- Global aniline prices witnessed fluctuations in Q2 2026, with regional markets influenced by changing feedstock costs, supply adjustments and uneven downstream demand.
- Feedstock conditions were influenced by benzene movements, with weaker aromatic support in Asia limiting price strength later in the quarter.
- Downstream demand remained uneven as automotive and specialty applications supported consumption, while construction and MDI-related demand stayed cautious.
Asia
Aniline prices in China declined to ~RMB 11.42/kg and ~RMB 11.20/kg during the first two months of Q2’26, showing a ~1.9% decrease. The market strengthened slightly in April as producers reduced inventories and supply tightened, allowing suppliers to raise offers. However, weaker benzene prices, lower downstream purchasing and increased production availability pressured prices during May and June. Several Chinese producers resumed operations in late June, adding supply and weighing on market sentiment, while maintenance at Huatai later reduced some pressure. Demand remained mixed, with automobile and rubber and plastic product manufacturing increasing, supporting MDI and rubber chemical consumption. However, weaker demand from construction, furniture and appliances limited polyurethane-related consumption.
Europe
Aniline prices in Europe remained supported by higher production costs during Q2’26. Producers faced elevated benzene, natural gas and energy expenses, leading to global selling price revisions to protect margins. Intermediate-goods costs increased, maintaining pressure on chemical production expenses. Demand from the MDI chain remained mixed, with polyurethane volumes improving but supply-demand conditions limiting pricing power. Automotive demand provided partial support as passenger-car registrations increased between January and May, supporting polyurethane applications in interiors, insulation and adhesives. However, weak construction activity, with euro-area building construction declining 5.2% year over year in April, restricted demand for polyurethane insulation and rigid foam applications.
North America
Aniline prices in the United States increased slightly to ~USD 1,760.15/MT in April and ~USD 1,774.67/MT in May. The market remained stable due to higher benzene-related production costs and producer efforts to maintain margins. Downstream demand was steady but lacked strong growth, as polyurethane volumes improved while MDI market conditions remained challenging. Residential construction provided some support for insulation and foam applications, while weaker commercial construction limited broader demand. Manufacturing activity remained moderate, keeping aniline consumption stable rather than driving significant growth.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, aniline prices are expected to remain stable with regional variations, as feedstock costs and MDI demand recovery is likely to determine market direction.
