For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, Polyoxymethylene (POM) prices in North American region recorded a quarter-on-quarter decline compared to Q4 2024. At the start of the quarter, prices declined slightly due to subdued demand and cautious inventory management by end-users. The automotive sector showed average offtake, while export activity weakened amid global economic headwinds.
By mid-quarter, prices increased as rising formaldehyde feedstock costs pushed up production expenses. New tariffs on imports under the Trump administration restricted cheaper alternatives, strengthening domestic producers' pricing power. Automotive manufacturers shifted toward local POM sources to avoid tariff impacts, supporting temporary demand recovery.
Towards the end of the quarter, prices declined again as weak demand from the automotive sector and broader economic concerns weighed on the market. Buyer sentiment deteriorated due to inflation fears and recession risks, leading to restrained procurement. The QoQ decline was ultimately driven by competitive imports early in the quarter, mid-period tariff effects, and persistent demand weakness amid economic uncertainty. The U.S. witnessed the most significant change with a noticeable drop of 1.76% in Q1 2025 compared to Q4 2024, with the quarter-end price settling at USD 3250/MT FOB New York, reflecting cautious sentiment, and restrained buying interest.
APAC
When compared to Q4 2024, Polyoxymethylene (POM) prices in the APAC region registered a quarter-on-quarter decline in Q1 2025. Early in the quarter, prices fell amid weak demand due to the Lunar New Year holidays. Buyers reduced procurement to avoid surplus inventories, while producers operated at reduced rates. Congestion at major ports and low-load production created domestic oversupply, while policy uncertainty regarding potential U.S.-China tariff adjustments further dampened market activity. Mid-quarter, POM prices saw a modest increase following China’s imposition of anti-dumping duties on imports from the U.S., EU, Japan, and Taiwan. This restricted supply of imported materials and encouraged a shift toward domestic sourcing. Despite low feedstock costs, producers raised prices in response to reduced competition. Downstream restocking post-holidays and moderate demand from the automotive sector provided temporary support to the market. Towards the end of the quarter, prices declined again as buyers, having stockpiled aggressively in late 2024, reduced procurement, leading to oversupply. South Korea saw the most significant change with a noticeable 2.5% decline compared to Q4 2024, with the quarter-end price settling at USD 1940/MT FOB Busan. The QoQ decline was driven by weak post-holiday demand, policy-driven mid-quarter volatility, and an enduring oversupply situation.
Europe
In Q1 2025, Polyoxymethylene (POM) prices in Europe recorded a quarter-on-quarter decline compared to Q4 2024. At the start of the quarter, prices decreased due to weak demand, particularly from the struggling automotive sector facing high costs and Chinese competition. Ample supply from year-end destocking and stable feedstock costs failed to offset the downward pressure as buyers remained cautious amid economic uncertainties. By mid-quarter, prices fell further as cheap Asian imports flooded the market after the Lunar New Year, worsening oversupply. Domestic producers faced squeezed margins from volatile energy costs and inflation, while automotive demand stayed weak due to poor consumer sentiment. The combination of competitive imports and stagnant industrial activity deepened the price decline. Towards the end of the quarter, prices stabilized with a marginal decrease. Reduced natural gas prices helped lower production costs, but elevated feedstock prices and weak demand from the automotive sector kept the market under pressure. Germany saw the most significant change, with a 10.4% decline compared to Q4 2024, with the quarter-end price settling at USD 4020/MT FOB Hamburg. The QoQ drop was driven by persistent oversupply, competitive imports, and muted demand across key sectors.
