For the Quarter Ending March 2026
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Ethylene Oxide Prices in North America
- In the USA, the Ethylene Oxide Price Index rose by 19.79% quarter-over-quarter, driven by stronger feedstock and export demand.
- The average Ethylene Oxide price for the quarter was approximately USD 1109.67/MT, reflecting seasonal demand and elevated upstream energy costs.
- Regional Ethylene Oxide Spot Price strengthened on sustained derivative pull, supporting higher FOB offers and reduced merchant availability.
- Ethylene Oxide Production Cost Trend shows upward pressure from firmer ethylene and elevated energy, compressing producer margins.
- Ethylene Oxide Demand Outlook remains constructive as MEG and ethanolamine chains sustain run-rates and export nominations.
- Ethylene Oxide Price Forecast indicates modest near-term firmness driven by feedstock inflation and sustained Latin-American export demand.
- Inventories tightened as export pull increased, while logistics costs rose, reinforcing the Ethylene Oxide Price Index upward momentum.
- Major Gulf Coast units operated near capacity, limiting merchant barrels and contributing to firmer EO spot and contract discussions.
Why did the price of Ethylene Oxide change in March 2026 in North America?
- Higher ethylene feedstock and energy costs in March tightened producer margins, prompting contract and spot increases.
- Robust downstream demand from MEG and ethanolamine chains and stronger Latin-American exports tightened regional availability.
- The Middle East conflict raised freight and insurance costs, impairing import economics and supporting domestic price resilience.
Ethylene Oxide Prices in APAC
- In Japan, the Ethylene Oxide Price Index rose by 14.18% quarter-over-quarter, driven by feedstock constraints.
- The average Ethylene Oxide price for the quarter was approximately USD 993.00/MT, reflecting balanced inventories.
- Ethylene Oxide Spot Price rose mid-March as freight and insurance premiums constrained import arbitrage opportunities.
- Ethylene Oxide Price Forecast indicates continued upside amid tight merchant availability and ongoing geopolitical risk.
- Ethylene Oxide Production Cost Trend advanced as crude-linked naphtha and ethylene costs increased, pressuring margins.
- Ethylene Oxide Demand Outlook remained balanced with steady glycol and surfactant consumption supporting routine procurement.
- Ethylene Oxide Price Index movements reflected inventory draws from maintenance and limited merchant cargo availability.
- Export demand and rerouted logistics reduced merchant availability, supporting firmer ex-works offers and spot discussions.
Why did the price of Ethylene Oxide change in March 2026 in APAC?
- The Middle East conflict disrupted shipping corridors, raising freight and insurance costs and tightening import parity.
- Domestic turnarounds and reduced cracker run rates tightened local availability, thereby drawing down merchant inventories.
- Higher crude and naphtha increased feedstock costs, transmitting to Ethylene Oxide production and seller offers.
Ethylene Oxide Prices in Europe
- In France, the Ethylene Oxide Price Index rose by 24.12% quarter-over-quarter, driven by feedstock cost escalation.
- The average Ethylene Oxide price for the quarter was approximately USD 1185.33/MT, based on delivered Marseille FD assessments.
- Ethylene Oxide Spot Price strengthened in March as prompt availability tightened and import economics deteriorated.
- Ethylene Oxide Price Forecast indicates modest near-term upside, driven by sustained feedstock inflation and robust restocking.
- Ethylene Oxide Production Cost Trend rose as naphtha and TTF gas increases are transmitted through steam-cracker economics.
- Ethylene Oxide Demand Outlook remains firm with MEG, ethoxylate, and ethanolamine restocking supporting sustained offtake.
- Ethylene Oxide Price Index volatility increased due to Middle East shipping disruptions and sharply higher freight and insurance.
- Integrated Lavera operations remained normal, supporting domestic supply, while limited competitive imports enabled sellers to hold firmer delivered offers.
Why did the price of Ethylene Oxide change in March 2026 in Europe?
- Escalating naphtha and TTF gas costs raised steam-cracker marginal costs, pushing producers to increase EO offers.
- The Middle East conflict disrupted shipping routes, increasing freight and insurance, making imports expensive, and tightening availability.
