The global Diisopropyl Ether (DIPE) market experienced mixed trends November 2024, with varying regional dynamics shaping price movements and demand patterns. In China, DIPE prices continued to decline due to subdued downstream demand, while the U.S. market witnessed relative price stability despite rising energy costs and weak industrial activity.

In China, the price of Diisopropyl Ether (DIPE) experienced a decline in the first half of November due to several factors. One key reason for this downturn is the weak demand from the downstream industries, notably the solvent sector, which has shown limited interest in procuring Diisopropyl Ether. This reduced demand coincided with a drop in the price of isopropyl alcohol, a crucial feedstock for Diisopropyl Ether production, further adding downward pressure on prices. In addition to these market factors, Typhoon Kong-rey caused significant disruption across key industrial regions in Asia, including Taiwan, southern Japan, and South Korea. The typhoon resulted in heavy rains, which disrupted transportation and production networks, particularly affecting the technology and automotive industries. This led to production slowdowns and reduced export orders from these regions. As a result, Diisopropyl Ether prices in China remained at lower levels, with manufacturers and traders adopting a wait-and-see approach to new procurement.

The U.S. Diisopropyl Ether market, in contrast, has remained relatively stable, largely due to steady feedstock prices and subdued downstream demand. Rising energy costs have exerted some pressure, with natural gas prices surging by 29% and crude petroleum prices increasing by 7.3% in October reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics which increased the production cost of Diisopropyl Ether but weak demand from sectors such as paints, coatings, and construction has limited the extent of price hikes. The U.S. construction sector has been particularly affected, with non-residential construction input prices falling by 0.5% year-on-year. Overall, the subdued activity in these downstream industries has cushioned the market from significant price volatility for Diisopropyl Ether. However, the stability may be short-lived if labour negotiations at U.S. ports lead to disruptions in supply chains. Ongoing discussions between the United States Maritime Alliance and the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) over port automation have raised the possibility of strikes, which could strain logistics and affect Diisopropyl Ether availability in the near future. 

The cost of Diisopropyl Ether is expected to remain stable or decline in the coming weeks as the year draws to a close. Additionally, current consumption trends suggest a reduction in demand, with businesses adopting a cautious approach to procurement in the near term.