Moderate Terminal Demand Hinders the Prices of Nonylphenol Ethoxylates in Mid-June

Hamburg (Germany): For the past two weeks, the prices of Nonylphenol Ethoxylates have remained stable in the European market. Average demand from the downstream personal care sector has prompted manufacturers to refrain from adjusting the price of Nonylphenol Ethoxylates. Additionally, the availability of upstream Ethylene Oxide has been sufficient, supporting the stagnant price realizations of Nonylphenol Ethoxylates.

According to the ChemAnalyst database, the prices of Nonylphenol Ethoxylates were observed at USD 2490 per ton in the week ending 07th June. Market participants have reported that new inquiries from the downstream personal care industries have shown no significant improvement, resulting in stabilized operations in the Nonylphenol Ethoxylates market. Thus, amid moderate demand fundamentals, reduced manufacturing activities across the nation have also had no major impact on the supply fundamentals of Nonylphenol Ethoxylates. The spot supply of finished Nonylphenol Ethoxylates was regular, and no major supply-chain constraints were observed within the given timeframe.

In addition, the European Central Bank (ECB) has announced a reduction in interest rates for the first time since 2019. This move has provided relief to borrowers facing high-interest repayments in recent years. Effective June 12, the ECB has lowered its three key interest rates by 25 basis points, or 0.25%.

On the other hand, in China, the prices of Nonylphenol Ethoxylates have also remained stable within the given timeframe. Market transactions within the surfactant industry were limited, with buyers unwilling to pay higher prices. Inventory levels have risen due to a reduction in new orders of Nonylphenol Ethoxylates from the downstream detergent sector. On the supply side, the availability of Ethylene Oxide has been adequate. Trade activity has been moderate, with a sufficient domestic supply of raw materials. Industry participants reported that manufacturing units were operating at reduced rates as demand from downstream industries remained weak.

Furthermore, ocean freight rates from China have been rising again as exporters rush shipments ahead of the holiday season, concerned about potential US tariff increases and ongoing disruptions in the Red Sea. Market sources have indicated that adverse weather in Asia in late April and early May halted many ships in ports or roadsteads, particularly in Singapore, Malaysia, and South China. This weather also caused ships to bypass numerous ports, leading to insufficient container returns to major export ports in Asia.

According to the pricing intelligence of ChemAnalyst, the prices of Nonylphenol Ethoxylates might progress in the northward direction in regional markets. With the drop-in interest rates, market participants expect an improvement in the purchasing volumes of Nonylphenol Ethoxylates from the terminal market. Additionally, the Asian market is likely to witness an increase in demand from downstream surfactant and personal care industries in the forthcoming weeks, reinforcing the market fundamentals of Nonylphenol Ethoxylates.