Ethylene Oxide Pricing Report

Ethylene Oxide December 2023

The price of ethylene oxide in the United States for Q4 2023 reached $1327/MT in December. The market in the United States experienced a mixed bag due to the limited availability of the material in the market. In addition, the prices of feedstock ethylene decreased owing to lesser demand from other industries resulting in the low production costs of ethylene oxide.

The price trend of ethylene oxide in Japan increased during the initial of Q4 2023. However, towards the end of the quarter, the prices of ethylene oxide were decreased in the domestic market, as the demand from the downstream ethoxylates and monoethylene glycol industry became moderate.

In Germany, ethylene oxide prices increased during October 2023 on account of the inadequate availability of the material in the domestic market. However, during November and December 2023, the prices of ethylene oxide decreased, as the cost pressure from feedstock ethylene became stable and manufactures cleared out their inventories at low prices during the destocking season.

Saudi Arabia’s ethylene oxide market witnessed a fluctuating trend throughout the fourth quarter of 2023, wherein the increased prices were driven by the rising demand for feedstock ethylene and decreased prices were attributed to the moderate growth of global economy and slow consumption of ethylene oxide from end-user sectors.

Ethylene Oxide Price Trend, Market Analysis, and News

IMARC’s newly published report, titled Ethylene Oxide Pricing Report 2024: Price Trend, Chart, Market Analysis, News, Demand, Historical and Forecast Data, offers an in-depth analysis of ethylene oxide pricing, covering an analysis of global and regional market trends and the critical factors driving these price movements.

It encompasses an in-depth review of spot prices at major ports, a breakdown of prices including Ex Works, FOB, and CIF, alongside a region-wise dissection of price trends across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.

The report examines the elements influencing ethylene oxide price fluctuations, such as changes in raw material costs, supply-demand dynamics, geopolitical factors, and industry-specific developments. Additionally, it integrates the latest market news, providing stakeholders with up-to-date information on market shifts, regulatory changes, and technological advancements, thereby offering a comprehensive overview that aids in strategic decision-making and forecasting.

Ethylene Oxide Market Analysis

The global ethylene oxide market size reached US$ 51.3 Billion in 2023. By 2032, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 74.5 Billion, at a projected CAGR of 4.20% during 2023-2032.

• The growing utilization of ethylene oxide to manufacture ethylene glycols, glycol ethers, ethanolamines, surfactants, and other chemicals is offering a favorable market outlook.
• Economic development and growth are catalyzing the demand for a wide range of products, which rely on ethylene oxide or its derivatives. Besides this, rapid industrialization in emerging economies is leading to increased consumption of ethylene oxide-based products, thereby impelling the growth of the market.
• The escalating demand for personal care and home care products, such as detergents, cleaners, cosmetics, and toiletries, along with changing consumer preferences and lifestyles, is offering lucrative growth opportunities to industry investors.
• The ethylene oxide demand is further amplified by its utilization in the production of polyester fibers, resins, and antifreeze agents.
• The increasing interest in bio-based ethylene production on account of rising concerns of environmental sustainability and carbon footprint is propelling the market growth. As per the United Nation’s sustainable development’s report, the global carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from energy combustion and industrial processes increased by 0.9% to 36.8 billion metric tons. As a result, key players are investing in research and development (R&D) activities to introduce bio-based ethylene oxide produced from renewable feedstocks, such as sugarcane and corn.
• Ongoing advancements in ethylene oxide production technologies like catalytic processes and energy-efficient methods are improving process efficiency, reducing energy consumption, and minimizing environmental impact. These technological innovations are driving operational excellence and cost optimization in the ethylene oxide manufacturing sector.
• The ethylene oxide market is witnessing substantial growth, as key players are focusing on enhancing production capabilities, strengthening market presence, and catering to evolving customer requirements.
• Ethylene oxide is also becoming increasingly popular in the agriculture sector owing to its crucial role in the formulation of herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and plant growth regulators.
• In addition, ethylene oxide production is showing an upward trajectory due to its employment in textile processing as wetting agents, detergents, and softeners. It also aids in removing impurities, enhancing dyeing and finishing processes, and imparting softness and smoothness to textiles.

Ethylene Oxide News

The report covers the latest developments, updates, and trends impacting the global ethylene oxide market, providing stakeholders with timely and relevant information. This segment covers a wide array of news items, including the inauguration of new production facilities, advancements in ethylene oxide production technologies, strategic market expansions by key industry players, and significant mergers and acquisitions that shape the industry landscape.

Latest developments in the Ethylene Oxide industry:

• In 2023, LyondellBasell (LYB) announced that it has entered into an agreement to sell its Ethylene Oxide and Derivatives (EO&D) business along with the production facility located in Bayport, Texas to INEOS Oxide (INEOS). This acquisition will help INEOS to expand its Ethylene Oxide and Derivatives business into the US, which is the world's largest market.
• In 2021, Lotte Chemical Corp., a petrochemical unit of South Korean conglomerate Lotte Group, announced it will spend 250 billion won (US$211.4 million) to expand its domestic production line of ethylene oxide adduct (EOA), an advanced material used in concrete.
• In 2021, Clariant, a focused, sustainable and innovative specialty chemical company, and India Glycols Limited (IGL), a leading company in the manufacturing of green technology-based chemicals, announced the successful creation of their 51-49% joint venture for renewable ethylene oxide (EO) derivatives after receiving all necessary regulatory approvals.

