Coking coal prices firmed over the first quarter, driven by supply-side disruptions including mine accidents in China and reduced Russian output linked to diesel shortages. Tightening seaborne supply is pushing input costs higher for steel producers reliant on this key raw material.
Coal prices have risen sharply over recent weeks amid strong demand from industrial users. Textile processors, for whom coal represents a significant portion of operating costs, are facing increased production expenses. Industry associations are deliberating on pricing strategies to offset the higher fuel costs.
| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimethyl Ether (DME) | China | SPOT | USD 673.00/MT | June 2026 |
Stay updated with the latest Dimethyl Ether prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
Asia
In the second half of 2024, Dimethyl Ether (DME) pricing experienced a mix of regional trends, reflecting various factors impacting demand and supply across global markets. In Asia, the market faced pressure from weak demand and oversupply issues, leading to price declines.
A slow recovery in key sectors such as construction and manufacturing hindered the uptake of DME. Additionally, logistical challenges, including port congestion and disruptions due to natural events, further contributed to an environment of reduced demand. These factors led to lower prices in the region as suppliers struggled to maintain a balance between production levels and stagnant consumption.
Europe
In Europe, the market showed some volatility in the latter part of the year, primarily driven by geopolitical tensions and rising logistics costs. Disruptions in key shipping routes and an ongoing supply chain crisis impacted the availability of DME. Prices fluctuated due to the erratic supply situation, but overall, the demand remained sluggish. Industries that typically rely on DME, such as paints and coatings, faced slowdowns, which dampened any potential for price increases. The cost of DME remained under pressure, as manufacturers were cautious in their procurement strategies, reflecting a generally bearish sentiment across the region.
North America
North America saw a relatively stable pricing environment for DME during the second half of 2024. The region's market dynamics were influenced by steady demand from certain industries, particularly in the energy and solvents sectors. However, supply-side constraints due to production delays and fluctuating feedstock costs kept prices steady. While the overall demand remained moderate, there was no significant surge or decline, and prices hovered around consistent levels through the second half of the year. This stable environment reflected a balancing act between supply and demand, with neither pushing prices too high nor too low.
Related Report
Need Latest Dimethyl Ether (DME) Prices?
Get real-time price assessments, periodic trends, forecasts and price driver insights across key global markets.
Our Clients
Turn price intelligence into action with the Procurement Resource Database. Log in or subscribe to unlock live price trends, historical charts, supplier databases, cost curves, and analyst-backed insights across chemicals, agriculture, energy, packaging, and more. Use these tools to benchmark your contracts, plan budgets with confidence, and stay ahead of market moves on every product you buy.
0
+Products
0
+Regions
0
+Subscriptions
Asia
Dimethyl ether prices were found to be fluctuating for the majority of the first half of 2024. Upstream market dynamics primarily drove the price trend for DME during the concerned time frame. The price trajectory of DME showed a stable trend for most of the first quarter. There was an oversupply situation in the market however, the demand was average which was unable to impact the price trend in a very positive manner.
In Q2, the prices marginally inclined due to an increase in the prices of methanol in India, however, an average downstream performance kept the overall market trajectory consolidated. Overall, the market performance was range bound for the majority period.
Europe
European market witnessed a trend similar to the other global markets however, the markets here were more challenged due to navigation difficulties in the Red Sea and Suez Canal amid rising geopolitical tensions. The shipments from Asia declined significantly due to attacks on ships by Houthi rebels. The upstream methanol prices showed a volatile trend, which was reflected in the prices of dimethyl ether (DME). Overall, the supply chain disruptions and weakening consumer confidence kept the prices oscillating in the said period.
North America
DME prices in the American market reflected the oscillations in its Asian and European counterparts. A fluctuating price trajectory was observed amid the volatile supply and demand situation. The trade was impacted by supply disruptions due to reduced water levels in the Panama Canal and distortion of the Red Sea trade route, leading to heightened freight costs, low vessel availability, and delayed shipments. These rising costs of transportation led to lower profit margins for the manufacturers and heightened their reliability on domestic consumption as well. Stakeholders tried to balance the market from the supply side, however, the overall outlook remained wavered.
Dimethyl Ether (DME) or methyl ether is the simplest aliphatic ether. It is a colourless gas that has a subtle, ethereal odour. It easily burns and is a volatile poisonous liquid compound with application as a fuel, solvent, propellant, aerosol, and refrigerant.
C2H6O / CH3OCH3
Used to make small molecules like acetic acid or dimethyl sulfate, as a refrigerant to substitute chlorofluorocarbons, as a spray-can propellant, as a clean burning fuel, as a solvent, aerosol.
DIMETHYL ETHER, Methoxymethane, Methyl ether, Dimethyl oxide, Oxybismethane etc.
Topsoe A/S, Mitsubishi Corporation, Royal Dutch Shell Plc, Korea Gas Corporation, Nouryon etc.
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database AvailabilityYes
Customization ScopeThe report can be customized as per the requirements of the customer
Post-Sale Analyst Support360-degree analyst support after report delivery
Note: Our supplier search experts can assist your procurement teams in compiling and validating a list of suppliers indicating they have products, services, and capabilities that meet your company's needs.
In the catalytic reactor, syngas undergoes a two-step process. First, it is converted into methanol (CH3OH) using a catalyst like copper-zinc oxide-aluminum oxide. Then, methanol is dehydrated to form dimethyl ether (CH3OCH3) using a catalyst like alumina or zeolite.
Our Price Analysis Methodology
AVP - Strategy and Solutions
Leading procurement research solutions across chemicals, materials, and food & beverages, with expertise in price forecasting and market analytics.
Experience how Procurement Resource transforms raw material price data into clear, decision ready intelligence. Optimise your performance with reliable, expert market data and analysis. Schedule your demo today to experience a live walk-through where our experts will showcase interactive price charts, forecasted prices, and insights driving the prices for your key commodities, tailored to your workflows. Contact us now!
Our Team will be happy to assist you
We are just a text away
Still Need Help?
Europe & Africa
+44 7573 171117
Sales@procurementresource.com
USA & Canada
+1 307 363 1045
Sales@procurementresource.com
APAC
+91 8850629517
Sales@procurementresource.com
Unlock full access to Procurement Resource's price databases, interactive charts, and short-term forecasts for thousands of commodities. Elevate your sourcing decisions by comparing prices across regions, downloading historical data, and layering in analyst-backed insights, all with our flexible plans that scale as your portfolio grows.
Still have any Questions
Contact Us
Price Trend Dashboard - What's Included
Price trends across a diverse portfolio of categories and products, spanning board to niche chemicals
Coverage extendable to grade-specific chemicals based on procurement requirements
Regular price tracking supported by robust historical datasets
News, policy updates, and key market drivers impacting price movements
Short-term and long-term price outlooks and forecasts
Supply–demand dynamics and capacity-driven market analysis
Track prices, market movements, supply-demand dynamics, and industry developments across hundreds of commodities through a centralized intelligence platform built for informed procurement decisions.
Understand market fluctuations using analyst-backed forecasts, historical pricing patterns, and evolving industry trends to strengthen sourcing strategies and budget planning.
Leverage cost models, pricing benchmarks, and procurement insights to evaluate purchasing opportunities, improve negotiations, and enhance operational efficiency.
Access region-specific price trends, trade activities, capacity changes, and supply chain developments influencing commodity markets worldwide.
