For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Propylene Carbonate Prices in North America
- The Propylene Carbonate Price Index in North America trended moderately higher through Q1 2026, supported by firm offtake from lithium-ion battery electrolyte producers, paints & coatings, industrial cleaners/degreasers, adhesives, and cosmetics/pharmaceutical formulators.
- Propylene Carbonate Spot Price strength was most visible in battery-grade material, where EV and stationary-storage demand kept high-purity volumes at a premium to solvent-grade product.
- A broadly positive Propylene Carbonate Demand Outlook was underpinned by expanding lithium-ion battery capacity, steady paints & coatings consumption, and resilient demand in electronics cleaning and personal-care applications, offsetting some softness in general industrial solvents.
- The Propylene Carbonate Production Cost Trend in Q1 2026 was mildly upward, as slightly firmer propylene oxide and propane/propylene chain values, along with still-elevated but manageable logistics costs, fed into a higher regional Price Index.
- Market participants maintained a constructive Propylene Carbonate Price Forecast for the remainder of 2026, expecting continued support from battery and coatings demand, while acknowledging that incremental global capacity and imports could cap aggressive Price Index gains.
- US and Canadian producers generally reported balanced-to-tight availability for battery-grade material, whereas solvent-grade supply for coatings, cleaning, and adhesives remained adequate, creating a two-tier structure within the overall Price Index.
Why did the price of Propylene Carbonate change in March 2026 in North America?
- In March 2026, the North American Propylene Carbonate Price Index increased, driven by a ramp-up in lithium-ion battery electrolyte production for EVs and energy-storage systems, which strengthened the Propylene Carbonate Demand Outlook.
- Short-term tightening from maintenance at selected carbonate and propylene-oxide units lifted the Propylene Carbonate Spot Price, especially for high-purity grades.
- A modest rise in propylene-oxide feedstock and associated utilities nudged the Propylene Carbonate Production Cost Trend higher, giving producers cost-push justification and reinforcing a firmer Propylene Carbonate Price Forecast into Q2 2026.
Propylene Carbonate Prices in APAC
- In China, the Propylene Carbonate Price Index rose by 2.04% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting tighter feedstock availability.
- The average Propylene Carbonate price for the quarter was approximately USD 984.67/MT, assessed FOB Qingdao.
- Propylene Carbonate Spot Price tightened mid-March as Price Index gains reflected feedstock shortages and outages.
- Propylene Carbonate Price Forecast indicates near-term resilience amid constrained PO supply and stronger export enquiries.
- Propylene Carbonate Production Cost Trend rose after electricity tariff hikes and higher propylene feedstock pricing.
- Propylene Carbonate Demand Outlook stayed balanced as battery export demand offset softer domestic coatings restocking.
- Price Index strength was supported by prioritised exports and manageable inventories at Qingdao coastal terminals.
- Propylene Carbonate Spot Price sensitivity rose as VOC limits and PO outages reduced prompt availability.
Why did the price of Propylene Carbonate change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Feedstock tightness from Jiangsu PO outages and tightened VOC rules reduced availability, pressuring PC offers.
- Higher electricity tariffs and propylene costs increased conversion expenses, nudging sellers to maintain firmer offers.
- Export enquiries and anti-dumping measures redirected flows, tightening prompt availability and supporting firmer PC prices.
Propylene Carbonate Prices in Europe
- The Propylene Carbonate Price Index in Europe was broadly stable to slightly softer over Q1 2026, as steady demand from lithium-ion batteries, coatings, and industrial cleaning was offset by cautious buying in some cyclical end-uses.
- Propylene Carbonate Spot Price movements were limited, with most volumes for batteries, coatings, and electronics cleaning covered under contracts; spot activity centered on incremental solvent-grade needs in paints, cleaners, and adhesives.
- The regional Propylene Carbonate Demand Outlook remained mixed: EV-related battery and high-performance coatings demand stayed supportive, while macro uncertainty and subdued construction tempered pull from some decorative and industrial coatings segments.
- The Propylene Carbonate Production Cost Trend was largely flat, as relatively stable propylene-oxide feedstock and easing freight/energy costs versus prior years reduced cost volatility and constrained any strong upward push on the Price Index.
