For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In USA, the Polyethylene Glycol Price Index rose by 1.90% quarter-over-quarter, driven by port delays.
• The average Polyethylene Glycol price for the quarter was approximately USD 1070.00/MT, CFR Texas basis.
• Domestic Polyethylene Glycol Spot Price firmed as Price Index reflected constrained imports and inventory draws.
• Analysts' Polyethylene Glycol Price Forecast indicates modest near-term upside as restocking offsets seasonal demand dips.
• Elevated feedstock and freight elevated the Polyethylene Glycol Production Cost Trend, limiting aggressive seller discounting.
• Polyethylene Glycol Demand Outlook stays cautiously positive, pharmaceutical stockpiling supporting volumes while cosmetics remain steady.
• Inventory adequate but uneven; export demand subdued; major U.S. producers operating with intermittent delivery lags.
• Procurement caution, regulatory scrutiny combined with port congestion kept the Polyethylene Glycol Price Index supported.
Why did the price of Polyethylene Glycol change in September 2025 in North America?
• Delayed imports from Germany and South Korea tightened availability, prompting procurement and limiting seller flexibility.
• Hamburg port congestion raised freight and lead times, increasing domestic sourcing premiums and logistical uncertainty.
• Pharmaceutical regulatory reforms induced conservative buying and stockpiling, creating uneven downstream demand patterns across sectors.
APAC
• In China, the Polyethylene Glycol Price Index rose by 1.92% quarter-over-quarter, supported by tightened import availability.
• The average Polyethylene Glycol price for the quarter was approximately USD 1060.00/MT, reported by customs.
• Polyethylene Glycol Spot Price firmed amid port delays, the Price Index reflecting tightened Qingdao supply.
• Polyethylene Glycol Price Forecast indicates modest short-term upside, balancing delayed imports against seasonal demand recovery.
• Polyethylene Glycol Production Cost Trend remained benign as feedstock ethylene oxide costs stabilized, limiting upward pressure.
• Polyethylene Glycol Demand Outlook cautious amid pharmaceutical regulatory tightening; cosmetics and industrial sectors sustain core consumption.
• Polyethylene Glycol Price Index showed low inventories and improved export demand, mitigating domestic pharmaceutical weakness.
• Qingdao port congestion and delayed shipments from Singapore and Korea constrained flows, supporting near-term price resilience.
Why did the price of Polyethylene Glycol change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Delayed imports and Qingdao port congestion reduced effective supply, tightening market availability and supporting prices.
• Weaker pharmaceutical procurement due to regulatory tightening reduced demand, offset by cosmetics and industrial consumption.
• Stable feedstock costs and benign production cost trend limited upward price pressure despite constrained logistics.
Europe
• In Germany, the Polyethylene Glycol Price Index rose by 3.90% quarter-over-quarter, driven by port congestion.
• The average Polyethylene Glycol price for the quarter was approximately USD 1330.00/MT per FD Hamburg.
• Polyethylene Glycol Spot Price reflects constrained imports and sustained procurement from pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors.
• Polyethylene Glycol Price Forecast indicates moderate firmness near-term as port disruptions and regulatory-driven restocking persist.
• Polyethylene Glycol Production Cost Trend remained stable, feedstock ethylene oxide costs muted, limiting upward pressure.
• Polyethylene Glycol Demand Outlook remains positive from pharma and cosmetics, offset partially by industrial softness.
• Polyethylene Glycol Price Index volatility reflected inventory drawdowns and redirected exports via land transport routes.
• Producer operational rates remained steady while Hamburg terminal congestion and labor shortages prolonged lead times.
Why did the price of Polyethylene Glycol change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Hamburg port congestion constrained imports, tightening local supply chains and directly supporting spot price strength.
• Elevated pharmaceutical and cosmetics procurement ahead of regulatory deadlines increased demand, prompting inventory replenishment urgency.
• Muted ethylene oxide feedstock costs limited production rises, while logistics and labor shortages pressured prices.
MEA
• In Saudi Arabia, the Polyethylene Glycol Price Index rose by 2.04% quarter-over-quarter, persistently constrained exports.
• The average Polyethylene Glycol price for the quarter was approximately USD 1000.00/MT across FOB Al Jubail exports.
• Polyethylene Glycol Spot Price firmed domestically as port delays tightened available export allocations, prompting restocking.
• Polyethylene Glycol Price Forecast suggests strengthening into Q4 as export throughput recovers and demand stabilizes.
• Polyethylene Glycol Production Cost Trend remained stable with feedstock prices and Jubail operating rates unchanged.
• Polyethylene Glycol Demand Outlook shows mixed segments; halal cosmetics growth offset by weaker pharmaceutical procurement.
• Polyethylene Glycol Price Index volatility eased as overseas warehouse overstocks limited immediate forward buying activity.
