North America
In North America, 2-propenenitrile prices showed volatility throughout 2024. The year began with an upward trend in Q1, driven by increased orders from rubber manufacturers and rising freight charges due to geopolitical tensions. Mid-year saw a reversal as prices fell in Q2 due to sluggish construction activity and reduced demand from adhesives sectors. Q3 brought fluctuating prices before ultimately declining as Hurricane Helene disrupted supply chains.
The year concluded with a modest price decrease in Q4, influenced by stable production but weakened demand, though automotive applications provided some support.
Asia Pacific
The Asia Pacific 2-propenenitrile market displayed mixed performance in 2024. Q1 witnessed initial price declines due to low offtakes from rubber producers, followed by increases driven by tight propylene availability. The market stabilized in Q2, supported by balanced demand-supply dynamics and steady automotive consumption. Q3 brought a bearish trend as prices declined due to oversupply and weak downstream demand, worsened by seasonal factors limiting construction activities. The year ended with stability in Q4 as balanced dynamics offset regional variations, despite Typhoon Kong-Rey causing some supply disruptions.
Europe
European 2-propenenitrile prices experienced significant swings in 2024. Q1 began weakly before turning upward due to elevated energy costs and increased automotive demand. Q2 saw substantial increases driven by limited feedstock availability, rising natural gas costs, and logistical challenges. However, the market reversed in Q3, with prices declining due to sluggish demand and inventory buildup. This downward trend intensified in Q4, resulting in a significant price decrease as economic uncertainties, inflation, and political instability further weakened demand across key sectors.