Renewed fighting between US and Iran has slowed shipping through the Gulf of Hormuz, disrupting supply routes. Benchmark crude prices have climbed sharply from pre-conflict levels, reflecting heightened geopolitical risk. The upward price pressure is likely to continue while tensions persist.
Intensified US-Iran military actions disrupt oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, causing a sharp spike in crude oil prices. The price jump leads to severe depreciation of the Indian rupee, raising import costs and inflationary concerns.
Asia
During the second half of 2025, ethylene dichloride prices in Asia mostly followed a weak trend. The market was pressured by high supply levels, especially in China, where operating rates at chlor-alkali and ethylene units remained strong. Feedstock availability stayed comfortable due to steady electrolysis operations and sufficient ethylene supply. At the same time, downstream PVC demand remained soft as construction activity slowed and buyers avoided stock building. Many PVC producers operated cautiously, purchasing only on a short-term basis. Export demand also remained limited, which reduced outlet options for regional producers.
Europe
In Europe, ethylene dichloride prices declined during H2’25, driven mainly by weak PVC demand and surplus feedstock availability. Construction activity remained subdued, which reduced PVC consumption across pipes, profiles, and building materials. Chlorine availability stayed high due to uninterrupted electrolysis operations, while caustic soda values remained weak, signalling oversupply across the chain. Although some steam cracker maintenance reduced local ethylene supply, this did not tighten the market due to sufficient inventories and imports. Port congestion and logistics issues slightly slowed cargo movements but were not enough to support prices.
North America
In North America, ethylene dichloride prices showed a softer trend in H2’25, though the decline was still a lot better than in other regions. Feedstock availability remained steady, and production rates stayed aligned with demand. PVC demand from construction and infrastructure sectors remained moderate, with limited seasonal strength. Export opportunities were mixed, and buyers continued to focus on cost control amid uncertain downstream demand. Producers managed inventories carefully, which helped prevent sharp price swings. Still, the lack of strong growth in PVC consumption kept prices under mild pressure.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, Ethylene Dichloride prices are expected to stay weak to stable, as supply remains ample and PVC demand recovery is likely to be slow across most regions.
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Asia
In the first half of 2025, the Ethylene Dichloride (EDC) market in Asia remained under consistent downward pressure. The primary reason was weak demand from the downstream Vinyl Chloride Monomer (VCM) sector, which itself was struggling with oversupply and sluggish offtake from the PVC industry. Although there was some temporary restocking activity post the Lunar New Year, it was short-lived, and buyers remained cautious throughout the period.
Inventory levels remained high across the region, and procurement activities slowed further as downstream producers reduced operating rates. On top of this, falling upstream Ethylene prices and easing crude oil values reduced the cost support for EDC, amplifying the bearish sentiment. Overall, the EDC market in Asia faced a demand-supply imbalance that kept prices on a downward path for most of H1.
Europe
The EDC market in Europe followed a similar declining trend during H1’25. Demand from downstream sectors, particularly PVC production, stayed weak due to slow construction activity and a sluggish broader economic environment. Chlor-alkali operations were stable, ensuring consistent EDC supply, but this outpaced the limited offtake from consumers.
While there were brief periods of logistical disruption and energy cost fluctuations, these did not significantly alter the overall bearish tone of the market. Structural challenges such as overcapacity in ethylene production and a cautious buyer base further constrained price support. As a result, EDC prices in Europe remained soft, with no strong signs of recovery through the half-year.
North America
In North America, EDC prices also showed a downward trajectory during the first half of 2025. Demand from the VCM and PVC manufacturing sectors remained subdued despite moderate support from infrastructure activities. The supply of EDC stayed ample due to stable chlor-alkali production and limited downstream pull. Occasional weather-related disruptions early in the year caused short-term operational hiccups, but they were quickly resolved, and inventory levels remained sufficient. Overall, the North American EDC market mirrored the global weakness, driven by oversupply and cautious demand from end-use sectors.
The chlorinated hydrocarbon 1,2-dichloroethane, often known as ethylene dichloride, is a colourless liquid that smells like chloroform. Vinyl chloride, which is used to create polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes, furniture and automotive upholstery, wall coverings, kitchenware, and automobile parts, is the most prevalent usage of this chemical. Ethylene dichloride is also commonly employed as a solvent and as an intermediary for other organic chemical compounds. Many other solvents, including water and other chlorocarbons, create azeotropes with it.
C2H4Cl2
Construction, Automotive, Packaging, Furniture, Medical Rubber & Plastic, Oil & Gas
1,2-dichloroethane, Ethylene chloride, Ethane, 1,2-dichloro-
Westlake, Formosa Plastics, Occidental Chemical, LG Chem, Horizon Chemical Industry, Punjab Chemicals & Crop Protection, PPG Industries, Olin
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.
The balanced process of oxychlorination and direct chlorination produces ethylene dichloride. Ethylene is concurrently reacted with chlorine and hydrogen chlorine in this method.
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