Polyols Pricing Report

Polyols Prices December 2023

In South Korea, the price of polyols observed a bearish trend and reached 2336 USD/MT during the fourth quarter of 2023. The pile up stocks of feedstock propylene oxide resulted in reduced prices of propylene oxide which further negatively impacted the market. The low demand from end use industries, such as manufacturing and automotive, contributed to the downward trajectory of the market in the country.

Polyols Price Trend, Market Analysis, and News

IMARC’s newly published report, titled “Polyols Pricing Report 2024: Price Trend, Chart, Market Analysis, News, Demand, Historical and Forecast Data,” offers an in-depth analysis of polyols 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 polyols 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.

Polyols Market Analysis

The global polyols market size reached US$ 27.9 Billion in 2023. By 2032, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 45.9 Billion, at a projected CAGR of 5.50% during 2023-2032.

• Polyols are widely used in the production of polyurethane, which is an essential precursor in the automotive industry for lightweight and durable components. Polyurethane also finds applications in the construction industry, where it plays a crucial role as an efficient insulation.
• There is a rise in the demand for polyols, as they are used to form sealants that are essential for energy-efficient buildings around the world.
• People are preferring sustainable and eco-friendly cosmetics and personal care products, as they are becoming more aware about the negative impact of synthetic chemicals on the skin. This, in turn, is encouraging key players to invest in research and development (R&D) activities to introduce bio-based polyols, derived from renewable sources, as polyols are widely utilized in various personal care products like skin care, oral care, and hair care. According to Forbes’s report 2022, the preference of Gen X to shop sustainable products increased by 25% and their inclination to pay more for sustainable goods heightened by 42%.
• The production of polyols has witnessed a rise in an upward trend due to advancements in polyol production processes and formulations to enhance the high-performing characteristics of polyurethane products.
• The demand for polyols is further amplified by its utilization in manufacturing flexible foams, which are essential precursors in bedding and furniture and help in meeting high comfort and performance standards.
• As per IMARC Group’s report, the global footwear market reached US$ 243.6 Billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 332.3 Billion by 2032. The increasing sales of footwear are catalyzing the demand for polyols, as they are used to produce soles and insoles that can provide cushioning to improve the durability of shoes.
• Polyols are gaining traction, as they are employed to manufacture insulation materials for wires and cables. They are also used to produce encapsulants and potting compounds that protect sensitive electronic components.
• The growing demand for medical devices and supplies is offering a favorable market outlook around the world. Polyols are utilized as polyurethane foams in wound dressings, hospital bedding, and surgical drapes.

Polyols News

The report covers the latest developments, updates, and trends impacting the global polyols 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 polyols production technologies, strategic market expansions by key industry players, and significant mergers and acquisitions that shape the industry landscape.

Latest developments in the polyols industry:

• In 2022, BASF, KraussMaffei, RAMPF, and REMONDIS collaborated to recycle polyurethane (PUR) insulation materials from old refrigerators.
• In 2021, Shell Singapore Pte. Ltd announced the plan of investing on a 35,000 tpa polyols unit at Shell Jurong Island, Singapore to improve energy efficiency.

Product Description

Polyols belong to the family of alcohols and are defined as the group of organic compounds that are crucial in various industries due to their reactivity and versatility. The comprises multiple hydroxyl groups, which make them highly reactive and therefore suitable for numerous synthetic processes.

Structurally, polyols can be branched structured, simple, or linear chains to complex that can lead to varied physical properties like viscosity, solubility, and melting or boiling points. Their ability to form hydrogen bonds contributed to their hygroscopic nature.

Popularly classified into polyether, polyester, and natural oil-based, polyols are pivotal raw material to manufacture polyurethane. These variants are derived from several chemical processes, depending on the type of polyols and their usage.

Regional Coverage

The report provides a detailed analysis of the polyols 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 Polyols Price

The report offers a holistic view of the global polyols 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 Polyols Price

In Europe, the polyols market witnessed bearish trend with consistent downfall in prices during the fourth quarter of 2023. This trend can be attributed to low demand from the polyurethane market and slow manufacturing activities in the region. The increasing preference of downstream industries towards bio-based polyols negatively impacted the prices of polyols. Furthermore, ample supply and low demand contributed to this trend in Europe.

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

North America Polyols Price

During the fourth quarter of 2023, the prices of polyols experienced downward trajectory due to abundant supply and low demand from downstream industries. The sluggish manufacturing activities for polyurethane materials and its decreased demand from the automotive industry also supported this bearish movement in the domestic market. Although there were sufficient inventories in the region, the consumption of the material remained depressed.

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

Middle East and Africa Polyols Price

The report explores the polyols pricing trends in the Middle East and Africa, considering factors like regional industrial growth, the availability of natural resources, and geopolitical tensions that uniquely influence market prices.

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

Asia Pacific Polyols Price

The price trend of polyols in the Asia Pacific region was bearish due to low demand from end use industries throughout the fourth quarter of 2023. The stockpiling of feedstock propylene oxide resulted in decreased prices in the region. It further reduced production costs and low demand from the automotive and manufacturing industries negatively impacted the market in the region.

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

Latin America Polyols Price

The analysis of polyols 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 polyols 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 polyols 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 polyols industry.