Udeesha Tomar
AVP - Strategy and Solutions
Leading procurement research solutions across chemicals, materials, and food & beverages, with expertise in price forecasting and market analytics.
Cumene Price Trend Analysis 2026: Historical Prices, Market Insights, Supply Demand Analysis, Latest News & Price Drivers
Written ByUdeesha Tomar
Cumene Price Trend Q4 2024
Asia
In Asia, the Cumene market faced some pressure due to the fluctuating prices of its key feedstocks, benzene and propylene. The ongoing supply-side challenges were exacerbated by maintenance activities in key production units, which resulted in tighter supply.
The price of benzene saw an upward trajectory in early November, while propylene prices remained volatile, further complicating the market outlook. As downstream demand weakened due to off-season procurement, especially in the plasticizer and other derivative markets, the overall demand for Cumene in Asia remained subdued. Buyers adopted a cautious approach, resulting in limited transactions and a relatively stable to slightly declining price trend by the end of December.
Europe
In Europe, the Cumene market mirrored the global trend, with some regional variations in response to supply and demand forces. The rise in feedstock benzene prices early in November provided upward support for Cumene prices, but the lacklustre demand in key downstream sectors like plastics and chemicals kept prices from rising significantly. Maintenance-related supply disruptions from refineries in key producing countries added to the market's volatility. However, by December, with the softer demand and the accumulation of inventory at ports, prices began to stabilize, as the market adjusted to a weaker demand outlook. In addition, a stronger U.S. dollar impacted European imports, contributing to price stability despite global economic uncertainties.
North America
In North America, the Cumene market experienced a relatively more stable trend, supported by the stability in feedstock prices for both benzene and propylene. However, demand remained tepid, driven by the off-season and lower procurement activity from downstream industries. The supply situation was relatively balanced, with few disruptions reported. Even as propylene prices showed slight increases, the overall pressure from weak downstream demand kept Cumene prices in check. Producers in North America, similar to their counterparts in other regions, remained cautious in their approach to new contracts, focusing on managing inventory and ensuring that price movements were in line with downstream market conditions.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, Cumene prices are expected to continue facing downward pressure from weaker demand and possible fluctuations in feedstock prices. The balance between supply disruptions and demand recovery will dictate the market’s short-term outlook.
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Asia
During the third quarter of 2024, the prices of cumene fluctuated intensely given the weak market performance of feedstocks benzene and propylene. This weak upstream cost support coupled with the tepid downstream demand heavily impacted the price trends for cumene. The continual tensions in the Middle East affected the crude oil prices which in turn impacted the petrochemical and allied industries.
The spot prices of feedstock benzene kept on the lower side of the scale throughout the said period. Although propylene started strong in July but soon the momentum fizzled out as the market adopted a cautious buying approach. Overall, the weak upstream cost support coupled with bearish downstream demands kept the cumene prices towards the lower end of the scale.
Europe
The European market witnessed extreme volatility given the current conflicts in its backyard. The persistent geopolitical tensions heavily affected the market confidence with more buyers adopting a cautious approach. The crude oil prices fell which impacted the petrochemical and allied sectors. The falling prices of both feedstocks- benzene and propylene negatively impacted the cumene industry which was already battling with low downstream demand. Hence, both these factors contributed towards the lower dynamics of cumene prices.
North America
The US domestic market mimicked the trends as seen in its European and Asian counterparts. The falling crude oil prices coupled with bearish downstream sentiments impacted the said market. Although there was a short-lived period of rebound in the middle of the quarter, soon the weak macroeconomic factors took over resulting in an overall falling trajectory.
About Cumene
Cumene is a clear, colourless liquid with a pleasant scent. A wide range of petroleum products contain cumene. Humans may experience headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, mild incoordination, and unconsciousness after experiencing acute (short-term) inhalation exposure to cumene. Cumene has a strong central nervous system (CNS) depressive action with long-lasting narcotic effects in animals and a gradual onset period. Cumene is irritating to the skin and eyes.
Cumene Product Detail
Hs Code
29027000
Chemical Formula
C9H12
Cas Number
98-82-8
Molecular Weight
120.19 g/mol
Industrial Uses
Plastic Industry, Production of phenol and acetone, Manufacture of paints, lacquers, and enamels
Synonyms
Isopropylbenzene, 2-phenylpropane
Supplier Database
Royal Dutch Shell Plc, Exxon Mobil Corporation, BASF SE, Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd, The Dow Chemical Company
Regional Coverage
Asia Pacific
China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, Iran, Thailand, South Korea, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Nepal, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, UAE, Israel, Hongkong, Singapore, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Australia, and New Zealand
Europe
Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy,Spain, Russia, Turkey, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Belgium, Austria, Ireland Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Romania, Finland, Czech Republic, Portugal and Greece
North America
United States and Canada
Latin America
Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Columbia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru
Africa
South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database AvailabilityYes
Customization ScopeThe report can be customized as per the requirements of the customer
Post-Sale Analyst Support360-degree analyst support after report delivery
Note: Our supplier search experts can assist your procurement teams in compiling and validating a list of suppliers indicating they have products, services, and capabilities that meet your company's needs.
Cumene Production Processes
- Cumene Production via Friedel–Crafts Alkylation
In Friedel–Crafts Alkylation, one of the catalysts such as solid phosphoric acid (SPA) supported on alumina, zeolite, or aluminium chloride, is used to conduct the alkylation of benzene and propylene so as to get the final product, cumene.
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