Polyol Price Trend Analysis 2026 : Historical Prices, Market Insights, Latest News, Supply Demand Analysis & Price Drivers

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Written ByPragati Agarwal

Procurement Resource Database

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  • Global polyol markets followed a firm trend during Q1’26, supported by rising upstream cost pressure and disciplined producer supply across major regions.
  • Feedstock support remained strong as adipic acid prices in China increased by approximately ~36.73% from January to March, driven by elevated benzene and cyclohexanone costs along with geopolitical uncertainty.
  • Downstream demand improved initially through restocking activity from polyurethane, construction, insulation, automotive, and furniture sectors, though cautious procurement limited aggressive buying later in the quarter.

During Q1’26, polyol prices in Asia moved upward in line with stronger feedstock market conditions and rising production costs. In China, the market strengthened during January as downstream polyurethane and foam manufacturers increased procurement ahead of the Lunar New Year holidays. Elevated crude linked feedstock costs and post-holiday restocking activity continued supporting the market in February, although sufficient supply and weaker downstream buying later softened momentum temporarily. By March, geopolitical uncertainty and disruptions linked to Middle East tensions increased upstream cost pressure and logistics expenses, resulting in firmer producer pricing strategies. Trade flows across Asia also faced higher freight and insurance costs due to Strait of Hormuz disruptions, tightening regional supply conditions and increasing landed costs for imported materials.

About Polyol

Polyol, a type of sugar alcohol, is a versatile compound widely used in the production of polyurethane foams, both flexible and rigid, which are essential for automotive seats, mattresses, and thermal insulation. In the pharmaceutical industry, polyols serve as excipients and sweeteners. They are also prevalent in food products, offering sweetness with lower caloric content than traditional sugars. Additionally, polyols are used in personal care products, adhesives, and surface coatings, valued for their hygroscopic and non-toxic properties.

Polyol Product Detail

Chemical Formula

(C3H6O)nH2O

Industrial Uses

Flexible Foam Production, Rigid Foam Insulation, Pharmaceutical Formulations, Food Industry as Sweeteners, Personal Care Products, Adhesives and Sealants, Surface Coatings

Supplier Database

The Dow Chemical Company, BASF SE, Covestro AG, Huntsman Corporation, Shell Chemicals

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.

Polyol Production Process

  • Polyol Production by multifunctional carboxylic acids and polyhydroxyl compounds.

The multifunctional carboxylic acids can be adipic acid, phthalic acid, succinic acid, or maleic acid, and the polyhydroxyl compounds such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, or 1,4- butanediol. The manufacturing process of polyol (polyester polyol) involves the condensation reaction of multifunctional carboxylic acids and polyhydroxyl compounds. This condensation reaction is conducted under controlled conditions which proceeds through an esterification reaction that facilitates the formation of polyester chains and the release of water as a byproduct. After which the final product polyol (polyester polyol) is obtained.

Our Price Analysis Methodology

About the Author

Pragati Agarwal profile photo

Pragati Agarwal

Senior Business Insights Analyst

Delivering price trend analysis and procurement market insights at Procurement Resource, with expertise in identifying commodity patterns, supporting purchasing strategies, and improving cost efficiency through actionable market intelligence.

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