- Melamine resin prices followed a firm global trend in Q1’26, supported by rising feedstock pressure, tighter export availability, and elevated logistics costs across chemical supply chains.
- Feedstock costs increased sharply as urea, ammonia, methanol, and energy markets remained volatile following the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz disruption.
- Downstream demand stayed stable from laminates, decorative panels, furniture, engineered wood, flooring, coatings, adhesives, and construction-related applications.
Asia
During Q1’26, melamine resin prices in Asia moved upward as stronger feedstock pressure and healthy export demand supported the market. China remained the dominant regional supplier, while the production chain transmitted rising raw-material costs into resin manufacturing. S&P Global reported that the Middle East accounts for nearly 35% of global seaborne urea trade and around 47% of seaborne sulfur supply, increasing supply-chain concerns after the Strait of Hormuz disruption. China’s melamine exports remained strong during the quarter, tightening domestic availability and supporting firmer resin sentiment. Demand from decorative laminates, MDF, particleboard, flooring, modular furniture, adhesives, and construction panels remained stable due to ongoing infrastructure and furniture manufacturing activity across Asia.
Europe
In Europe, melamine resin prices remained firm because buyers faced higher import costs, elevated energy expenses, and tighter feedstock availability. Construction renovation activity and demand for decorative laminates, engineered wood, coatings, and furniture panels supported steady procurement. European buyers remained cautious due to high operating costs and softer industrial sentiment, though limited spot availability and freight disruptions prevented market weakness. Dependence on imported raw materials and Asian supply also increased delivered-cost pressure throughout the quarter.
North America
North American melamine resin prices stayed stable to firm during Q1’26 as feedstock inflation and higher logistics costs supported the market. Demand from housing renovation, cabinetry, laminate flooring, coatings, molded products, and engineered wood applications remained moderate. Construction recovery and repair-and-remodel activity supported resin consumption, while buyers maintained cautious procurement because of balanced inventories and uncertain industrial demand. Freight and insurance costs linked to the Strait of Hormuz disruption also increased replacement costs for imported melamine-related materials.