South America
In Q1 2025, Polyoxymethylene (POM) prices in the South American region recorded a quarter-on-quarter decline compared to Q4 2024. Early in the quarter, At the start of the quarter, prices decreased due to lower import costs from the U.S. and Asia, driven by sluggish pre-Lunar New Year market conditions and competitively priced Chinese cargoes. Subdued domestic demand and ample supply reinforced the downward trend, creating a buyer-friendly market environment. By mid-quarter, prices saw a modest increase as rising U.S. import costs, fuelled by higher formaldehyde prices and a depreciating local currency, pushed up expenses. Supply chain disruptions from heavy rainfall in São Paulo compounded these pressures, delaying raw material deliveries. Meanwhile, pre-emptive buying from automotive manufacturers anticipating tariff-related cost hikes provided temporary demand support. However, this recovery was limited by cautious procurement strategies and mixed industrial activity. Towards the end of the quarter, POM prices in Brazil declined again due to weak demand and stable supply conditions. Brazil saw the most significant change with a noticeable 1.9% decline compared to Q4 2024, with the quarter-end price settling at USD 3305/MT CFR Santos, reflecting lacklustre demand and limited buying interest.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, the Polyoxymethylene (POM) market in North America recorded a 2% decline compared to Q3, driven by a combination of weak demand and year-end market dynamics. Early in the quarter, supply levels remained sufficient despite disruptions caused by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) port strike and hurricane season. These disruptions raised logistical challenges, with some carriers declaring force majeure and imposing port congestion surcharges, increasing costs. However, demand from key sectors like automotive and construction remained muted, compounded by uncertainties surrounding the U.S. Presidential Election.
By mid-quarter, POM prices faced further downward pressure as the automotive sector continued to struggle with weak activity. Inventory levels remained adequate, and manufacturers faced extended delivery times due to logistical bottlenecks. Market sentiment was cautious, reflecting subdued downstream activity and limited new orders, even as supply chain backlogs were addressed gradually.
By quarter-end, POM prices softened further, with the price in North America closing at USD 3491/MT. The year-end holiday slowdown, coupled with destocking efforts and seasonal production adjustments, restrained procurement activity. Market participants faced challenges from weak demand, inventory management issues, and prolonged supply chain disruptions.
APAC
The Polyoxymethylene (POM) market in the APAC region declined by 4% in Q4 2024 compared to Q3, primarily influenced by weak demand and persistent market challenges. Early in the quarter, the Chinese POM market showed a stable-to-decline trend, with demand from the construction and automotive sectors remaining sluggish. Supply chain disruptions, including port congestion, and a weakened residential market further impacted consumption. To address the ongoing property crisis, the Chinese government announced measures to stabilize the market, though these failed to provide immediate relief. Overseas demand also softened, adding pressure to domestic manufacturers, and leading to increased inventories and delivery delays. Mid-quarter, market sentiment remained cautious, with merchants hesitant to build inventory and downstream industries maintaining a wait-and-see approach. By the quarter's end, POM prices continued to decrease due to destocking efforts and the typical year-end slowdown. Seasonal adjustments in production and subdued procurement activity further tempered market dynamics. The quarter-ending price for POM FOB Shanghai in China stood at USD 1823/MT, reflecting cautious buying patterns and a challenging market environment.
Europe
The European Polyoxymethylene (POM) market experienced a 9% decline in Q4 2024 compared to Q3, reflecting subdued demand across key sectors and persistent economic challenges. Early in the quarter, the manufacturing sector's contraction deepened as businesses adjusted inventories in response to slumping growth expectations. Weak downstream activity, particularly in the construction sector, led to reduced purchasing by builders and prolonged workforce cuts. These trends were further exacerbated by falling input costs and reduced subcontractor rates, indicating waning demand rather than market recovery. By mid-quarter, the market saw limited activity across commercial, residential, and civil engineering sectors, with major economies like Germany and France continuing to face project delays and low investment sentiment. Although input costs eased, the lack of demand undermined any positive momentum. At the quarter's end, POM supply remained adequate due to stable inventories, but market activity was hindered by destocking, geopolitical uncertainties, and cautious purchasing. The automotive sector added to the downturn with weak demand and stiff international competition. The quarter-ending price for POM FOB Hamburg stood at USD 4115/MT, reflecting year-end inventory clearance efforts and persistent price pressure in a challenging economic environment.
