- Ethylene glycol prices showed a firm upward trend globally in Q1’26, with stronger gains in Asia supported by tightening supply and rising costs.
- Feedstock pressure increased due to higher crude oil and ethylene costs, driven by the disruption of global energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Downstream demand remained mixed, with steady polyester sector consumption in Asia, while Western markets faced weaker derivative demand.
Asia
In Asia, ethylene glycol prices increased significantly during Q1’26 due to cost escalation and tightening supply. In China, the prices were ~3.95 RMB/kg (Spot FD) in January and ~4.92 RMB/kg in March, reflecting an increase of ~24.56%. The rise was driven by higher feedstock ethylene costs as crude oil prices surged due to disruptions in global energy flows. Reduced operating rates at steam crackers across Asia limited ethylene availability, tightening supply for ethylene glycol production. Buyers increasingly relied on imports due to constrained regional output, which intensified competition for cargoes and supported prices. In India, the prices were ~59.93 INR/kg (CIF) in January and ~77.19 INR/kg in March, reflecting an increase of ~28.80%. The sharper increase was influenced by strong import dependence, where higher global prices and freight costs were directly passed through to the domestic market. Tight regional supply and elevated feedstock costs further supported the upward trend, while steady demand from the polyester and textile sectors maintained procurement activity.
Europe
In Europe, ethylene glycol prices remained under pressure despite global cost support. Structural oversupply and weak downstream demand from the polyester and industrial sectors limited price recovery. Continued imports of ethylene and derivatives reduced the need for higher domestic production, while low cracker utilization rates kept supply sufficient. Although rising feedstock costs provided some support, weak industrial demand and economic uncertainty restricted any meaningful price increase.
North America
In North America, ethylene glycol prices showed limited movement, influenced by oversupply and weak downstream demand. Rising feedstock costs from higher ethane and natural gas prices increased production expenses, but these were not fully passed on due to sluggish demand conditions. Inventory levels remained adequate, and cautious purchasing behaviour from downstream industries kept the market stable with limited upward momentum.