For the Quarter Ending June 2026
Phenol Prices in North America
- In the USA, the Phenol Price Index rose by 64.3% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting tightening feedstock-driven supply constraints.
- The average Phenol price for the quarter was approximately USD 1448.33/MT, reflecting robust prompt market strength.
- Phenol Spot Price gains pushed the regional Price Index higher as prompt availability tightened further.
- The Phenol Production Cost Trend rose as benzene and energy expenses increased, pressuring margins further.
- Phenol Demand Outlook remains constructive as bisphenol-A and resin sectors draw steady spot procurement activity.
- Phenol Price Forecast suggests short-term firmness, though moderate corrections possible if feedstock benzene eases materially.
- Lean terminal inventories amplified sensitivity, leaving Phenol Spot Price vulnerable to even minor supply interruptions.
- Export demand and imports absorbed volumes, keeping the Price Index elevated despite steady plant rates.
Why did the price of Phenol change in June 2026 in North America?
- Tight cumene and benzene availability constrained phenol supply, elevating spot offers and the Price Index.
- Higher energy and freight insurance costs increased production costs, supporting the Phenol Production Cost Trend.
- Robust export demand and inventories absorbed volumes, forcing buyers to compete for Phenol Spot Price.
Phenol Prices in APAC
- In Japan, the Phenol Price Index rose by 37.51% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting export demand and tight availability.
- The average Phenol price for the quarter was approximately USD 1027.67/MT, based on FOB Osaka assessments and contractual flows.
- Phenol Spot Price softened in June amid subdued downstream activity and ample availability, pressuring the Price Index.
- Phenol Price Forecast projects near-term softness driven by inventories and cautious buying in Asian resin sectors.
- Phenol Production Cost Trend eased as benzene and propylene softened, reducing cash-cost support for offers.
- Phenol Demand Outlook remained muted with BPA and resin consumption limited, constraining spot absorption and recovery.
- Phenol Price Index volatility reflected export arbitrage flows, steady domestic operating rates, and comfortable terminal inventories in Osaka.
- Producers defended FOB offers selectively, prioritizing exports while domestic plants ran steadily, limiting major supply disruptions.
Why did the price of Phenol change in June 2026 in APAC?
- Balanced domestic supply and steady imports increased competition, leaving spot volumes abundant and pressuring prices.
- Softer benzene and propylene reduced production costs, eroding supplier pricing leverage despite freight, insurance pressures.
- Weak downstream demand from BPA and resins curtailed buying, prompting procurement restraint, softer spot bids.
South Korea
- In South Korea, the Phenol Price Index rose by 38.17% quarter-over-quarter, bolstered by export demand.
- Phenol Spot Price weakened mid-June as regional feedstock relief allowed sellers to soften offers modestly.
Thailand
- In Thailand, the Phenol Price Index rose by 38.02% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting strong export-led demand momentum.
- Export allocations tightened, pushing the Phenol Spot Price and elevating the regional Price Index reading.
Phenol Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the Phenol Price Index rose by 20.77% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting stronger benzene costs overall.
- The average Phenol price for the quarter was approximately USD 1490.33/MT, reflecting stronger feedstock-driven levels.
- Phenol Spot Price softened in June, pressuring the Phenol Price Index amid ample inventory levels.
- Phenol Production Cost Trend rose with benzene increases, squeezing producer margins despite domestic operating rates.
- Phenol Price Forecast suggests volatility with upside risk if geopolitics disrupt feedstock or shipping flows.
- Phenol Demand Outlook remains subdued as resin and BPA sectors delay purchases amid muted activity.
- Inventory builds and competitive imports pressured domestic offers, loosening seller leverage and compressing spot margins.
- Major German plants ran near capacity, sustaining exports while keeping spot availability balanced across Europe.
Why did the price of Phenol change in June 2026 in Europe?
- Rising benzene feedstock costs increased production expenses, intermittently supporting offers despite comfortable regional availability recently.