• Producers maintained Al Jubail operations, with exporters prioritizing confirmed orders to manage constrained shipping schedules.
Why did the price of Polyethylene Glycol change in September 2025 in MEA?
• Port congestion reduced export outflows in Q3, tightening available supply and supporting domestic price resilience.
• Stable feedstock costs limited production cost increases, while freight disruptions elevated logistics premiums through September.
• Weak downstream demand in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals reduced offtake, offset partially by halal personal-care growth.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) prices in the USA (CFR Texas) recorded a Q2 average of USD 1,050/MT, marking a 1.87% decline from Q1.
• Imports from Germany and South Korea faced delays in June, but overall inventory remained sufficient.
• The pharmaceutical sector saw reduced PEG consumption amid FDA reforms and excipient scrutiny.
• Cosmetic industry demand remained steady, supported by innovations in skincare despite consumer concerns.
• New policies, including Executive Order 14297, impacted drug pricing and excipient procurement strategies.
Why did PEG prices change in July 2025 in North America?
• Regulatory reforms, including MFN pricing policy, curtailed pharmaceutical sector demand.
• Delays in imports from Hamburg and South Korea created sporadic supply gaps.
• Cosmetic industry maintained stable PEG usage, cushioning broader demand declines.
• Heightened FDA scrutiny and compliance measures slowed bulk procurement decisions.
Asia-Pacific
• PEG prices in China (CFR Qingdao) averaged USD 1,040/MT in Q2, down 1.89% from Q1.
• Oversupply, port congestion, and weak demand from pharmaceuticals and cosmetics drove prices lower.
• Imports from Singapore and South Korea were delayed, while local production remained cautious.
• Regulatory tightening by SAMR and NIFDC affected downstream procurement confidence.
• Inspections in Ningxia and ingredient bans contributed to cautious sourcing behavior.
Why did PEG prices change in July 2025 in Asia-Pacific?
• Weak institutional procurement due to SAMR anti-corruption crackdown.
• Regulatory updates from NIFDC discouraged aggressive purchasing.
• Cosmetic demand softened amid safety alerts and ingredient crackdowns.
• Port congestion and delayed imports strained supply chains, though demand was the limiting factor.
Europe
• PEG prices in Belgium (FD Antwerp) averaged USD 1,240/MT in Q2, falling 1.59% from Q1.
• Strong domestic demand from pharma and cosmetics was offset by logistical constraints at Antwerp.
• Land-based rerouting to Germany, France, and Netherlands partially eased congestion impacts.
• EU ingredient safety regulations prompted shifts in procurement strategies.
• Policy reforms by FAMHP improved transparency and boosted buyer confidence.
Why did PEG prices change in July 2025 in Europe?
• Persistent Antwerp congestion led to import delays, softening supply pressure.
• Pharma and cosmetic demand remained strong but faced inventory hurdles.
• EU ingredient standards prompted reformulations and cautious bulk buying.
• Land-based logistics offered partial relief but limited full-scale recovery.
Middle East
• PEG prices in Saudi Arabia (FOB Al Jubail) averaged USD 980/MT in Q2, down 1.01% from Q1.
• Exports were disrupted due to port congestion in key markets like India, China, and Belgium.
• Domestic supply remained stable, but export turnover slowed significantly.
• Halal-certified personal care segment showed growth, though not enough to offset weak pharma demand.
• Regulatory tightening by SFDA increased scrutiny on ingredients, impacting procurement.
Why did PEG prices change in July 2025 in Middle East?
• Overseas demand weakened due to logistics issues and low consumer sentiment.
• Local production was stable, but export flow was delayed.
• SFDA reforms created cautious downstream procurement.
• Growing halal-certified demand showed promise but lacked the volume to drive price increases.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, the North American Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) market experienced a cumulative price decrease of 3.71% from the previous quarter, largely influenced by fluctuating upstream costs and an oversupplied import market.
In February, PEG prices dropped significantly to USD 1,020/MT due to falling Monoethylene Glycol (MEG) prices, subdued global demand, and aggressive pricing from Asian exporters, especially China and South Korea. Domestic demand remained steady in pharmaceuticals and personal care sectors; however, excess inventories from earlier months led to limited fresh buying activity. The inflow of competitively priced cargoes from Asia further pressured domestic prices.
Although March saw a rebound in market sentiment, with prices rising slightly, it was insufficient to offset earlier losses. The quarter remained weighted by February's bearish conditions and the overall cautious procurement behaviour of distributors relying on pre-existing stock.
Stable U.S. manufacturing activity and uninterrupted import flows sustained supply, but soft international pricing, reduced freight costs, and high inventory levels kept overall PEG prices subdued across the region during the quarter.
