Lotte Chemical affiliate Handuck Chemical broke ground on a new 130 billion won TMAH production plant in Pyeongtaek. The expansion establishes dual production bases to improve supply stability and logistics efficiency, mitigating price volatility as surging global semiconductor demand strains supply chains.
Asia
In Asia, cellulose ether prices followed a mixed trend during the second half of 2025. During the third quarter, prices remained subdued due to ample wood pulp supply, high domestic port inventories, and weak demand from downstream sectors such as construction additives, coatings, and paper manufacturing. Although some temporary destocking activity improved market sentiment briefly, high raw material availability and cautious buying behaviour kept the market under pressure. In the fourth quarter, the market showed gradual firmness as evolving trade policy developments, particularly China’s restrictions on dry-milled recycled pulp imports, created uncertainty in the fibre supply chain. Rising feedstock costs and tighter spot availability toward the end of the period provided additional support to cellulose ether prices.
Europe
In Europe, cellulose ether prices remained largely stable to firm during H2 2025. During the third quarter, the market stayed range-bound, supported by steady demand from construction-related applications such as dry-mix mortars, plasters, and coatings. Balanced operating rates, stable input costs, and moderate downstream demand helped maintain market equilibrium. In the fourth quarter, prices moved upward gradually as feedstock cost pressures increased and regulatory developments, including the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, influenced procurement strategies. Tightening supply conditions and logistics pressures further supported firmer pricing toward the close of the year.
North America
In North America, cellulose ether prices followed a firming trend during H2 2025. In the third quarter, the market experienced mild upward movement as demand from the pharmaceutical, personal care, and construction materials sectors remained steady, while improved access to Brazilian cellulose eased earlier feedstock concerns. In the fourth quarter, prices increased further due to higher production costs in exporting regions, rising ocean freight rates, and tighter inventory positions among importers. Stable downstream demand and limited spot availability supported the stronger pricing environment through the end of the period.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, cellulose ether prices are expected to maintain a broadly firm tone in the near term, supported by tighter feedstock availability and steady demand from construction, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications.
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Asia
Asian cellulose ether prices in Q2 2025 were affected by persistent weakness in upstream wood pulp prices and slack seasonal demand. The market experienced a steady reduction in pulp prices as major ports maintained high inventories and downstream demand remained weak. While there was some disruption to supply in producing nations, it had little effect on availability. Broadleaf and softwood pulp exports to China held steady or rose, but downstream applications like packaging and cultural paper still saw lower operating rates.
Although there was some recovery in paper mill production following the May Day holiday, buyers were still timid and tended to purchase on an as-needed basis. The net effect was a subdued pricing climate for cellulose ether, with thin transaction volume and narrow margins. Rolling futures and decreased trade risk on softening tariffs temporarily boosted sentiment, but general price direction remained constrained within a tight range.
Europe
In Europe, the market for cellulose ether dropped further with BEK pulp values continuing to drop. Pulp producers experienced increasing pressure with low prices and little success in enforcing rises. The balance of market power shifted towards buyers with a number of them resisting new offers and postponing orders. The pressure was fueled by soft demand for major end-use industries including construction, paint, and coatings.
Concern over the surge in Asian paper products, caused by rerouted shipments originally bound for the U.S. market, added pressure. Port inventories continued high, and slow paper and board segments helped to keep caution present. Although NBSK pulp exhibited some price stability, it did not carry over into stronger pricing for cellulose ether. Sentiment was poor, and producers tempered production in accordance with slower offtake.
North America
Cellulose ether prices in North America were relatively flat, although cost structures continued to come under pressure from raw material volatility and changing trade dynamics. Though tariffs continued to influence sourcing strategies, the market was somewhat cushioned by demand in markets like oilfield services, food, and pharma.
However, buyer behavior was influenced by backlogged shipments and extended order cycles, and this resulted in a cautious buying strategy. Competition from Latin American and Asian producers increased, providing alternative supply channels with better logistics and cost terms. Local suppliers thus experienced pushback on prices, and total transaction volumes were modest during the quarter.
Cellulose ether refers to a group of water-soluble polymers derived from cellulose; a natural polysaccharide found in plant cell walls. It is produced by modifying cellulose through chemical reactions, resulting in different types of cellulose ethers with diverse properties. These ethers are widely used in various industries as thickeners, stabilizers, binders, and water-retention agents in products like construction materials, pharmaceuticals, personal care items, food, paints, and coatings.
Paints and coatings, Oil and gas, Food stabilizer, Sizing agent, Paper industry, Construction
The Dow chemical company, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd, Ashland Global Holdings, Inc, LOTTE Fine Chemicals, Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc, Shandong Head Co. Ltd, Zibo Hailan Chemical Co Ltd
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
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The reaction of cellulose with aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide is the first step of this process. In the subsequent steps, the resulting solution is reacted with alkyl halide to finally give cellulose ether.
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