- Distributor inventories expanded and competitive imports softened spot demand, triggering seller discounts across German ports.
- Weaker offtake from resin, BPA and polycarbonate sectors limited immediate purchases, damping phenol price momentum.
Netherlands
- In Netherlands, the Phenol Price Index rose by 20.65% quarter-over-quarter, driven by tight spot availability.
- Phenol Spot Price showed volatility as prompt tonnage tightened then later eased via cross-border inflows.
Belgium
- In Belgium, the Phenol Price Index rose by 21.04% quarter-over-quarter, driven by elevated feedstock and freight cost pressures.
- Phenol Spot Price volatility reflected gains and June declines amid fluctuating Antwerp port throughput and demand.
For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Phenol Prices in North America
- In USA, the Phenol Price Index rose by 1.19% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting modest supply tightness from feedstock disruptions.
- The average Phenol price this quarter was approximately USD 881.67/MT, reflecting stable Gulf Coast supply and balanced demand.
- Phenol Spot Price movements tightened as higher benzene costs and energy pushed the Phenol Production Cost Trend upward.
- Phenol Price Forecast signals moderate further gains short term while balanced domestic output limits extreme volatility.
- Phenol Demand Outlook remains muted with downstream BPA and resin players replenishing conservatively after year end.
- Inventory levels and export demand moderated the Phenol Price Index, constraining upside despite short lived supply shocks.
- Gulf Coast plants ran at normal rates, so operational reliability tempered spot volatility across the domestic market.
- Higher freight and insurance costs increased landed import economics, supporting domestic offers and firming short term spot markets.
Why did the price of Phenol change in March 2026 in North America?
- Feedstock benzene surged sharply in March, increasing production costs and driving suppliers to raise offered phenol levels.
- Reduced import arbitrage and elevated freight premiums limited Asian cargo competitiveness, tightening prompt availability for Gulf terminals.
- Domestic plants maintained steady rates while precautionary buying lifted short term demand, supporting resilient price momentum.
Phenol Prices in APAC
- In Japan, the Phenol Price Index fell by 2.87% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting softer benzene feedstock weakness.
- The average Phenol price for the quarter was approximately USD 1081.33/MT, reflecting subdued spot contracting.
- Phenol Spot Price remained range-bound early quarter, while the Phenol Price Index firmed into March.
- The Phenol Production Cost Trend rose as benzene inflation increased cash costs for cumene route producers.
- Phenol Demand Outlook improved modestly mid-March as epoxy resin and BPA buyers accelerated precautionary procurement.
- Phenol Price Forecast suggests gradual upside if import arbitrage tightens and domestic operating rates rise.
- Inventory accumulation weighed on the Phenol Price Index, offsetting sporadic firmer Phenol Spot Price signals.
- Export demand and higher freight increased landed costs, tightening prompt availability and supporting firmer offers.
Why did the price of Phenol change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Benzene feedstock rose sharply, lifting cumene route cash costs and directly pressuring Phenol producers' margins.
- Singapore cargo diversions and reduced import inflows constrained prompt supply into Japan, tightening near-term availability.
- Epoxy resin and BPA buying accelerated procurement; higher freight and insurance raised landed cost pressures.
Phenol Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the Phenol Price Index rose by 30.03% quarter-over-quarter, driven by tight supply pressures.
- The average Phenol price for the quarter was approximately USD 1234.00/MT, reflecting upstream cost pass-through.
- Phenol Spot Price firmed as export enquiries and thin prompt availability supported seller pricing premiums.
- Phenol Price Forecast shows near-term firmness given maintenance, insolvency-related reductions and constrained import arrivals persisting.
- Phenol Production Cost Trend rose as benzene spikes and insurance increases raised producers' variable costs.
- Phenol Demand Outlook remains supportive from polycarbonate, epoxy resin and EV composite offtake sustaining consumption.