South America
The South American Polyoxymethylene (POM) market saw a 2% decline in Q4 2024 compared to Q3, as market conditions remained challenging due to subdued demand and supply chain disruptions. Early in the quarter, supply levels were stable, even as the region felt the ripple effects of the U.S. International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) strike and Hurricane Helene, which disrupted major ports. These challenges raised logistical costs and created delays in imports, yet inventory levels across the region remained adequate. Demand from key sectors such as automotive and construction was sluggish, reflecting cautious investment and lower project activity due to broader economic uncertainties. By the end of Q4, market sentiment remained weak, with limited buying activity attributed to year-end destocking efforts and seasonal procurement slowdowns. Downstream buyers adopted a cautious approach, focusing only on immediate needs as holiday seasonality further softened demand. The automotive sector's tepid performance compounded the overall downturn. The quarter-ending price for POM CFR Santos in Brazil stood at USD 2732/MT, marking a continuation of the gradual decline in prices observed throughout the quarter.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
Throughout Q3 2024, the Polyoxymethylene (POM) market in North America experienced a notable decline in prices, reflecting a negative trend in the pricing environment. Several significant factors contributed to this downward trajectory. Weak demand from key sectors such as automotive and construction played a crucial role in influencing market prices.
The subdued purchasing activity and reduced sales in these industries led to an oversupply of POM, exerting downward pressure on prices. Additionally, logistical challenges and delays in deliveries further dampened demand, contributing to the overall price decline.
In Mexico, the market saw the most significant price changes during this quarter. Moreover, the -2% change from the previous quarter in 2024 underscored the continued negative sentiment. A -1% price difference between the first and second half of the quarter further emphasized the declining nature of the market. The quarter-ending price of USD 3209/MT of Polyoxymethylene Injection Grade CFR Manzanillo in Mexico encapsulated the overall trend of decreasing prices in the region.
APAC
The third quarter of 2024 has been challenging for the Polyoxymethylene (POM) market in the APAC region, with prices experiencing a significant decrease. Various factors have influenced this downward trend, including oversupply, weak demand from key industries like automotive and construction, and logistical challenges. These conditions have created a bearish market sentiment, leading to a decline in prices. Additionally, the downstream sector continues to exhibit weakness, with downstream factories exercising caution in their procurement. There has been no improvement in orders, leading to a focus on meeting only normal start-up requirements. Cargo holders were adopting a wait-and-see approach, while downstream factories were cautious in their raw material procurement. Trading activity in the POM market was sluggish, with weak shipments from producers. In comparison to the previous quarter in 2024, prices have decreased by 3%, reflecting the ongoing price instability. The first half of the quarter showed a 1% decrease compared to the second half, indicating a continuous downward trend. The quarter-ending price of Polyoxymethylene Injection Grade EXW-Tianjin in China stands at USD 1726/MT, highlighting the persistent negative pricing environment in the region.
Europe
Throughout Q3 2024, the Polyoxymethylene (POM) market in Europe maintained stable prices, with Germany experiencing the most significant fluctuations. The market was influenced by a delicate balance between supply and demand, leading to price stability. Weak demand from sectors like automotive and construction, coupled with logistical challenges, contributed to the overall stable pricing environment. Despite a 14% increase in prices compared to the same quarter last year, prices remained unchanged from the previous quarter, indicating a consistent trend. Germany, a key player in the European POM market, witnessed no price variance between the first and second half of the quarter, reinforcing the stable pricing atmosphere. The quarter concluded with the price of Polyoxymethylene Injection Grade FOB-Hamburg in Germany standing at USD 4950/MT. Overall, the pricing environment for POM in Europe during Q3 2024 remained stable, reflecting a neutral sentiment with no significant positive or negative price movements.