- Stronger derivative restocking from MEG, ethoxylates, and sterilisation sectors tightened prompt availability and supported price gains.
Ethylene Oxide Prices in MEA
- In Saudi Arabia, the Ethylene Oxide Price Index rose 10.49% quarter-over-quarter, driven by freight hikes.
- The average Ethylene Oxide price for the quarter was approximately USD 1373.00/MT, reflecting balanced demand.
- Ethylene Oxide Spot Price rose in late March as freight and insurance premiums increased, delivering cost competitiveness.
- Ethylene Oxide Price Forecast indicates firmness, driven by logistics disruption and elevated ethylene cash costs.
- Ethylene Oxide Production Cost Trend worsened as naphtha and ethylene increases raised unit cash costs.
- Ethylene Oxide Demand Outlook steady; captive MEG consumption absorbed most domestic output, limiting export availability.
- Ethylene Oxide Price Index volatility increased as rerouted voyages and insurance hikes tightened export flows.
- Inventories are comfortable early quarter, but conflict logistics tightened supply and prompted sellers to raise offers.
Why did the price of Ethylene Oxide change in March 2026 in MEA?
- Shipping disruptions and higher insurance premiums increased delivered costs, prompting stronger FOB indications during March.
- Rising ethylene and naphtha elevated production cash costs, pressuring margins, allowing sellers to lift offers.
- High captive domestic offtake reduced exportable volumes, amplifying price sensitivity to logistical shocks and disruptions.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
鈥� In the USA, the Ethylene Oxide Price Index fell by 6.87% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting ample feedstock and high operating rates.
鈥� The average Ethylene Oxide price for the quarter was approximately USD 1287.33/MT, based on reported quarterly calculations.
鈥� Ethylene Oxide Spot Price strengthened late December after a cracker outage, tightening supply and lifting regional Price Index readings.
鈥� Ethylene Oxide Price Forecast indicates modest upside risk early next year, linked to potential feedstock tightening and outages.
鈥� Ethylene Oxide Production Cost Trend rose late December as Henry Hub spiked and ethylene availability tightened regionally.
鈥� Ethylene Oxide Demand Outlook remains supportive from the polyester and antifreeze sectors, sustaining medium-term downstream procurement.
鈥� Ethylene Oxide Price Index volatility reflected low merchant inventories and selective export allocations, reducing domestic spot availability.
鈥� Ethylene Oxide Spot Price sensitivity to logistics and regulatory developments could amplify short-term moves and producer responses.
Why did the price of Ethylene Oxide change in December 2025 in North America?
鈥� Unplanned Gulf cracker outage in mid-December removed ethylene availability, tightening feedstock and lifting short-term price pressure.
鈥� Henry Hub natural gas spike increased production costs, influencing the Ethylene Oxide Production Cost Trend upward.
鈥� Balanced inventories and muted downstream spot demand limited sustained rallies, despite export parcels and logistical normalcy.
APAC
鈥� In Japan, the Ethylene Oxide Price Index fell by 3.87% quarter-over-quarter, due to subdued demand.
鈥� The average Ethylene Oxide price for the quarter was approximately USD 869.67/MT, reflecting import-cost influence.
鈥� Ethylene Oxide Spot Price remained weak as import flows and cracker output maintained ample volumes.
鈥� Ethylene Oxide Production Cost Trend showed pressures from firm naphtha offset by softer upstream ethylene.
鈥� Ethylene Oxide Demand Outlook stayed subdued as PET converters and surfactant makers deferred forward purchases.
鈥� Ethylene Oxide Price Forecast implies narrow range movements, with occasional upticks if feedstock tightness emerges.
鈥� Ethylene Oxide Price Index reflected balanced supply, comfortable inventories, freight rates, and modest export competition.
鈥� High plant operating rates kept Ethylene Oxide Spot Price under pressure from persistent surplus volumes.
Why did the price of Ethylene Oxide change in Dec-2025 in APAC?
鈥� Persistent cracker exports and high regional ethylene availability increased supplies, pressuring domestic Ethylene Oxide pricing.
鈥� Weaker downstream procurement from PET and surfactant sectors reduced demand, dampening spot and contract negotiations.
鈥� Firm Brent-linked naphtha and freight costs applied cost pressure, partially offsetting declines in producer margins.
