Celanese and Siegwerk announced a collaboration to use 50% bio-based ethyl acetate as a drop-in solvent for printing inks. The deal supports sustainable packaging but does not shift near-term solvent pricing due to prolonged oversupply in acetyl markets. Prices remain pressured by overcapacity.
2-Ethylhexanol Price Trend Analysis 2026: Price Drivers, Historical Prices, Market Insights, Latest News & Supply Demand Analysis
Written ByPragati Agarwal
2-Ethylhexanol Price Trend Q2 2026
| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Ethylhexanol | China | FOB | USD 1,258.82/MT | May 2026 |
| 2-Ethylhexanol | India | FOB | USD 1,326.16/MT | May 2026 |
| 2-Ethylhexanol | USA | FOB | USD 1,378.01/MT | May 2026 |
| 2-Ethylhexanol | Brazil | FOB | USD 1,390.82/MT | May 2026 |
| 2-Ethylhexanol | Canada | FOB | USD 1,378.01/MT | May 2026 |
| 2-Ethylhexanol | China | FOB | USD 1,352.00/MT | April 2026 |
| 2-Ethylhexanol | India | FOB | USD 1,402.00/MT | April 2026 |
| 2-Ethylhexanol | USA | FOB | USD 1,439.00/MT | April 2026 |
| 2-Ethylhexanol | Brazil | FOB | USD 1,473.00/MT | April 2026 |
| 2-Ethylhexanol | Canada | FOB | USD 1,439.00/MT | April 2026 |
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- 2-Ethylhexanol prices weakened in Q2’26 as early cost support faded, supply improved, and buyers resisted higher offers across key markets.
- Feedstock pressure eased as propylene softened, reducing butyraldehyde and 2-EH replacement costs, despite brief support from maintenance and lower run rates.
- Downstream demand stayed weak in DOP, plasticizers, flexible PVC, coatings, flooring, cables, and construction-linked applications, limiting price recovery.
Asia
In China, the prices of 2-Ethylhexanol were ~RMB 9.23/kg in April and ~RMB 8.52/kg in May, showing a ~7.7% decrease. Prices briefly firmed at the start of April and after the May holiday, but the recovery did not sustain as propylene weakened, and new 2-EH capacity added supply pressure. DOP producers purchased only for immediate requirements, while traders lowered offers to clear inventories. Export business helped producers in early May, but the export window narrowed later as more imported material became available in Southeast Asia. Demand remained weak from construction-linked flexible PVC, as China’s real-estate investment fell 16.2% year-on-year during January-May, while new construction starts declined 22.6%.
Europe
European 2-EH sentiment stayed stable to softer in Q2’26 as weak buying outweighed balanced-to-tight regional supply. Lower propylene reduced cost support, with chemical-grade propylene CIF Northwest Europe falling by about 6.6% in April. Downstream demand from plasticizers, coatings, automotive interiors, flooring, and other flexible PVC uses remained limited. Euro-area industrial production rose only 0.3% year-on-year in April, while durable consumer-goods production fell 4.0%, restricting broader consumption of 2-EH derivatives.
North America
In the United States, the prices of 2-Ethylhexanol were ~USD 1,439.00/MT in April and ~USD 1,378.01/MT in May, showing a ~4.2% decrease. The decline reflected softer chemical demand, weaker export orders, and pressure from excess capacity. U.S. manufacturing output was unchanged in May, while chemical production declined 0.8% month-on-month and plastics and rubber-products output fell 0.3%. Construction demand was also weak, with housing starts down 15.4% month-on-month, reducing demand for plasticized PVC flooring, cables, membranes, and wall coverings.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, 2-EH prices may remain weak to range-bound as Chinese capacity additions and cautious plasticizer demand weigh on the market. Temporary rebounds may depend on plant outages or renewed propylene strength.
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Evonik expects Q2 2026 adjusted EBITDA of €600-650mn, up from €509mn a year ago, driven by higher sales volumes and higher prices. Supply chain disruptions affecting Asian competitors provide temporary pricing and availability support; however, the effect is expected to weaken later in 2026 as global shipping stabilizes. Full-year EBITDA outlook raised to €2.0-2.2bn.
Propylene collapsed across regions between mid-May and mid-June 2026, while downstream acrylic staple fibre prices remained rangebound, indicating producers are absorbing the feedstock cost relief as margin recovery. If propylene weakness persists, further softening in acrylonitrile and ASF markets could follow.
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- Global 2-Ethylhexanol prices followed a volatile upward trend in Q1 2026 due to shifting cost and supply conditions.
- Feedstock pressure remained strong as propylene costs increased initially and later fluctuated, while the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz disruption raised energy and logistics costs.
- Downstream demand from plasticizers, PVC, and construction-linked applications remained uneven, with pre-holiday stocking followed by cautious procurement.
Asia
The prices of 2-Ethylhexanol witnessed mixed trends during the first quarter of 2026. Initially, the prices rose on account of higher feedstock prices and increased production of plasticizers before the Lunar New Year festivities. While supplies were initially abundant owing to strong operating levels, the maintenance and closure of factories during the celebrations resulted in lower supplies. However, as the quarter progressed, prices fell owing to lower feedstock prices, rising inventories, and falling demand following the end of the holiday season. In the last month of the quarter, the prices recovered amid disruption in energy markets globally owing to the war in Iran, which affected supplies via the Strait of Hormuz, raising production costs and ultimately 2-Ethylhexano
Europe
For Europe, 2-Ethylhexanol prices experienced a comparable oscillating pattern to Asia in the quarter. Higher input prices drove the initial strength, but lower demand and increased supply contributed to weakness in February. However, the Iran war and disruption of maritime routes contributed to higher logistics and energy prices, causing a tightening of supply conditions and driving prices up in March. Plasticizer and coating demand continued to be cautious.
