Ethylbenzene Price Trend and Forecast

Ethylbenzene Regional Price Overview

Get the latest insights on price movement and trend analysis of Ethylbenzene in different regions across the world (Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa).

Ethyl Benzene Price Trend for the Second Half of 2023

Asia

The Asian Ethyl Benzene market witnessed clear variations in price trends during the span of the last two quarters of 2023. During the Q3 of 2023, the prices rallied on the back of rising crude oil and feedstock benzene and ethylene prices.
 

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The Russian oil was no longer as discounted for India and China as it was during the early months of H1’23. Further, to stabilize the oil market the OPEC+ had also temporarily restricted the supplies. This clearly impacted the ethyl benzene market and led the price trend to rise during quarter three. However, the picture was totally reversed in the year-end quarter as the dull demands dominated among the market drivers during this period. Overall, mixed market sentiments were witnessed in H2’23.

Europe

The European price trend for ethylbenzene greatly resembled that of the Asian market; however, the market here had a humble start at the beginning of the third quarter. Soon, the ethyl benzene prices started picking up in Europe as the slashed oil supplies in the international markets started impacting the prices for almost all commodities, especially petrochemicals and allied products. However, despite a largely positive Q3, the market performance was equally underwhelming during the last quarter. Demands were already steady but a steep decline in the feedstock benzene and ethylene prices trembled the ethyl benzene market further.

North America

The North American ethylbenzene market also reflected a resemblance with the Asian and European ethylbenzene markets during the last two quarters of 2023. The market started weak and then picked up around mid-Q3. However, the price inclination was very short-lived as the prices started plummeting again when Q4 began. Other than the feedstock costs, the wavering demand patterns of the downstream consumption industries also influenced these fluctuations in the American ethylbenzene markets.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the Ethyl Benzene price trends are projected to remain southward wavering for some time going forward as well.
 

Ethylbenzene Price Trend for the First Half of 2023

Asia

The Ethylbenzene prices almost mimicked the price trend for its feedstock Ethylene and Benzene in H1 2023. The prices started on a high note for Ethylbenzene in January 2023 in the Asian region as production just started again in the post-lockdown Chinese market.

Temporary demands offered some revival opportunities, but as the quarter shifted, the demands for Ethylbenzene from downstream chemical industries plunged, causing the products to stockpile. This gave Ethylbenzene prices a downward push, and hence, the prices followed this low trail for the rest of the second quarter. Overall, mixed but low-tilted market behaviour was observed by Ethylbenzene in the said period.

Europe

The European Ethylbenzene prices also witnessed similar price trend as the Asian market. But here, along with the poor demand dynamics, the crude oil prices also played a huge role. The inflation in Europe was primarily because of the energy prices, as the Russian energy supplies were rejected owing to sanctions. So as the crude oil prices were running high, the Ethylbenzene prices started on a high note as it is a petroleum product. But things started normalizing at the beginning of the second quarter. A decline in demand and crude oil prices motivated Ethylbenzene prices to fall, and the trend continued for the remaining Q2. Overall low, wavering price trend for Ethylbenzene were observed.

North America

In the North American Ethylbenzene market, the prices showcased fluctuating price patterns in the first two quarters of 2023. Price trend were almost flattened as the prices varied in a narrow range. Both downstream demands and feedstock prices are kept low. Overall, the market remained afloat.

Analyst insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price trend for Ethylbenzene are expected to continue fluctuating since demands do not seem to be picking up, while the feedstock prices are wavering low.
 

Ethylbenzene Price Trend for the Second Half of 2022

Asia

The prices of ethylbenzene witnessed a see-saw trend as the prices rose in the initial month of the third quarter while declining in the subsequent quarter. The initial incline was attributed to the rising upstream costs and reduced operational activities. The declining trend which started at the end of the third quarter persisted in the fourth quarter. This downward trajectory of the prices was majorly attributed to the reduced costs of crude oil and lowered demand from the market.

Europe

The prices of ethylbenzene fluctuated in the third quarter of 2022. The prices increased in the initial months due to the rise in upstream costs and increasing inflation rates. But in the subsequent months, the demand from the downstream industries was not able to keep up with the rising price trend and thus, the prices of ethylbenzene declined. The weak economic condition of the market was persistent in the fourth quarter as many manufacturing plants had to shut their production amid slow demand from the end-user industries.

North America

The price trend for ethylbenzene declined in the third quarter as the prices suffered significantly due to a rise in inventories and feeble demand from the downstream industries. The prices of natural gas also declined amid the excess availability of the product. The price recovered in the middle of the second quarter as the prices began to incline given the stabilization in the demand-supply equilibrium. The strikes by US workers and the decline in the production rate due to low-temperature conditions in the region led to the decline in the price towards the end of the fourth quarter.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price trend for ethylbenzene are likely to incline in the upcoming quarter. As the demand from the end-user sector is expected to improve given the simultaneous rise in crude oil prices, the prices of ethylbenzene are expected to incline.
 