- Inventory and export flow constraints tightened balances, lifting the Phenol Price Index and accelerating buying.
- Producers ran above eighty-five percent, while port dwell times further amplified Price Index realization markedly.
Why did the price of Phenol change in March 2026 in Europe?
- Higher benzene feedstock costs raised production expenses, prompting producers to pass through surging variable costs.
- Port congestion and extended import dwell times reduced prompt availability, intensifying buying urgency, supporting premiums.
- Steady offtake from polycarbonate, epoxy and BPA chains sustained demand despite weaker automotive macro indicators.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
- In USA, the Phenol Price Index fell by 14.61% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting export weakness and subdued domestic demand.
- The average Phenol price this quarter was USD 902.00/MT, reflecting balanced supply and subdued demand.
- Phenol Spot Price remained rangebound, the Price Index indicating stability as feedstock costs stayed steady.
- Phenol Price Forecast indicates modest volatility, constrained by ample inventories and predictable feedstock cost trajectories.
- Phenol Production Cost Trend softened as benzene and refinery margins eased, enabling producer margin adjustments.
- Phenol Demand Outlook subdued; bisphenol A and resin buyers limited purchases to near-term operational needs.
- Phenol Price Index reflected export competitiveness and ample inventories, constraining upward price momentum this quarter.
- Major Gulf Coast producers ran near capacity, supporting supply continuity while keeping spot liquidity moderate.
Why did the price of Phenol change in December 2025 in North America?
- Ample domestic production and steady inventories limited upside, creating oversupply against cautious downstream purchasing patterns.
- Eased benzene and crude-related feedstock costs lowered production expense, allowing sellers to selectively reduce offers.
- Competitive export parity and lower freight rates intensified outbound pressure, constraining pricing flexibility for sellers.
APAC
- In Japan, the Phenol Price Index fell by 7.1% quarter-over-quarter, extending bearish supply-demand imbalance further.
- The average Phenol price for the quarter was approximately USD 728.67/MT across APAC markets, reflecting realizations.
- Phenol Spot Price weakened amid ample imports, elevated inventories and subdued downstream procurement across regions.
- Phenol Price Forecast sees volatility near term, driven by feedstock stability and seasonal restocking uncertainty.
- Phenol Production Cost Trend remained muted as benzene and energy eased, offering limited cost-floor support.
- Phenol Demand Outlook remains weak with BPA and automotive resin pull restrained, suppressing buying interest.
- Phenol Price Index reflected steady producer throughput, disciplined selling and competitive landed imports keeping pressure.
- Phenol Price Index movement influenced by fleet freight declines, stable operations and conservative buyer hand-to-mouth strategies.
Why did the price of Phenol change in December 2025 in APAC?
- Ample Asian imports and steady domestic production increased coastal inventories, reducing sellers pricing leverage materially.
- Lower benzene and naphtha costs trimmed production cash costs, but did not stimulate immediate downstream buying.
- Year-end plant shutdowns and weak automotive semiconductor demand curtailed resin orders, limiting phenol consumption recovery.
Europe
- In Germany, the Phenol Price Index rose by 2.78% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting tightening logistics and feedstock support.
- The average Phenol price for the quarter was approximately USD 949.00/MT, reflecting balanced inventory and restocking.
- Prompt availability tightened, pushing up the Phenol Spot Price amid constrained logistics and energy costs.
- Producers passed higher benzene and compliance costs, lifting the Phenol Production Cost Trend and supporting offers.
- Downstream restocking improved, shaping a firmer Phenol Demand Outlook for bisphenol-A, resins, and polycarbonate producers.
- Analysts maintained a cautious Phenol Price Forecast leaning higher given domestic coverage and limited imports.
- Inventory levels remained balanced, lean in hubs, influencing the Phenol Price Index and restraining discounts.
- Export arbitrage narrowed, preserving regional tightness as container freight and currency dynamics reduced import competitiveness.
Why did the price of Phenol change in December 2025 in Europe?
