop compared to Q4 2024, with the quarter-end price settling at USD 1290/MT CFR Savannah, reflecting cautious sentiment, and restrained buying interest.
APAC
In Q1 2025, Petroleum Resin prices in the APAC region recorded a quarter-on-quarter incline of 4.4% compared to Q4 2024. At the start of the quarter, petroleum resin prices in the APAC region surged, supported by tightened supply and rising production costs amid climbing crude oil prices. Pre-Lunar New Year shutdowns among manufacturers reduced operational capacity, while downstream buyers actively stockpiled resin to secure supply. Global interest, particularly from U.S. importers preparing for possible tariffs on Chinese goods, added pressure to demand, fuelling the initial upward trend. As the quarter progressed, the market stabilized as production resumed post-holiday and supply levels normalized. Easing crude oil prices helped mitigate input costs, leading to steady pricing. Demand from construction remained firm, offering a cushion to overall offtake, though the automotive sector showed signs of weakness. By the end of the quarter, prices softened slightly, despite stable supply and modest recovery in downstream activity, especially in coatings and construction. The quarter concluded higher overall due to the strong early-quarter rally, cementing a QoQ price increase with the quarter-end price settling at USD 1150/MT FOB Qingdao.
Europe
Petroleum resin prices in Europe declined in Q1 2025 compared to Q4 2024, driven by weak downstream demand, shifting crude oil dynamics, and mounting global trade tensions. Early in the quarter, crude oil prices saw a brief uptick, raising feedstock costs. However, this failed to support resin pricing as construction activity remained limited due to inflationary pressures and high material costs. Automotive demand also stayed subdued, constrained by economic uncertainty and concerns over possible U.S. tariffs targeting German exports. Mid-quarter, falling crude oil prices eased upstream cost pressures, but downstream recovery remained elusive. Construction delays continued, and automakers scaled back production in response to lacklustre sales. Escalating U.S.-EU trade friction, particularly proposed tariffs on industrial goods, prompted exporters to reroute shipments toward domestic and regional markets, exacerbating supply surpluses within the EU. By quarter-end, crude prices declined further and trade policy uncertainty and redirected exports from global to European markets intensified oversupply, weighing heavily on prices. Germany, as the region’s largest market, faced persistent consumption softness and limited industrial activity. The quarter-on-quarter price drop reflected a broader imbalance shaped by tepid demand, cost-side relief, and trade-driven disruptions.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, Petroleum Resin prices in the North American market saw a notable increase, driven by a combination of supply constraints and elevated freight rates. The supply side faced significant challenges due to logistical disruptions, particularly in key trade routes such as the Panama Canal and the Mississippi River.
Low water levels in these critical waterways led to extended delivery times and delays, further exacerbating the supply shortage. Concurrently, shipping costs from Asia to North America surged, partly due to the anticipation of potential labor strikes on the U.S. East and Gulf coasts and a compressed post-holiday shipping schedule. These factors contributed to a tightening of supply, sustaining upward pressure on prices.
On the demand side, while the construction sector showed some seasonal slowdown, overall demand remained relatively steady, particularly driven by the automotive sector. Strong performance in the U.S. automotive industry, especially in truck and hybrid vehicle production, helped maintain a steady demand for Petroleum Resin, which is widely used in manufacturing lubricants, coatings, and vehicle components. These factors combined to push prices higher despite an otherwise moderate demand environment.
Asia-Pacific
In Q4 2024, the Asia-Pacific Petroleum Resin market witnessed an upward price trend, largely driven by a combination of supply-side constraints, rising input costs, and moderate demand recovery in key sectors across the region. In China, logistical disruptions, including heightened port congestion at major hubs like Shanghai and Ningbo and delays caused by Typhoon Kong-Rey, strained the supply chain despite stable manufacturing activity and high capacity utilization rates. Traders pre-emptively raised prices to offset escalating freight costs during the holiday season and longer trade routes. Demand in China was mixed, with the construction sector showing modest growth driven by key players like China Railway Group, while the automotive sector recorded robust gains, with passenger vehicle sales surging by 11.2% year-on-year in October, supported by rising new energy vehicle (NEV) sales. Similarly, in India, Petroleum Resin prices remained elevated due to constrained supplies and increased feedstock costs, alongside moderate demand from construction and infrastructure projects. The Indian automotive sector also contributed to demand, with steady growth in passenger vehicle production and sales. Across the Asia-Pacific region, while real estate and construction sectors exhibited uneven recovery, the automotive industry emerged as a key driver, highlighting its significant role in shaping the market dynamics for Petroleum Resin during the final quarter of 2024.
Europe
The price of Petroleum resin in the European market remained subdued during the final quarter of 2024, reflecting a stable balance between supply and demand. Inventories were sufficiently stocked to meet consistent consumption needs, particularly from the automotive sector, which remains the primary end-user of Petroleum resin in paints, coatings, and lubricants. Although global automotive production has shown signs of growth, European and North American markets have been constrained by slower vehicle sales and production challenges, partly driven by the ongoing transition toward electrification. Germany emerged as an exception, maintaining steady automotive production, supported by its strategic push toward electric vehicle manufacturing. This steady demand has helped stabilize the German Petroleum resin market, allowing it to absorb minor cost fluctuations without significant disruption. Nevertheless, European manufacturers continued to face challenges, including a prolonged destocking cycle, geopolitical uncertainties, and a challenging economic climate, all of which led to reduced production activity. Despite these headwinds, stable inventories and steady automotive demand have provided a favorable outlook for the European Petroleum resin market.
