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Ethylene Oxide Price Trend Analysis 2026: Price Drivers, Historical Prices, Supply Demand Analysis, Latest News & Market Insights
Written ByShriya Singh
Ethylene Oxide Latest Development
Hormuz Disruption Tightens Global Oil Supply
Strait of Hormuz closure continues to constrain global oil supply, with observed output remaining significantly below year-ago levels. IEA revised its demand forecast downward as inventories fell to multi-decade lows, reinforcing upward price pressure and market volatility.
Ethylene Oxide Price Trend Q2 2026
| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ethylene Oxide | China | FOB | USD 1,020.49/MT | June 2026 |
| Ethylene Oxide | USA | CIF | USD 1,175.44/MT | June 2026 |
| Ethylene Oxide | Germany | CIF | USD 1,141.98/MT | June 2026 |
| Ethylene Oxide | India | CIF | USD 1,108.04/MT | June 2026 |
| Ethylene Oxide | Japan | CIF | USD 1,053.34/MT | June 2026 |
| Ethylene Oxide | China | FOB | USD 1,206.01/MT | May 2026 |
| Ethylene Oxide | USA | CIF | USD 1,325.20/MT | May 2026 |
| Ethylene Oxide | Germany | CIF | USD 1,299.46/MT | May 2026 |
| Ethylene Oxide | India | CIF | USD 1,273.35/MT | May 2026 |
| Ethylene Oxide | Japan | CIF | USD 1,243.76/MT | May 2026 |
Stay updated with the latest Ethylene Oxide prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
- Global ethylene oxide prices declined in Q2’26 as improved supply availability and weak downstream demand offset feedstock-related cost pressure.
- Feedstock conditions remained linked to ethylene movements, with oversupply and margin pressure limiting sustained price increases.
- Downstream demand was mixed, as ethylene glycol, surfactants and specialty applications provided support while polyester and construction-related demand remained cautious.
Asia
In Q2’26, ethylene Oxide prices in China declined to ~RMB 8.91/kg in April and ~RMB 8.16/kg in the next month, showing a ~8.5% decrease. The market weakened after early-quarter support from firm ethylene costs and cautious supply conditions faded. Improved production availability and lower spot purchasing from downstream buyers pressured prices. Demand from ethylene glycol, surfactants, ethanolamines and polyether polyols remained uneven, with weaker polyester, construction and polyurethane-related applications limiting consumption. Lower activity in furniture, automotive and construction-linked sectors reduced purchasing interest, keeping producers from maintaining higher offers.
Europe
Ethylene Oxide prices in Germany declined to ~EUR 1.22/kg in April and ~EUR 1.11/kg in the subsequent month. European markets faced pressure from weaker chemical demand and structural oversupply in ethylene-related markets. Higher energy costs continued to support production expenses but limited downstream demand restricted price recovery. EO derivatives used in detergents, personal care, coatings and industrial formulations provided stable demand, while construction-related and industrial applications remained weaker. Availability of imported olefins and derivatives also added pressure on regional pricing.
North America
Ethylene Oxide prices in the United States declined to ~USD 1,392.65/MT in April and ~USD 1,325.20/MT in May. The market benefited from integrated ethylene production and competitive feedstock availability, but oversupply and weaker margins limited producer pricing power. Demand from ethylene glycol, ethanolamines and surfactants provided support, while cautious inventory management among downstream users reduced spot activity. Slower industrial demand and excess ethylene availability prevented stronger price recovery despite the region’s cost advantage.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, ethylene oxide prices are expected to remain influenced by ethylene market conditions, operating rates and derivative demand, with weak downstream growth limiting significant upward movement.
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- Global ethylene oxide prices increased sharply through the quarter, with March seeing the strongest gains due to tight supply and rising upstream costs.
- Feedstock pressure intensified as crude oil and ethylene prices surged, supported by disruptions in key shipping routes and higher import costs.
- Downstream demand remained strong from construction and new energy sectors, with active restocking further pushing prices upward.
Asia
In the Chinese market, ethylene oxide prices increased from ~5.67 RMB/kg (Spot FD) in January to ~7.30 RMB/kg in March, reflecting a ~30.22% rise. The increase was driven by higher crude oil and ethylene prices following disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which impacted global energy flows and raised feedstock costs. Rising freight rates and logistical disruptions increased the cost of imported ethane, adding further pressure. Supply tightened due to plant maintenance, shutdowns, and reduced operating rates, while strong downstream demand from construction chemicals and battery solvents supported higher procurement. Panic buying further accelerated price increases, with suppliers limiting availability to sustain upward momentum.
Europe
In Q1’26, the ethylene oxide price curve was driven by higher prices for feedstock materials owing to geopolitical tension and disruption of logistics at the Strait of Hormuz in the European region. The price of crude oil rose, increasing production costs, while disruptions and uncertainty in the flow of goods due to tensions further strained supplies. Supply dependence on imports and high energy prices put pressure on manufacturers in favour of increasing the prices.
North America
In the North American markets, the ethylene oxide prices were driven higher amid increased costs for raw materials in response to disruptions in crude oil markets. Logistical pressures and other supply chain disruptions were coupled with shutdowns due to planned maintenance. Downstream demand held steady, which allowed manufacturers to keep pricing firm and consistent with their procurement activities.
About Ethylene Oxide
Ethylene Oxide, an organic compound, is a cyclic ether and the simplest epoxide. It is a colourless gas with ether-like odour. It is a versatile compound that is used as an intermediate in the manufacture of other chemicals of industrial importance. One of the most important derivatives of this chemical is ethylene glycol, which is further utilised in the production of PET resin. A small but significant use of the chemical is as a sterilizing agent particularly in the healthcare industry.
Ethylene Oxide Product Detail
Chemical Formula
C2H4O
Cas Number
75-21-8
Molecular Weight
44.05 g/mol
Industrial Uses
Ethylene glycol, Glycol ethers, Ethanolamines, Ethoxylates, Acrylonitrile, Sterilizing and disinfecting agent, Fumigant, Antibiotics
Synonyms
Oxirane, 1,2-Epoxyethane, Epoxyethane, Oxacyclopropane, Dimethylene oxide, Epoxide, EO or EtO
Supplier Database
Shell Chemical Company (Royal Dutch Shell Plc), LyondellBasell Industries NV, BASF SE, Linde AG
Regional Coverage
Asia Pacific
China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, Iran, Thailand, South Korea, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Nepal, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, UAE, Israel, Hongkong, Singapore, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Australia, and New Zealand
Europe
Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy,Spain, Russia, Turkey, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Belgium, Austria, Ireland Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Romania, Finland, Czech Republic, Portugal and Greece
North America
United States and Canada
Latin America
Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Columbia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru
Africa
South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco
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.
Ethylene Oxide Production Processes
- Production of Ethylene Oxide via Oxidation
In this process, ethylene is utilised as a starting material. It undergoes the oxidation process in the presence of silver catalyst to finally produce Ethylene Oxide.
Our Price Analysis Methodology
About the Author
Shriya Singh
Business Insights Analyst
Helping procurement and sourcing teams navigate complex markets through data-driven research, category intelligence, and actionable insights - with a focus on identifying market trends, analyzing supply-side developments, and delivering clear intelligence that supports informed business decisions.
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