Udeesha Tomar
AVP - Strategy and Solutions
Leading procurement research solutions across chemicals, materials, and food & beverages, with expertise in price forecasting and market analytics.
2-Ethylhexanol Price Trend Analysis 2026: Price Drivers, Historical Prices, Market Insights, Latest News & Supply Demand Analysis
Written ByUdeesha Tomar
2-Ethylhexanol Price Trend Q1 2026
| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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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- 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.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, in the near term, 2-Ethylhexanol prices are expected to remain volatile, with cost fluctuations and geopolitical factors continuing to drive short-term movements.
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| Product | Category | Region | Price | Time Period |
| 2-Ethylhexanol | Chemicals | USA | USD 2094/MT | June 2025 |
Stay updated with the latest 2-ethylhexanol prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
Asia
In 2025, the Asian 2-Ethylhexanol (2-EH) market followed a highly volatile yet overall balanced trajectory, shaped by fluctuations in propylene and oxo-alcohol feedstock costs, plant operating rates, and downstream plasticizer demand. The year began with sharp price swings as pre-holiday buying from plasticizer and coatings sectors initially supported prices, before post-holiday demand weakness, excess supply, and logistical disruptions pushed the market lower. In the second quarter, prices remained unstable, with softer spot demand and cautious procurement offset later by selective restocking and firmer upstream costs. During the third quarter, the market showed a downward bias as higher operating rates, new capacity additions, and improved product availability increased supply, while downstream demand from DOP, DOTP, flexible PVC, and construction materials recovered only gradually. In the final quarter, prices declined sharply in the early phase amid softer propylene costs and weak plasticizer demand, before recovering and stabilizing toward year-end as feedstock costs improved and downstream operations normalized. Overall, Asia moved through a year of repeated corrections, with volatility remaining the dominant feature of the market.
Europe
In Europe, 2-Ethylhexanol prices in 2025 broadly mirrored Asian trends, though movements were comparatively more measured. Early in the year, the market experienced upward pressure due to tighter regional supply, elevated production costs, and logistical delays at key ports. However, weak downstream demand and supply chain constraints kept trading conditions volatile. During Q2, the market evolved gradually, supported by stable operations and moderate demand from plasticizers and industrial solvents, although prices softened again toward quarter-end as consumer demand remained weak. In the second half, imports from Asia and normalized domestic output weighed on prices, while economic weakness in the construction and consumer goods sectors further limited demand support. By Q4, the market stabilized as firmer feedstock costs and supply adjustments helped restore cautious equilibrium.
North America
North America recorded a similarly fluctuating 2-Ethylhexanol market in 2025. Tight supply, plant maintenance, and freight cost increases supported prices early in the year, while domestic demand from plasticizers, adhesives, and specialty chemicals remained steady. Mid-year, the market saw corrections due to higher inventories and selective restocking patterns, while Q3 and Q4 reflected a mild downward trend followed by stabilization as imports remained adequate and downstream demand gradually improved.
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.
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