Phenolic Resin Prices

Phenolic Resin Price Trend, Index and Forecast

Track real-time and historical phenolic resin prices across global regions. Updated monthly with market insights, drivers, and forecasts.

Phenolic Resin Prices September 2025

Market Overview Q3 Ending September 2025

Africa: Demand for laminates, plywood adhesives, and coatings slowed as construction projects in Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa faced financing constraints and inflation-driven cost overruns. However, port congestion combined with inland trucking delays raised distribution expenses across Eastern and Southern Africa. Currency depreciation against the US dollar increased the landed cost of imports, further squeezing margins for local distributors. Additionally, regulatory compliance costs for fire-resistant building materials, particularly in South Africa, contributed to higher end-use costs but failed to translate into higher resin prices due to weak demand.

Northeast Asia: In Northeast Asia, phenolic resin prices remained relatively stable with a marginal upward trajectory, supported by mixed demand and higher feedstock costs. In China, strong operating rates in resin plants ensured steady supply, but exports weakened as global demand for engineered wood and laminates slowed. Domestic consumption in the construction sector held firm, while environmental compliance regulations raised production costs. In Japan, moderate demand from the automotive sector supported resin consumption for brake pads and insulation components, though the electronics sector showed signs of stagnation.

Europe: Europe experienced a pronounced decline in phenolic resin prices largely due to demand erosion across key industries such as automotive, furniture, and construction. Western Europe, particularly Germany and France, reported weak automotive output, which suppressed resin usage in brake linings, adhesives, and coatings. Energy price volatility, especially for natural gas, elevated resin production costs across Central Europe, but producers were unable to pass on these increases due to soft demand. In Eastern Europe, ongoing construction stagnation and reduced plywood exports further weakened consumption.

India: Phenolic resin prices fell sharply primarily due to reduced downstream demand from laminates, plywood, and construction applications. Seasonal monsoon rains curtailed building activities, leading to weaker offtake from the construction sector, which is a major consumer of phenolic resins. The domestic furniture and plywood industries also slowed, with exports facing pressure from reduced orders in Europe and the Middle East. On the supply side, local producers maintained steady operations, supported by the stable availability of feedstock phenol and formaldehyde.

South America: Phenolic resin pricing in South America trended lower, underpinned by sluggish industrial activity in Brazil and Argentina. Demand from the construction sector, traditionally the largest end-user of resins, contracted due to high borrowing costs and inflationary pressure on building materials. In Brazil, weaker consumption of laminates and wood products added to the decline, while Argentina struggled with currency instability that raised the landed cost of imports and disrupted purchasing activity. On the supply side, South America remained heavily reliant on imports from Asia, exposing markets to fluctuations in international freight rates.

North America: North America recorded the steepest decline in phenolic resin prices, with downward pressure stemming from weak demand and oversupply conditions. Gulf Coast producers maintained high operating rates, resulting in an abundance of resin despite sluggish downstream consumption in construction, automotive, and plywood industries. US construction activity slowed, particularly in the housing sector, where high interest rates dampened new building projects. Automotive output, a critical consumer of phenolic resins in brake and under-hood applications, remained below expectations, further reducing demand. Import competition from Asian suppliers, coupled with stable feedstock phenol costs, created additional pricing pressure.

Phenolic Resin Price Trend, Market Analysis, and News

IMARC's latest publication, “Phenolic Resin Prices, Trend, Chart, Demand, Market Analysis, News, Historical and Forecast Data Report 2025 Edition,” presents a detailed examination of the phenolic resin market, providing insights into both global and regional trends that are shaping prices. This report delves into the spot price of phenolic resin at major ports and analyzes the composition of prices, including FOB and CIF terms. It also presents detailed phenolic resin prices trend analysis by region, covering North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa. The factors affecting phenolic resin pricing, such as the dynamics of supply and demand, geopolitical influences, and sector-specific developments, are thoroughly explored. This comprehensive report helps stakeholders stay informed with the latest market news, regulatory updates, and technological progress, facilitating informed strategic decision-making and forecasting.

Phenolic Resin Industry Analysis

The global phenolic resin industry size reached USD 16.20 Billion in 2024. By 2033, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 24.07 Billion, at a projected CAGR of 4.28% during 2025-2033. The market is driven by the rising use of phenolic resins in automotive lightweighting, demand for fire-resistant laminates, expansion of construction and plywood industries, and increasing applications in coatings and electronics.

Latest developments in the Phenolic Resin Industry:

• January 2025: Mitsui Chemicals and Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation initiated a joint study aimed at ensuring the stable supply of phenol-related products. These included phenol, acetone, α-methylstyrene, bisphenol A, and methyl isobutyl ketone, which served as essential raw materials for a wide range of downstream applications such as polycarbonate resins, phenolic resins, methyl methacrylate, epoxy resins, paints, etc.
   
• March 2024: DIC Corporation announced that its subsidiary, IDEAL CHEMI PLAST PRIVATE LTD. in Maharashtra, India, commenced operations at a new coating resins production facility in the Supa Japanese Industrial Zone. This facility tripled IDEAL CHEMI PLAST's production capacity for coating resins, positioning it to expand its business in India, South Asia, and the Middle East.
   
• August 2023: Bakelite Synthetics announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire LRBG Chemicals, Inc., a Canadian resin manufacturer. This acquisition will enhance Bakelite's product portfolio, customer base, and growth strategy, aligning with its commitment to innovative solutions.

Product Description

Phenolic resin is a synthetic polymer derived primarily from phenol and formaldehyde, classified as a thermosetting resin. It is widely valued for its high mechanical strength, thermal stability, and flame resistance, making it an essential material in industrial production. Globally, it plays a significant role in adhesives, molding compounds, laminates, and insulation foams. In the construction sector, phenolic resin enhances durability and fire resistance of wood products and laminates, while in automotive and electronics industries, it improves structural integrity and thermal resistance. Its versatile performance characteristics ensure its position as a critical material across multiple manufacturing domains.

Report Coverage

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report presents a detailed analysis of phenolic resin 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 phenolic resin price trend, 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. The phenolic resin price charts ensure our clients remain at the forefront of the industry.