Ethylbenzene Price Trend For the Second Quarter of 2022

Asia

In the second quarter of June 2022, the ethylbenzene market in the APAC area saw an inconsistent pattern. The initial decline in domestic ethylbenzene prices was a result of the decline in global crude oil prices. Due to the market shutdown brought on by the increasing COVID cases, China's demand for ethylbenzene fell precipitously.

In May, Saudi Aramco dropped the price of oil, which in turn reduced the price of ethylbenzene. Later, as the lockdown limitations were loosened, the Chinese market's demand increased, which led to a rise in ethylbenzene prices. The price of ethylbenzene increased due to an increase in freight expenses and export fees from India.

Europe

Prices for ethylbenzene increased in the German market during the second quarter of 2022. The upstream crude values increased as a result of the supply deficit, which supported the price increase. The EU government imposed sanctions on Russian oil imports as a result of the crisis between Russia and Ukraine, which reduced the amount of crude oil that was available. Additionally, the demand from producers of the downstream derivatives phenol, acetone, and cumene increased, driving up prices for ethylbenzene. The high buying activity in the domestic market and the limited supply forced the providers to change their prices.

North America

The price trend of ethylbenzene in the North American region showed an increasing trajectory movement in the second quarter of 2022. The ethylbenzene market was impacted by the limited availability of upstream crude oil as a result of the sanctions on Russian imports. So, the region's ethylbenzene price trend climbed along with the sharply rising upstream crude price.

Additionally, the demand for ethylbenzene increased as the Chinese domestic market recovered following the COVID limitations, which drove up the price of ethylbenzene. Additionally, following the restart of the manufacturing units, the downstream Styrene market experienced tremendous development.
 

Ethylbenzene Price Trend For the First Quarter of 2022

Asia

Benzene prices in the APAC area rose steadily during the first quarter of 2022. The price of benzene increased due to a rise in upstream crude oil prices and increased demand from end-use industrial sectors. Benzene prices were also influenced by the recurrence of the COVID epidemic in China, which caused a delay in commerce owing to port congestion.

Furthermore, due to strong demand, high operating rates of benzene facilities impacted the prices. Thus, in March 2022, FOB price in India were 1466 USD/MT. As a result, benzene, being one of the key raw materials, impacted ethylbenzene prices as well.

Europe

Prices for benzene in the European market were uneven. Price fell at the start of Q1 due to plentiful supply, increasing later in February. The surge in the price was fueled by strong demand from the regional market, which was disrupted by the Russia-Ukraine war.

Furthermore, the rise in upstream crude oil prices influenced the market. Additionally, the continuation of the European energy crisis following the suspension of Russian gas led to a significant price increase. As a result, the FOB price of benzene in Germany in March 2022 was 1150 USD/MT.

North America

The benzene market initially showed minor gains, but by the quarter ending March 2022, it had reached a high. The foundation has become optimistic due to strong purchasing momentum. Furthermore, increased demand for downstream toluene, nitrobenzene, and mixed-xylene caused benzene prices to rise, impacting ethylbenzene prices as well.

The worldwide market of the raw material was influenced by the upstream Crude price spike owing to geopolitical tensions. Furthermore, trade delays were caused by rising fuel prices and disruptions in shipments as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which impacted benzene and hence, ethylbenzene prices. The price of the chemical in the United States has since settled at 1235 USD/MT FOB Louisiana.
 

Ethylbenzene Price Trend For the Fourth Quarter of 2021

Asia

Because of the volatility in upstream crude oil prices, the benzene market in APAC experienced a mixed fourth quarter of 2021. Furthermore, based on downstream manufacturer inquiries, the buying moment fluctuated. Due to the festive season, the market in India seemed to be bullish in November, resulting in price increases.

However, the product's pricing dynamics shifted in December as the price of crude oil fell and trading activity slowed as the year came to a close. As a result, Ex Mumbai price rose and ended at 1076.93 USD/MT in November, before plummeting to 971.93 USD/MT in December, indicating a considerable reduction.

Europe

In the European market, the price of benzene rose in the fourth quarter of 2021, owing to stable feedstock naphtha prices as a result of upstream crude oil fundamentals. Furthermore, energy issues resulted in production cuts, which had an impact on benzene prices.

Ongoing logistical challenges and strong demand from downstream styrene producers aided the raw material’s pricing trend in Europe. As a result, FOB Hamburg prices were assessed at 1111 USD/MT in December, up 156 USD/MT from October.

North America

The price of benzene increased somewhat from October to December in Q4 2021, indicating an overall rising trend. The pricing trend in the region was supported by volatility in upstream crude oil values and the demand expectation. Furthermore, a drop in pricing in South Korea in November was reflected in the United States market, which eased benzene costs because it imports 35-40% of the commodity from South Korea.