Europe
鈥� In France, the Ethylene Oxide Price Index fell by 4.18% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weak demand.
鈥� The average Ethylene Oxide price for the quarter was approximately USD 955.00/MT, reflecting subdued demand.
鈥� Ethylene Oxide Spot Price weakened as abundant Lavera supply and lower feedstock ethylene pressured offers.
鈥� Ethylene Oxide Price Forecast suggests modest upside if feedstock costs firm and downstream restocking begins.
鈥� Ethylene Oxide Production Cost Trend improved as natural gas and cracker economics eased production costs.
鈥� Ethylene Oxide Demand Outlook is mixed; MEG seasonality supports while EGBE and detergents remain subdued.
鈥� Ethylene Oxide Price Index stability in late December reflected balanced inventories and uninterrupted pipeline inflows.
鈥� Export inflows from Antwerp and Rotterdam eased costs, while ample depot inventories constrained price recovery.
Why did the price of Ethylene Oxide change in December 2025 in Europe?
鈥� Cheaper feedstock ethylene and lower natural gas reduced production costs, enabling sellers to cut offers.
鈥� Continuous Lavera operations and smooth pipeline flows maintained ample supply, preventing significant domestic price recovery.
鈥� Muted downstream procurement and seasonally filled inventories in detergents and PET limited immediate buying interest.
MEA
鈥� In Saudi Arabia, the Ethylene Oxide Price Index fell by 3.4% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting subdued demand.
鈥� The average Ethylene Oxide price for the quarter was approximately USD 1222.67/MT, FOB Al Jubail.
鈥� Ethylene Oxide Spot Price softened as domestic supply covered needs while export arbitrage remained constrained.
鈥� Ethylene Oxide Price Forecast shows downside risk for Q1 given stable supply and muted purchasing.
鈥� Ethylene Oxide Production Cost Trend stayed muted due to subsidised ethane and steady energy tariffs.
鈥� Ethylene Oxide Demand Outlook shows modest MEG softness while DEG and surfactant consumption remained supportive.
鈥� Ethylene Oxide Price Index traded narrowly as steady plant utilisation limited spot volatility and arbitrage.
鈥� Inventories and export flows constrained arbitrage, keeping Ethylene Oxide Spot Price and seller offers subdued.
Why did the price of Ethylene Oxide change in December 2025 in MEA?
鈥� Stable subsidised ethane and resumed cracker utilisation restored supply balance, removing upstream cost-driven price support.
鈥� Domestic production covered most demand, limiting imports and premiums, thus suppressing Ethylene Oxide spot upside.
鈥� Subdued discretionary export buying and downstream procurement left spot activity thin, keeping December prices neutral.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
鈥� In the USA, the Ethylene Oxide Price Index rose by 5.0% quarter-over-quarter, supported by exports.
鈥� The average Ethylene Oxide price for the quarter was approximately USD 1763.00/MT, reflecting contract settlements.
鈥� Ethylene Oxide Spot Price remained firm as balanced supply and export activity supported FOB offers.
鈥� Ethylene Oxide Price Forecast suggests upside; Ethylene Oxide Production Cost Trend tightens on ethylene feedstock.
鈥� Ethylene Oxide Demand Outlook shows mixed with steady MEG offsetting softer PTMEG, moderating Price Index.
鈥� High inventories and steady production supported exports but capped gains, limiting movement in Price Index.
鈥� Domestic operating rates remained high with no outages, maintaining supply stability and restraining spot volatility.
鈥� Logistics stability, seasonal MEG restocking, and potential cracker maintenance shape near-term Ethylene Oxide Price Forecast.
Why did the price of Ethylene Oxide change in September 2025 in North America?
鈥� A drop in feedstock ethylene reduced production costs, prompting downward pressure on Ethylene Oxide valuations.
鈥� Ample supply and inventories limited sellers' pricing power, constraining Ethylene Oxide Price Index upward movement.
鈥� Weaker downstream demand from polyester and spandex sectors reduced offtake, softening Ethylene Oxide spot pricing.
APAC
鈥� In Japan, the Ethylene Oxide Price Index rose by 1.88% quarter-over-quarter, due to feedstock pressure.