South America
In Q3 2024, the Polyoxymethylene (POM) market in South America experienced a notable decline in prices, reflecting a challenging pricing environment. Several key factors contributed to this downward trend. Weak demand, particularly from crucial sectors like automotive and construction, played a significant role in driving prices down. Reduced buying interest and uncertainty in deliveries further dampened market activity, creating a subdued pricing atmosphere. The balance between supply and demand remained a crucial factor, with oversupply exerting downward pressure on prices. Additionally, a -2% decline from the previous quarter in 2024, and a -1% difference between the first and second half of the quarter were recorded. This consistent decline reflects a negative pricing trend throughout the quarter. The quarter-ending price of USD 2754/MT for Polyoxymethylene Injection Grade CFR Santos in Brazil signifies the overall decreasing sentiment prevailing in the market.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
Polyoxymethylene (POM) pricing in North America during Q2 2024 has been marked by an overall slightly increasing sentiment. Significant factors influencing market prices include heightened costs of raw materials, particularly formaldehyde driven by surging methanol contract prices, which have steadily risen due to soaring crude oil prices. Additionally, improved manufacturing activity, especially within the automotive and construction sectors, has led to increased demand, thereby exerting upward pressure on POM prices. Tightening vessel space availability and rising freight rates compounded these cost pressures, further driving up the price of imported cargo materials.
Focusing on the USA, the market has seen considerable price changes this quarter. Despite the overall economic growth, the manufacturing sector experienced a deceleration, leading to moderated demand. However, this was offset by robust activity in the construction sector, reflected in increased employment and improved purchasing sentiments. Seasonality played a role as well, with the latter half of the quarter showing a noticeable price increase compared to the first half, noted at 3%.
The quarter ended with POM prices reaching USD 3096/MT CFR US Gulf, reflecting a gradual yet firm upward trend. Overall, the pricing environment for POM in Q2 2024 in North America, particularly the USA, has been positive, driven by critical factors in raw material costs, demand shifts, and logistical challenges.
APAC
In Q2 2024, the Polyoxymethylene (POM) market in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region experienced a mixed trend in prices, reflecting a consistent weekly bearish trend. Several factors significantly influenced this downward trajectory. Firstly, the persistent oversupply exacerbated by high inventory levels from manufacturers led to an imbalance in the supply-demand dynamics. Secondly, subdued demand from crucial downstream sectors, particularly automotive and construction industries, further pressured prices. Additionally, the cost of POM in the Chinese market remained unchanged this quarter due to weak orders from the downstream construction and automotive sectors. Continued heavy rains impacted construction projects in South China, resulting in a business activity index of 52.3 percent for the construction sector, 2.1 percentage points lower than in May during June 2024. The latest quarter-ending price for Polyoxymethylene FOB Busan in South Korea settled at USD 2161/MT. This consistent decline indicates a negative pricing environment, driven by high supply, weak demand, and external economic factors in South Korea. The overall sentiment in the POM market for Q2 2024 in the APAC region, particularly in South Korea, remained predominantly negative, reflecting the challenges faced by the industry in maintaining price stability amidst unfavorable market conditions.
Europe
During Q2 2024, the Polyoxymethylene (POM) market in Europe remained on a surge, largely due to a consistent increase in demand and supply disruption. The pricing environment maintained equilibrium despite various macroeconomic pressures, including inflation spikes and logistical challenges. The stability in the second half of the quarter was underpinned by sufficient product availability meeting the subdued demand from key sectors like automotive and construction, both of which faced downturns due to high costs and reduced consumer spending. Input cost reductions and improved supply chain efficiency further contributed to price stabilization. Seasonality played a minimal role, indicating consistent market behavior without significant fluctuations in demand or supply. Focusing on Germany, where maximum price changes were observed, the overall market trend echoed the broader European stability with a nuanced perspective. The price comparison between the first and second half of the quarter showed no change, marking a stable trend throughout Q2 2024. At the quarter's end, the price of Polyoxymethylene Injection Grade FOB-Hamburg stood at USD 4945/MT. This consistent stability in pricing indicates a neutral market sentiment, neither overly positive nor negative, as the industry balances between adequate supply and moderated demand amidst challenging economic conditions.