However, price surged significantly in December, owing to a rise in crude oil costs as well as strong demand. In December, FOB Louisiana benzene price settled at 1064 USD/MT. Ethylbenzene prices followed a similar trend.
 

Ethylbenzene Price Trend For First, Second and Third Quarters of 2021

Asia

The Asian market for benzene derivatives remained strong in the first quarter of 2021. Plant shutdowns in Q3 and Chinese lunar holidays had a substantial impact on its supplies in China, and it took much too long to fully restore production. Overall production margins were hampered by rising Brent crude oil prices, which reached 60 USD/barrel in March.

Meanwhile, significant demand from downstream ABS and LAB producers in India pushed up the price curve of the raw material. In March, the FOB Korea Benzene price was estimated to be approximately 800-830 USD/MT.

Benzene prices have been steadily rising in the Asian market since the third quarter of 2021. The Chinese market had contradictory feelings, with prices falling from July through August, but then rising in September for a variety of causes. Congestion on multiple Chinese ports, as well as the closure of Ningbo Port, were key reasons, as was the zero-tolerance coronavirus policy, which disrupted supply chains.

In July, the monthly average price of benzene CFR Shanghai was 1188 USD/MT, down 16 USD/MT from August. The price in India rose sharply, owing to increased demand from various end-use industries and a rise in feedstock crude oil costs. In September, the price of benzene was 1139.50 USD/MT. Benzene and ethylbenzene prices in the region were also affected by rising freight costs caused by a severe scarcity of containers.

Europe

Benzene prices rose to a one-year high in January, owing to decreased supply and strong demand from downstream industries. In January, prices hit a new high of 835 USD/MT, the most since 2020. The bids were excessively expensive because of the freezing effects in the United States and later supply restrictions from Asia due to Lunar New Year holidays. However, when supply and logistics activity increased in March, prices began to revert to normal.

Due to the volatility in feedstock crude oil prices during the third quarter, the market in Europe had conflicting feelings. Prices increased at the start of Q3, but then fell in September. It was bolstered by plentiful stock, higher production rates, and decreased exports due to a scarcity of shipping containers in the region. Despite strong demand from the foreign market and ample benzene supply, a lack of containers hampered export and resulted in stock piling in the local market.

North America

The North American market struggled to meet demand for important upstream chemicals across the area during the first quarter of 2021. Winters in the Gulf of Mexico, particularly in Texas, caused some facilities to shut down unexpectedly. Benzene prices rose across the area due to strong demand from downstream industries such as thermal insulators, styrene, and polyurethane foams, as well as restricted supply. As a result, ethylbenzene prices were also affected.

In the meanwhile, weather conditions hampered exports and imports throughout January and February, however the situation improved dramatically in March. Market forecast in North America showed a little dip in the third quarter. FOB Louisiana prices were estimated at 1215 USD/MT in July.

At the start of the quarter, there was a significant increase in production activities in the United States, which resulted in benzene prices falling in the US market. Due to significant supply availability, the advent of Hurricane Ida in the Gulf Coast of the United States had little impact on its pricing. As a result, in August and September, FOB Louisiana prices settled at 1095 USD/MT.
 

Ethylbenzene Price Trend For the Year 2020

Asia

Benzene stocks in the Asian market outperformed the previous quarter as many new Chinese refineries ramped up production while sellers lamented accumulating inventories. Its consumption was impacted by mixed sales due to unclear market dynamics as numerous economies continue to remove lockdowns.

Europe

The European market remained extended in the third quarter, with a tight Benzene-Naphtha spread, indicating vulnerable market circumstances. In addition to the strain of economic impact from COVID-19, downstream benzene demand remained seasonally low. Due to the oversupply scenario, the price graph last exhibited an increasing tendency in July and then steadily tapered down.

Automobile plant closures and chronically deteriorating dynamics in the styrene sector have had a significant impact on regional demand. According to market participants, demand recovered significantly over the past quarter, but not sufficiently to bring Benzene back to pre-COVID levels.

North America

The North American industry had a mixed third quarter performance. Despite a recent boost in exports and greater benzene demand in the US, regional demand remained steady from the styrene segment. Due to weak demand from the downstream paraxylene segment, margins in the mixed xylene sector were squeezed.

A brief supply constraint resulted from a wave of manufacturing shutdowns caused by Hurricane Laura. With the opening of trading windows between the US and Asian markets, price rose sharply, with upstream crude futures rising and outlook looking optimistic.

Procurement Resource provides latest prices of Ethylbenzene. Each price database is tied to a user-friendly graphing tool dating back to 2014, which provides a range of functionalities: configuration of price series over user defined time period; comparison of product movements across countries; customisation of price currencies and unit; extraction of price data as excel files to be used offline.