- Logistical bottlenecks on river and rail tightened prompt supply, supporting domestic spot premiums and momentum.
- Higher benzene and energy-linked costs pushed production economics up, prompting producers to lift spot offers.
- Improved downstream procurement and restocking by BPA, resin sectors increased demand amid less competitive imports.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
- In USA, the Phenol Price Index rose by 4.06% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting tightening and downstream demand.
- The average Phenol price for the quarter was approximately USD 1017.00/MT, supported by steady production.
- Phenol Spot Price volatility remained muted as units operated reliably, constraining spot liquidity and activity.
- Phenol Price Forecast shows downside risk absent production outages, with potential rebounds if supplies tighten.
- Phenol Production Cost Trend was stable despite benzene cost dips, supporting producer margins and discipline.
- Phenol Demand Outlook is subdued with weaker BPA procurement, limiting pressure on the Price Index.
- Phenol Price Index weakness reflected inventory builds, operating rates and constrained export flows across region.
- Major producers ran at steady rates with occasional outages influencing short-term availability and spot market tightening.
Why did the price of Phenol change in September 2025 in North America?
- Persistent oversupply from uninterrupted plant operations and ample benzene feedstock pressured Phenol availability, weakening prices.
- Sluggish derivative demand, notably BPA and phenolic resins, reduced procurement, exacerbating downward Price Index momentum.
- Limited export opportunities and inventories with stable energy costs limited upside for Phenol Spot Price.
APAC
- In Japan, the Phenol Price Index fell by 6.02% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting downstream weakness and oversupply.
- The average Phenol price for the quarter was approximately USD 1160.00/MT, based on FOB Osaka.
- Stable Phenol Spot Price observed as domestic plants ran reliably, inventories adequate and exports consistent.
- Phenol Price Forecast indicates near-term range-bound movement given balanced supply and measured derivative demand recovery.
- Phenol Production Cost Trend remained stable with slightly lower benzene, limiting input-cost pass-through to sellers.
- Phenol Demand Outlook improved in mid-September as epoxy and resin sectors increased procurement, supporting resilience.
- Phenol Price Index saw mid-month firmness due to export absorption, despite domestic buyers remaining conservative.
- Inventory levels and container freight easing supported exports, while major producers maintained operating rates throughout.
Why did the price of Phenol change in September 2025 in APAC?
- Improved downstream resin and epoxy offtake increased physical demand, tightening local availability during mid-September sessions.
- Stable benzene and propylene costs limited production cost pressures, reducing input-driven price volatility during month.
- Balanced exports and eased container freight maintained flows, preventing price spikes despite regional inventory differences.
Europe
- In Germany, the Phenol Price Index rose by 6.78% quarter-over-quarter, driven by domestic supply tightening and logistical constraints.
- The average Phenol price for the quarter was approximately USD 923.33/MT, based on FD Hamburg assessments.
- Phenol Spot Price displayed intramonth stability as port congestion and discipline limited prompt transactional volumes.
- Phenol Price Forecast remains cautiously constructive with marginal upside expected if supply disruptions persist regionally.
- Phenol Production Cost Trend stayed subdued as benzene feedstock softened and utilities costs were stable.
- Phenol Demand Outlook looks tepid as BPA and resin buyers delayed purchases, maintaining hand-to-mouth procurement.
- High inventories and competitive imports pressured the Phenol Price Index despite intermittent recent production curtailments.
- Logistics bottlenecks amplified short-term tightness and shaped regional Phenol Spot Price movements during the quarter.
Why did the price of Phenol change in September 2025 in Europe?
- Permanent Gladbeck closure and selective plant outages reduced available regional supply, tightening immediate merchant availability.
- Abundant benzene flows and subdued downstream consumption limited buyers' willingness to cover requirements, capping gains.
- Port congestion, rail disruptions and labour shortages raised logistical costs delaying deliveries, influencing spot pricing.