Product Description

Ethylene oxide (EO), also known as oxirane, is a highly reactive and flammable organic compound with the chemical formula C₂H₄O. It has a slightly sweet odor and exists as a colorless gas at room temperature and pressure. It is a cyclic ether consisting of an ethylene (C2H4) molecule with an oxygen atom inserted between the two carbon atoms.

EO is produced through the catalytic oxidation of ethylene (C₂H₄) with a silver-based catalyst. This process involves several steps and operates under controlled conditions of temperature, pressure, and feedstock composition to maximize the yield.

EO finds applications in various industries owing to its versatile chemical properties. It is primarily utilized as a key intermediate in the production of ethylene glycols, glycol ethers, ethanolamines, and surfactants. Moreover, EO serves as a sterilizing agent in the healthcare industry to sterilize medical equipment and devices on account of its ability to penetrate materials effectively.

Regional Coverage

The report provides a detailed analysis of the ethylene oxide market across different regions, each with unique pricing dynamics influenced by localized market conditions, supply chain intricacies, and geopolitical factors. This includes price trends and supply and demand trends for each region, along with spot prices by major ports. The report also provides coverage of ex-works, FOB, and CIF prices, as well as the key factors influencing the price trends. 

Global Ethylene Oxide Price

The report offers a holistic view of the global ethylene oxide pricing trends, reflecting the worldwide interplay of supply-demand balances, international trade policies, and overarching economic factors that shape the market on a macro level.

Europe Ethylene Oxide Price

The European region has experienced a mixed trend due to low availability of the material and increased prices of feedstock ethylene in the domestic market, resulting in the high production costs of the ethylene oxide. The rise in production costs has helped the prices to follow an upward trend across the domestic market.  However, during November and December 2023, the demand for ethylene oxide has decreased in the domestic market due to persistent inflationary pressure, high interest rates, and low seasonality.

This analysis can be extended to include detailed ethylene oxide price information for a comprehensive list of countries.

North America Ethylene Oxide Price

In North America, the ethylene oxide market has witnessed mixed trend in the domestic market owing to limited material availability and moderate demand from the downstream ethoxylates and monoethylene glycol industry. In addition, the supply of ethylene oxide was limited, as Dow Plaquemine, a major supplier of ethylene oxide in North America, remained down since an explosion occurred in mid-July. Besides this, LyondellBasell Industries in Bayport Texas has permanently closed its Ethylene oxide production on account of its acquisition by Ineos Oxide.

Specific data on ethylene oxide prices within the United States and Canada can also be provided.

Middle East and Africa Ethylene Oxide Price

The ethylene oxide market in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region showcased a fluctuating trend. The increased prices can be attributed to the higher feedstock ethylene prices resulted in the high production cost of ethylene oxide. Moreover, the demand from the downstream monoethylene glycol and ethoxylates industry increased from both the domestic and international market which encouraged manufacturers to raise their offers.  However, towards the end of Q4, the demand for ethylene oxide has surprisingly decreased in the domestic market.

In addition to region-wise data, information on ethylene oxide prices for countries can also be provided.

Asia Pacific Ethylene Oxide Price

Ethylene oxide prices have experienced mixed sentiments across the Asian market during the fourth quarter of 2023. The cost pressure from feedstock ethylene was sufficient on ethylene oxide prices as its prices settled on the higher side in the domestic market. In addition, the moderate demand for ethylene oxide from the downstream monoethylene glycol and ethoxylates industry in the domestic market is impacting the market.

This analysis can be further extended to include detailed Ethylene Oxide prices for a comprehensive list of countries within the region.

Latin America Ethylene Oxide Price

The analysis of ethylene oxide prices in Latin America provides a detailed overview, reflecting the unique market dynamics in the region influenced by economic policies, industrial growth, and trade frameworks.

This comprehensive review can be extended to include specific countries within the region.

Report Coverage

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report presents a detailed analysis of ethylene oxide pricing, covering global and regional trends, spot prices at key ports, and a breakdown of Ex Works, FOB, and CIF prices.
• The study examines factors affecting ethylene oxide price volatility, including raw material costs, supply-demand shifts, geopolitical impacts, and industry developments, offering insights for informed decision-making.
• The competitive landscape review equips stakeholders with crucial insights into the latest market news, regulatory changes, and technological advancements, ensuring a well-rounded, strategic overview for forecasting and planning.
• IMARC offers various subscription options, including monthly, quarterly, and biannual updates, allowing clients to stay informed with the latest market trends, ongoing developments, and comprehensive market insights, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the ethylene oxide industry.