鈥� The average Ethylene Oxide price for the quarter was approximately USD 904.67/MT, based on depot assessments.
鈥� Ethylene Oxide Spot Price remained range-bound through Q3, with the Price Index showing steady depot demand conditions.
鈥� Ethylene Oxide Price Forecast signals modest upside as Ethylene Oxide Production Cost Trend tightens from firmer ethylene and naphtha.
鈥� Ethylene Oxide Demand Outlook remains balanced; MEG-driven offtake supports the Price Index amid softer other derivatives.
鈥� Producers faced upward Production Cost Trend from ethylene feedstock, prompting cautious run rates and spot pass-through.
鈥� Balanced inventories and limited export demand reduced volatility, keeping the Ethylene Oxide Price Index range-bound into September.
鈥� Major producers operated routinely, lowering supply shock risk, supporting the Ethylene Oxide Spot Price and Forecast.
Why did the price of Ethylene Oxide change in September 2025 in APAC?
鈥� Higher ethylene feedstock costs raised production expenses, prompting manufacturers to increase Ethylene Oxide price support.
鈥� Strong MEG offtake sustained demand, cushioning markets and limiting larger declines in Ethylene Oxide Price Index.
鈥� Stable logistics and routine plant operations limited disruptions, keeping Ethylene Oxide supply adequate for demand.
Europe
鈥� In France, the Ethylene Oxide Price Index rose by 3.3% quarter-over-quarter, driven by feedstock demand.
鈥� The average Ethylene Oxide price for the quarter was approximately USD 996.67/MT based on FD Marseille deliveries.
鈥� Ethylene Oxide Spot Price movements stayed range-bound; Ethylene Oxide Price Index recently showed cost-driven volatility.
鈥� Ethylene Oxide Price Forecast suggests modest upside if upstream ethylene tightens and downstream restocking strengthens.
鈥� Ethylene Oxide Production Cost Trend rose due to ethylene and naphtha cost increases, pressuring margins.
鈥� Ethylene Oxide Demand Outlook remains mixed with firm MEG restocking but weaker construction-related DEG uptake.
鈥� Balanced inventories and steady Lav茅ra operations supported supply, while export inquiries exerted intermittent upward pressure.
鈥� Logistics fluctuations in nearby hubs intermittently tightened flows, amplifying short-term Ethylene Oxide Price Index sensitivity.
Why did the price of Ethylene Oxide change in September 2025 in Europe?
鈥� Feedstock ethylene eased in September, directly reducing Ethylene Oxide production costs and selling offers nationwide.
鈥� Stable domestic inventories combined with muted downstream procurement limited upward price momentum during September period.
鈥� Logistical easing versus earlier congestion reduced urgency for imports, tempering short-term Ethylene Oxide Price Index rebounds.
MEA
鈥� In Saudi Arabia, the Ethylene Oxide Price Index rose by 2.15% quarter-over-quarter, driven by ethylene and export demand.
鈥� The average Ethylene Oxide price for the quarter was USD 1265.67/MT, reflecting export trade.
鈥� Ethylene Oxide Spot Price remained range-bound amid balanced supply, stable inventories, and steady export activity.
鈥� Ethylene Oxide Production Cost Trend showed upward pressure as ethylene and naphtha costs tightened margins.
鈥� Ethylene Oxide Demand Outlook remains mixed with MEG requirements offset by cautious overseas restocking.
鈥� Ethylene Oxide Price Forecast flags modest upside, contingent on feedstock and export buying momentum near-term.
鈥� Ethylene Oxide Price Index dynamics reflected stable operating rates, limited outages, and manageable tank inventories.
鈥� Major producers maintained production, with Aramco and SABIC supply continuity underpinning exports and limiting volatility.
Why did the price of Ethylene Oxide change in September 2025 in MEA?
鈥� Balanced regional supply and steady downstream MEG demand kept prices stable despite input cost pressures.
鈥� Firm ethylene and naphtha costs raised production expenses, offset by uninterrupted logistics and port operations.