APAC
In Q1 2025, the Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) market in the APAC region experienced a 4.22% price decline, primarily driven by fluctuating downstream demand and supply-side imbalances. February witnessed the sharpest drop, with prices falling by 6.4% amid sluggish post-Lunar New Year restarts and lower offtakes from the pharmaceutical and personal care sectors. Many end-users operated on pre-stocked inventories, delaying fresh procurement.
Feedstock Ethylene Oxide prices remained soft due to weakened crude oil trends, further reducing production costs. While March saw a demand recovery from pharmaceuticals and cosmetics ahead of Q2, the market had already accumulated surplus inventories, limiting upward price correction.
Manufacturing operated at moderate levels through Q1, with several producers managing production rates in response to excess supply and slow downstream movement. Although March brought optimism with increased licensing deals in the pharmaceutical sector and promotional activity in the cosmetics space, these came too late to offset the early-quarter bearish tone. Overall, persistent supply-demand mismatches kept prices on a downward trajectory.
MEA
In Q1 2025, the Middle East Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) market experienced a marginal decline of 0.67%, largely shaped by bearish fundamentals during February. Despite a modest price increase in January, February’s 6% drop heavily impacted the quarterly average.
The downturn was driven by weakened downstream demand, especially from the pharmaceutical and personal care sectors. Manufacturers consumed pre-existing inventories, minimizing fresh procurement. Seasonal softness and cautious inventory management further constrained offtakes in cosmetic formulations, contributing to the demand slump.
Production remained stable throughout the quarter, but steady output amid weak offtakes led to mounting pressure on prices. Ethylene oxide feedstock costs also fluctuated, lowering production costs, and compressing margins, prompting producers to adopt competitive pricing strategies.
Though March saw a recovery with a 6.3% rebound in prices, it could not fully offset February’s losses. Overall, subdued export demand, inventory corrections, and moderate local consumption shaped a mildly negative price trajectory for PEG in the Middle East during Q1 2025.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, the Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) market in North America experienced a notable shift characterized by increasing demand from both the pharmaceutical and personal care sectors. The pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the United States, saw a surge in PEG usage for drug formulations, driven by advancements in biopharmaceuticals and personalized medicine. Companies focused on high-purity PEG to meet regulatory standards, leading to investments in production capabilities.
In the personal care sector, PEG's versatility made it a staple ingredient in formulations for moisturizers, hair products, and cosmetics. The rising consumer preference for clean beauty products prompted brands to seek sustainable alternatives, including bio-based PEG options, aligning with broader environmental initiatives.
Despite these positive trends, the market faced challenges such as fluctuating raw material prices and supply chain disruptions due to geopolitical tensions. By December, manufacturers were actively seeking to mitigate these issues through strategic sourcing and innovation. Overall, while economic uncertainties loomed, industry stakeholders remained optimistic about growth prospects as demand for PEG continued to rise across various applications.
APAC
In Q4 2024, the Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) market in the APAC region experienced notable shifts driven by increasing demand across various sectors. The pharmaceutical industry was a primary growth driver, particularly in China, where PEG is essential for drug formulation and delivery systems. Innovations in biopharmaceuticals prompted manufacturers to seek high-purity PEG, leading to investments in production capabilities to meet stringent quality standards.
The personal care sector also saw significant growth, with PEG being utilized in formulations for moisturizers, hair care products, and cosmetics. The rising consumer preference for multifunctional and sustainable ingredients pushed brands to explore bio-based PEG alternatives, aligning with the broader trend towards sustainability.
However, the market faced challenges from fluctuating raw material prices and ongoing supply chain issues due to geopolitical tensions. By December, while some manufacturers reported inventory pressures, overall sentiment remained optimistic as stakeholders anticipated a rebound in demand driven by increased industrial activity and regulatory support for environmentally friendly products. This positioned the APAC PEG market for continued growth into 2025.
Europe
In Q4 2024, the Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) market in Europe experienced significant developments influenced by evolving consumer preferences and regulatory changes. The pharmaceutical sector remained a cornerstone of demand, with PEG widely used as a solvent and excipient in drug formulations. The increasing focus on personalized medicine and advanced drug delivery systems drove pharmaceutical companies to seek higher-purity PEG grades, leading to investments in production technologies.
In the personal care industry, PEG's multifunctionality made it a popular ingredient in creams, lotions, and hair care products. Brands responded to consumer demand for transparency and sustainability by exploring bio-based PEG options, aligning with the European Union's Green Deal initiatives aimed at reducing plastic waste. However, the market faced pressures from rising raw material costs and logistical challenges stemming from geopolitical tensions. By December, manufacturers were adapting to these challenges by optimizing supply chains and enhancing product formulations. Overall, while economic uncertainties loomed, the PEG market in Europe showed resilience with a positive outlook for growth driven by innovation and sustainability initiatives into 2025.
