2-Ethylhexanol prices have been declining for a while; recent prices show improvement in Asia

In recent months, 2-Ethylhexanol (2-EH) prices have faced significant downward pressure, driven by several key factors. The weakening of the upstream propylene market, a critical raw material for 2-EH, has led to lower production costs, contributing to the overall price decline. The declining plasticizer market, a major consumer of 2-EH, has further reduced demand, adding to the downward momentum. As a result, downstream purchasing activity has stabilized at lower levels, which has limited any significant price recovery for 2-EH.

The reduced propylene prices have had a direct impact on the cost structure for 2-EH, further pushing prices downward. Additionally, other related chemicals, such as isooctyl alcohol and n-butanol, have also seen price drops, adding to the pressure on 2-EH. The stabilization of the PVC plastic market, which influences demand for plasticizers, has caused a reduction in raw material costs, contributing to the overall weakness in 2-EH pricing. Despite some improvements in demand, especially with low-priced shipments seeing better movement, the market remains under pressure due to these cost and demand dynamics.

However, the outlook for 2-EH prices is expected to improve in the coming months. Recent developments in the propylene market across Asia suggest a potential shift in price trends. In certain regions, propylene prices have begun to rise, driven by robust buying interest in the polypropylene sector, which has shown optimism for the future. South Korean producers, previously struggling with inventory buildup, are now seeing increased demand from China, as cargoes are diverted toward the Chinese market. This surge in demand is supported by Chinese government stimulus measures, including interest rate cuts and liquidity injections, which are likely to boost downstream purchasing activity, positively affecting 2-EH prices.

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Additionally, rising crude oil prices are offering some support to the polypropylene market, and this could contribute to the upward movement of 2-EH prices. In Southeast Asia, post-Golden Week buying activity has picked up, further adding to the price pressure. Increased feedstock costs, fueled by Middle Eastern tensions, are expected to remain elevated in the near term, reinforcing the upward trajectory for 2-EH prices. If these factors persist, the market may continue to experience a steady increase in prices over the next few months.