- A cautious Propylene Carbonate Price Forecast for the rest of 2026 prevailed, with buyers expecting only modest Price Index moves unless EV production or coatings demand accelerates more sharply than anticipated.
- Adequate regional production and imports, combined with ongoing substitution toward low-VOC, “greener” solvents where propylene carbonate is already well-positioned, kept supply comfortable and limited any significant upside in the European Price Index.
Why did the price of Propylene Carbonate change in March 2026 in Europe?
- In March 2026, the European Propylene Carbonate Price Index edged down slightly, as slower-than-expected coatings and industrial cleaning orders softened the Propylene Carbonate Demand Outlook.
- Stable-to-softer propylene-oxide and energy costs kept the Propylene Carbonate Production Cost Trend flat to marginally lower, removing cost-push support for higher prices.
- Comfortable regional supply and steady imports weighed on the Propylene Carbonate Spot Price, prompting competitive offers and reinforcing the mild month-on-month decline in the Price Index.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
APAC
- In China, the Propylene Carbonate Price Index rose by 2.48% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting firmer battery demand.
- The average Propylene Carbonate price for the quarter was approximately USD 965.00/MT, under stable supply.
- Propylene Carbonate Spot Price remained tight on battery orders while the Price Index showed gains.
- Propylene Carbonate Price Forecast reflects balanced fundamentals as Production Cost Trend stays contained by propylene.
- Propylene Carbonate Demand Outlook remains firm driven by battery electrolyte consumption and steady coatings procurement.
- Propylene Carbonate Price Index stability reflected manageable inventories and steady export flows to regional buyers.
- Producers ran at steady rates with few turnarounds, supporting availability and thereby limiting downside risk.
- Export rebates and softer freight supported volumes, yet muted spot demand softened Price Index momentum.
Why did the price of Propylene Carbonate change in December 2025 in APAC?
- Balanced domestic supply and steady plant operating rates prevented significant price movements in December 2025.
- Propylene oxide feedstock costs plateaued, easing production pressures and limiting upward movement on offers significantly.
- Year-end inventory management and cautious procurement reduced spot buying, capping incremental domestic Price Index gains.
Europe
- In Europe, Propylene Carbonate demand is driven by EV battery electrolyte production, industrial solvents, cosmetics, and specialty chemical formulations, making it sensitive to automotive and manufacturing trends.
- The Propylene Carbonate Price Index during Q4 2025 followed a bearish trajectory, reflecting weak downstream demand and ample spot availability.
- The Propylene Carbonate Spot Price faced consistent downward pressure as buyers adopted conservative procurement strategies amid macroeconomic uncertainty.
- In December 2025, prices declined, mainly due to seasonal demand slowdown, excess inventory levels, and reduced offtake from battery and coatings sectors.
- The Propylene Carbonate Production Cost Trend remained mixed, with lower feedstock prices offset by higher European energy and regulatory costs.
- The Propylene Carbonate Demand Outlook stayed subdued in the short term, though electrification and sustainability initiatives continue to support longer-term growth.
- The Propylene Carbonate Price Forecast indicates range-bound pricing in early 2026 until demand visibility improves.
Why did the price of Propylene Carbonate change in December 2025 in Europe?
- The Propylene Carbonate Price Index declined due to year-end demand slowdownfrom battery electrolyte and industrial solvent consumers.
- Excess spot availability and delayed restocking weakened the Propylene Carbonate Spot Price.
- Softer upstream feedstock prices reduced cost support despite higher regional operating costs.
North America
- Propylene Carbonate is primarily used as a high-purity solvent in lithium-ion battery electrolytes, and finds downstream applications in personal care formulations, paints & coatings, adhesives, plasticizers, and natural gas processing, linking demand closely to battery and industrial activity.
- During Q4 2025, the Propylene Carbonate Price Index in North America showed a softening to a stable trend, as supply availability remained adequate while downstream demand stayed muted.
- The Propylene Carbonate Spot Price weakened through October and November due to cautious buying by battery electrolyte blenders and industrial solvent consumers.
- In December 2025, the Price Index declined, driven by year-end destocking, lower procurement from battery manufacturers, and easing propylene oxide feedstock prices.