North America
In North America, 2-Ethylhexanol prices also followed a trend like China, with early strength, mid-quarter weakness, and later improvement. Higher feedstock prices supported prices in January, but lower demand and stable supply conditions contributed to weakness in February. Geopolitical conflicts and Strait of Hormuz interruptions increased global prices, resulting in improved prices in March. Demand from the PVC and construction sectors remained cautious.
About 2-Ethylhexanol
2-EH, that is, 2-Ethylhexanol is an eight-carbon branched chain oxo alcohol with aromatic odour. This chemical compound is insoluble in water and has slow evaporation rate. Its flash point is between 140-175°F. It has low volatility and also has defoaming, wetting, and dispersing characteristics.
2-Ethylhexanol Product Detail
Chemical Formula
C8H18O
Molecular Weight
130.23 g/mol
Synonyms
104-76-72-Ethylhexan-1-ol2-Ethylhexanol2-Ethyl-1-hexanol
Supplier Database
Acros Organics, BASF PETRONAS Chemicals Sdn. Bhd., Eastman Chemical Company
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.
2-Ethylhexanol Production Process
- Production of 2-EH via Aldol Condensation
In this process, 2-EH is produced from n-butyraldehyde via aldol condensation process, which leads to the formation of hydroxyaldehyde. The resulting mixture is then hydrogenated to finally produce2-EH.
Frequently Asked Questions
During Q1 2026, 2-ethylhexanol prices followed a volatile upward trend across major markets. Price movement was supported by higher propylene-linked feedstock costs, tight spot availability, and stronger seller offers. Demand from plasticizers, coatings, adhesives, and PVC-related applications remained uneven, but supply-side pressure helped keep prices firm in China, India, the USA, Brazil, and Canada.
The 2-ethylhexanol outlook for 2026 remains steady to firm, supported by demand from plasticizers, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, coatings, adhesives, lubricants, surfactants, and specialty chemical intermediates. Prices may remain sensitive to propylene, syngas, energy costs, and plant operating rates. Construction-linked PVC demand and coatings consumption will remain key drivers for downstream buying.
The main factors affecting 2-ethylhexanol prices in Q1 2026 were propylene feedstock pressure and tight supply. Higher propylene and energy costs raised production expenses, while restricted spot availability supported firmer offers. Demand from plasticizers and coatings remained mixed, but limited prompt supply allowed producers to pass through part of the cost increase.
Major 2-ethylhexanol markets include China, the United States, Germany, India, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brazil. Key producers include BASF, Eastman Chemical, OQ Chemicals, Perstorp, SABIC, LG Chem, Mitsubishi Chemical, Sinopec, PETRONAS Chemicals, Grupa Azoty, Elekeiroz, and Formosa Plastics. These companies operate across oxo alcohols, plasticizer alcohols, coatings intermediates, and specialty chemical supply chains.
BASF in March 2026 inaugurated its newly built world-scale Verbund site in Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China. The site covers about four square kilometers and strengthens BASF’s integrated chemical production in South China. BASF had earlier confirmed that its Zhanjiang Oxo plant would supply 2-ethylhexanol and n-butanol to UPC Technology, supporting regional plasticizer alcohol demand.
2-Ethylhexanol is mainly produced through the oxo process using propylene and synthesis gas. The process forms butyraldehyde through hydroformylation, followed by aldol condensation and hydrogenation to produce 2-ethylhexanol. The value chain includes propylene supply, syngas generation, oxo alcohol production, purification, storage, distribution, and downstream use in plasticizers, acrylates, coatings, adhesives, lubricants, surfactants, and fuel additives.
2-Ethylhexanol is mainly sold as industrial-grade, plasticizer-grade, acrylate-grade, and high-purity chemical intermediate grade. Plasticizer-grade material is used for producing DOP, DOTP, DINP, and other flexible PVC plasticizers. Acrylate-grade material is used in 2-ethylhexyl acrylate production, while high-purity grades require tighter control of color, water content, acidity, aldehydes, and other impurities.
2-Ethylhexanol demand is mainly driven by plasticizers, PVC products, coatings, paints, adhesives, sealants, lubricants, surfactants, fuel additives, and chemical intermediates. Plasticizers remain the largest outlet because 2-ethylhexanol is used to produce flexible PVC additives for wires, cables, flooring, films, synthetic leather, and automotive interiors. Coatings and acrylate applications also support steady demand.
A key policy development affecting 2-ethylhexanol in 2026 was India’s extension of anti-dumping duty on imports from the European Union, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, and the United States until June 26, 2026. The measure was intended to protect domestic producers from unfairly priced imports and influenced landed costs, sourcing decisions, and import competition in India.
Procurement Resource employs a structured methodology combining primary research, secondary market data, analytical models, and validation processes to assess 2-ethylhexanol prices and trends. Price evaluations incorporate supply-demand dynamics, feedstock movements, trade flows, and value chain analysis, supported by continuous market monitoring to ensure accurate and reliable insights.
About the Author
Pragati Agarwal
Senior Business Insights Analyst
Delivering price trend analysis and procurement market insights at Procurement Resource, with expertise in identifying commodity patterns, supporting purchasing strategies, and improving cost efficiency through actionable market intelligence.
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