- Toluene Diisocyanate (TDI) prices moved firm in Q1 2026 as supply availability tightened, freight risk increased, and buyers faced higher replacement-cost pressure across Asia, Europe, and North America.
- Feedstock pressure came from crude-linked aromatics, toluene, aniline, and energy costs after the Iran war disrupted Strait of Hormuz flows.
- Downstream demand from flexible polyurethane foam, furniture, bedding, automotive seating, coatings, adhesives, and elastomers stayed need-based.
Asia
In Asia, TDI prices moved higher during Q1 2026, led by tighter supply and stronger export interest from China. Chinese producers gained support from regional supply gaps as buyers in Asia looked for replacement cargoes amid overseas plant limitations and freight uncertainty. India remained exposed to imported TDI and polyurethane raw materials, so higher freight, longer routing, and Middle East-linked shipping risk added pressure for foam and furniture manufacturers. Demand from bedding, furniture, footwear, and automotive seating stayed steady, but buyers largely purchased for immediate consumption.
Europe
Europe recorded a firm TDI trend in Q1 2026 as supply-chain risk and feedstock pressure increased. The region faced higher replacement-cost pressure after the Iran conflict raised energy and freight uncertainty. A major European producer completed modernization work at its Dormagen TDI plant during the quarter, supporting long-term supply reliability, but near-term sentiment remained cautious. Higher freight and limited import visibility affected polyurethane raw material buyers, while downstream consumption from flexible foam, bedding, insulation, and automotive seating remained moderate.
North America
North America was comparatively more balanced, supported by stronger domestic chemical logistics and lower direct dependence on Middle East TDI flows. However, global trade uncertainty still affected buyer sentiment as chemical transactions from Asia and the Middle East to the Americas slowed in early March. US Gulf Coast chemical container exports rose 12.0% in March, and 20.0% surge capacity was available to manage disruptions, supporting regional export flexibility. Local demand from foam, coatings, adhesives, and automotive uses stayed steady but cautious.