Asia
In the second half of 2024, the Propane-1,2-diol market in Asia experienced varying trends across countries. During Q3, prices generally moved upward due to strong demand from end-use sectors like cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food processing. Manufacturing activity remained healthy, and logistical disruptions such as port congestion and shipping delays limited supply in some regions, which added to the price pressure.
As Q4 began, demand in China stayed high, especially in November, with companies building up stock for year-end sales. However, other countries in the region, like South Korea, saw lower industrial demand and an effort to reduce inventory levels, which caused a slight easing in prices. As a result, while some markets remained firm, others saw softer prices, making the overall trend mixed.
Europe
In Europe, Propane-1,2-diol prices followed a relatively weak pattern in H2’24. Q3 saw prices falling gradually due to sluggish demand from key industries such as automotive, plastics, and construction. Rising logistics costs and ongoing shipping disruptions added uncertainty, but they weren’t enough to push prices up because supply remained comfortable. This cautious environment extended into Q4, where seasonal slowdowns in industrial activity and an already sufficient supply kept prices under pressure. Buyers avoided bulk purchases and focused on using existing inventories, leading to little change in market sentiment across the quarter.
North America
In North America, the market for Propane-1,2-diol stayed stable throughout the second half of the year. In Q3, demand remained modest, with many industries relying on existing stocks. Sectors such as coatings, personal care, and pharmaceuticals showed some signs of improvement, but it wasn’t enough to trigger a significant price shift. By Q4, purchasing activity remained conservative, as businesses prepared for year-end closures and avoided excess stock. Supply was steady, and with no major disruptions, prices remained largely flat across the period.