- The Propylene Carbonate Production Cost Trend improved slightly as energy prices stabilized and upstream petrochemical costs softened, reducing cost-push pressure.
- The Propylene Carbonate Demand Outlook remains moderate, supported by long-term EV and energy storage investments, though near-term recovery is expected to be gradual.
- According to the Propylene Carbonate Price Forecast, prices are likely to stabilize in early 2026 as restocking resumes and battery production schedules normalize.
Why did the price of Propylene Carbonate change in December 2025 in North America?
- Battery manufacturers undertook aggressive year-end destocking, reducing spot demand.
- A favorable Propylene Carbonate Production Cost Trend allowed suppliers to accept lower prices.
- Slower EV production schedules weakened the short-term Propylene Carbonate Demand Outlook.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
- Propylene Carbonate Spot Price in North America declined in September 2025, primarily due to reduced demand from industrial solvent and textile dyeing sectors.
- The Propylene Carbonate Price Index for Q3 2025 reflected a downward trend, influenced by oversupply and cautious procurement from paints & coatings and cleaning product manufacturers.
- Propylene Carbonate Demand Outlook remained mixed across the region. While the lithium-ion battery and personal care segments showed resilience, industrial solvents and degreasers experienced slower activity.
- The Propylene Carbonate Production Cost Trend remained stable, supported by steady propylene oxide feedstock availability and moderate energy prices. However, rising freight and compliance costs slightly pressured margins.
- September’s price decline was driven by high inventory levels, weak spot demand from downstream chemical processors, and competitive pricing from Asian suppliers.
- The Propylene Carbonate Price Forecast for Q4 2025 suggests a potential rebound, supported by a seasonal uptick in coatings and battery electrolyte demand.
- Key downstream uses of propylene carbonate in North America include solvents, lithium-ion battery electrolytes, degreasers, cleaning agents, textile dyeing, and personal care formulations.
Why did the price of Propylene Carbonate change in September 2025 in North America?
- Lower consumption in industrial solvents and textile dyeing applications led to weaker spot market activity.
- Excess stock across chemical processing facilities suppressed fresh buying interest, prompting price adjustments to stimulate demand.
- Cheaper propylene carbonate shipments from Asian suppliers intensified market competition, pressuring domestic producers to lower prices.
APAC
- In China, the Propylene Carbonate Price Index fell by 3.98% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting balanced market dynamics.
- The average Propylene Carbonate price for the quarter was approximately USD 941.67/MT, reflecting stable levels.
- Propylene Carbonate Spot Price remained range-bound as subdued export interest and domestic buying limited transactions.
- Propylene Carbonate Price Forecast signals upside as battery and ESS restocking could support incremental demand.
- Propylene Carbonate Production Cost Trend eased with stabilized propylene oxide feedstock, supporting producer margins mildly.
- Propylene Carbonate Demand Outlook remains cautious as electrolyte prices soften and buyers maintain just-in-time purchasing.
- The Propylene Carbonate Price Index was muted as coastal inventories and Qingdao congestion tempered price moves.
- Major producers ran near-full rates with minimal outages, keeping supply reliable and limiting upside risk.
Why did the price of Propylene Carbonate change in September 2025 in APAC?
- Mild upstream propylene oxide cost increase exerted cost pressure, prompting producers to maintain higher offers.
- Steady EV and ESS demand supported baseline consumption, while restrained spot buying limited transactional volumes.
- Qingdao port congestion tightened near-term availability, offsetting weak export inquiries and soft domestic restocking marginally.
Europe
- Propylene Carbonate Spot Price in Europe rose modestly in September 2025, supported by firm demand from the lithium-ion battery and pharmaceutical sectors.
- The Propylene Carbonate Price Index for Q3 2025 showed a stable-to-firm trend, reflecting the tight supply of battery-grade material and steady procurement from high-purity applications.
- Propylene Carbonate Demand Outlook remained strong across Europe, driven by increased use in electrolytes, pharmaceuticals, paints & coatings, and personal care, especially in Germany, France, and Benelux regions.
- The Propylene Carbonate Production Cost Trend remained steady, supported by stable feedstock prices and contained energy inputs. Logistics and sustainability compliance costs added slight upward pressure.