鈥� Export demand from Asia remained consistent, supporting FOB levels while buyers delayed aggressive restocking ahead.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
鈥� For Q2 2025, the Ethylene Oxide Price Index averaged +0.5%, on an FOB US Gulf basis. Prices remained mostly stable and settled near USD 912/MT by end of June, supported by stable contract trades.听
鈥� Downstream demand, especially from the pharmaceutical and cleaning chemical sectors, helped balance the spot market, even with weak export demand.
鈥� Why did the price of Ethylene Oxide change in July 2025?
July saw a marginal uptick as suppliers sustained earlier pricing levels amidst limited spot market activity and reduced availability.
鈥� Freight and logistics within the US remained uninterrupted, with normal trucking and railcar turnaround times.
鈥� The Ethylene Oxide Demand Outlook for Q3 remains cautiously steady, with expectations tied to rebound in industrial solvents and surfactants.
鈥� The Ethylene Oxide Production Cost Trend remained unchanged, with flat ethylene feedstock and operating costs; producers reported stable margins.
鈥� Ethylene Oxide Spot Price is projected to stay firm in early Q3; the Ethylene Oxide Price Forecast suggests modest upside if inventory drawdowns occur in key sectors.
Europe
鈥� The Ethylene Oxide Price Index averaged a decline of 1.2% during Q2 2025 on an FD basis, with prices settling near USD 985/MT by late June.
鈥� Lower demand from automotive, textiles, and flexible packaging sectors, alongside higher inventory levels, weighed on market sentiment.
鈥� Why did the price of Ethylene Oxide change in July 2025?
The dip in July was triggered by subdued spot market buying, especially in Germany and The Netherlands, where buyers remained conservative due to sufficient stock.
鈥� Regional logistics remained stable; no port congestion or intra-EU transport delays were reported.
鈥� The Ethylene Oxide Demand Outlook remains muted amid lacklustre industrial activity and poor downstream momentum.
鈥� The Ethylene Oxide Production Cost Trend stayed neutral; however, rising electricity and carbon costs slightly pressured overall margins.
鈥� Ethylene Oxide Spot Price in Q3 may hover near Q2 levels. The Ethylene Oxide Price Forecast hints at potential stabilization if inventory reduction accelerates and downstream orders recover.
APAC
鈥� The Ethylene Oxide Price Index fell by an average of 2.3% in Q2 2025 on an Ex- Japan basis, with prices closing around USD 885/MT by the end of June.
鈥� Persistent weakness in Japanese domestic demand, coupled with increased supply competition from Chinese producers, kept prices under pressure.
鈥� Why did the price of Ethylene Oxide change in July 2025?
A further drop occurred as buyers delayed procurement, expecting further declines. Limited export opportunities and stagnant coatings demand added to the drag.
鈥� Oversupply risks rose due to lower capacity utilization and competitive exports from China and South Korea.
鈥� The Ethylene Oxide Production Cost Trend in Japan inched up, largely driven by utility and maintenance spending, though profitability remained thin.
鈥� The Ethylene Oxide Demand Outlook for Q3 is expected to stay weak unless domestic manufacturing activity picks up.
鈥� Ethylene Oxide Spot Price is likely to remain under pressure; the Ethylene Oxide Price Forecast suggests a flat-to-slightly bearish outlook into Q3.
MEA
鈥� The Ethylene Oxide Price Index in the MEA region averaged a 0.6% decrease in Q2 2025 on an FOB AI Jubail basis, with prices closing around USD 1265/MT by late June.
鈥� Spot market demand stayed flat due to limited downstream consumption and lukewarm export volumes toward South Asia and East Africa.
鈥� Why did the price of Ethylene Oxide change in July 2025?听
July saw minor declines as regional sellers faced resistance to offer prices, particularly from East African buyers. EO trading slowed as bulk converters awaited clearer pricing signals.
鈥� Logistics and freight remained stable out of Saudi Arabia, with no reported shipping delays or port congestion.
鈥� The Ethylene Oxide Production Cost Trend remained favourable due to low feedstock and energy costs, though subdued realizations slightly compressed margins.
鈥� The Ethylene Oxide Demand Outlook for Q3 remains flat, with a small pickup expected only if glycol and surfactant exports improve.
鈥� Ethylene Oxide Spot Price may remain weak across the region; Ethylene Oxide Price Forecast indicates limited recovery unless buying interest returns by mid-Q3.