- September’s price increase was primarily due to the tight supply of battery-grade propylene carbonate, firm offtake from energy storage and pharmaceutical manufacturers, and limited availability of high-purity grades.
- The Propylene Carbonate Price Forecast for Q4 2025 suggests continued firmness, supported by seasonal restocking and expanding demand in renewable energy and cosmetic sectors.
- Key downstream uses of propylene carbonate in Europe include battery electrolytes, pharmaceutical intermediates, paints & coatings, cosmetics, cleaning agents, and textile processing.
Why did the price of Propylene Carbonate change in September 2025 in Europe?
- Limited availability of high-purity propylene carbonate constrained supply, especially for energy storage and pharmaceutical applications.
- Strong procurement from lithium-ion battery and pharmaceutical manufacturers sustained market activity and supported price firmness.
- Increased transportation and sustainability-related expenses added marginal pressure to production costs, contributing to the overall price increase.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
- The Propylene Carbonate Price Index in China declined by 4.3% quarter-on-quarter, settling at approximately USD 935/tonne FOB Qingdao by the end of June.
- Why did the price of Propylene Carbonate change in July 2025 in China?
In early July, prices remained stable as balanced fundamentals prevailed, domestic EV production offered baseline demand, but buyers stayed cautious amid falling lithium salt prices and muted overseas interest.
- The Propylene Carbonate Price Forecast for Q3 suggests rangebound movement, with mild upward potential if NEV and ESS demand accelerates, though cautious procurement and potential trade barriers may limit the upside.
- The Propylene Carbonate Production Cost Trend remained soft in Q2. Feedstock propylene oxide prices declined in May and stabilized in June, allowing manufacturers to reduce PC offers slightly without margin erosion.
- The Propylene Carbonate Demand Outlook was mixed during the quarter. While domestic NEV production reached a record 1.31 million units in May, downstream cathode and electrolyte producers largely avoided bulk procurement, citing expectations of softer battery material pricing.
- Chinese exporters faced weaker spot inquiries from South Korea, India, and the U.S. as buyers held off amid shipping cost volatility and tariff concerns.
- Logistics were largely smooth aside from minor port delays at Qingdao. Inventory levels at coastal terminals rose modestly, as production slightly outpaced offtake.
North America
- The Propylene Carbonate Price Index in North America showed subdued movement in Q2 2025, tracking steady resin input costs and cautious downstream activity.
- Why did the price of Propylene Carbonate change in July 2025 in North America?
In early July, prices held flat due to steady supply availability and conservative electrolyte production linked to modest battery-cell manufacturing rates.
- The Propylene Carbonate Price Forecast for Q3 indicates stable-to-soft conditions, barring a significant uptick in demand from energy storage systems or a lithium price rebound.
- The Propylene Carbonate Production Cost Trend remained manageable, with sufficient access to propylene oxide and solvents. Domestic PC production was limited, so pricing reflected landed import values from Asia.
- The Propylene Carbonate Demand Outlook remained tepid.
- Slower growth in EV battery deployment and limited ESS project execution capped near-term volume gains.
- Importers avoided forward booking, citing volatile freight rates and unclear trade policy signals.
- Buyers operated hand-to-mouth, prioritizing operational continuity over speculative inventory building.
Europe
- The Propylene Carbonate Price Index in Europe remained relatively stable through Q2, with modest variation reflecting freight rates, feedstock fluctuations, and regional demand divergence.
- Why did the price of Propylene Carbonate change in July 2025 in Europe?
Prices stayed rangebound, as buyers limited purchasing to core operational needs and managed inventories tightly amid weak macroeconomic signals.
- The Propylene Carbonate Price Forecast for Q3 leans neutral to slightly firm, depending on downstream demand for electrolytes and industrial solvents, and the impact of shipping constraints.
- The Propylene Carbonate Production Cost Trend was shaped by energy cost variations and import-dependence.
- Most European buyers sourced material from Asia, taking advantage of soft Chinese offers when freight allowed.
- The Propylene Carbonate Demand Outlook remained cautious.
- Battery material demand was limited by uneven EV production and regulatory headwinds, while industrial and coating applications showed seasonal moderation.
- Overall, PC consumption stayed moderate, with stable imports balancing lean forward bookings.
