For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
The North American Cyclopentane market experienced a series of mixed trends throughout the third quarter of 2024. Prices surged significantly during the initial two months, driven by robust purchasing activity from key sectors, particularly refrigerants and blowing sector, where Cyclopentane is widely used as a blowing agent. This heightened demand was largely seasonal, with the summer months typically seeing increased activity in refrigeration and cooling industries, resulting in a substantial rise in Cyclopentane consumption.
The early quarter price escalation was also influenced by supply shortages in both domestic and international markets. Hurricanes and severe weather conditions in the region disrupted manufacturing operations, leading to a shortfall in locally produced Cyclopentane. The impact of these natural disasters was compounded by logistical challenges, such as port congestion and shipping delays, which hampered the timely import of materials. These factors created a strained supply chain, further driving prices upward as buyers competed for limited availability.
As the quarter progressed, the situation remained tense, with supply constraints continuing to push prices higher. Th However, towards the end of the quarter, a slight price correction occurred. This decline was primarily due to a softening in downstream demand as the peak summer season ended, reducing the urgency for Cyclopentane procurement in refrigeration and foam applications. Despite the late-quarter price dip, the overall trend for the quarter reflected strong price movements, particularly in the early stages, driven by heightened demand and supply chain challenges.
APAC
During the third quarter of 2024, Cyclopentane prices in the Asian market experienced a significant surge, with China and India being the regions most affected by pronounced price fluctuations. The primary driver behind this price escalation was the robust increase in purchasing activity, particularly from key sectors such as refrigerants and polyurethane foam manufacturing, which use Cyclopentane as a blowing agent. The heightened demand was largely seasonal, as the summer months typically see increased activity in the refrigeration and cooling industries, leading to greater consumption of Cyclopentane. However, beyond strong demand, a series of external factors further contributed to the price surge. The region was impacted by severe weather conditions, including storms, heavy rainfall, and typhoons, which caused widespread supply chain disruptions. These weather-related events led to significant delays in production and transport, exacerbating material shortages in the market. In addition to these supply challenges, elevated freight charges due to logistical difficulties further intensified cost pressures. The supply-demand imbalance was most evident in China and India, where the market experienced the sharpest price increases. As a result, Cyclopentane prices in Asia reached new highs during the third quarter, underlining the critical role that both demand-side and supply-side factors played in driving the market upward. The latest quarter-ending price of USD 1840/MT of Cyclopentane FOB Shanghai in China signifies a positive pricing environment with a bullish sentiment prevailing in the market.
Europe
The European Cyclopentane market experienced sustained positive momentum throughout the third quarter of 2024. Prices surged significantly during the first two months, largely driven by strong purchasing activity from key sectors such as refrigerants and the polyurethane foam industry, where Cyclopentane is extensively used as a blowing agent. This heightened demand was primarily seasonal, as the summer months typically see increased demand for cooling solutions, particularly in refrigeration and air-conditioning systems, which boosted Cyclopentane consumption. Adding to the upward price pressure was a noticeable shortage of material during the quarter. Supply constraints became evident as the region struggled with limited availability of Cyclopentane, both from domestic production and international imports. This imbalance between supply and demand contributed to the price escalation, further intensifying the market dynamics during the quarter. However, while the Cyclopentane market showed robust demand and price growth, the broader European manufacturing sector faced significant headwinds. As the quarter progressed, manufacturing activity continued to contract, particularly as the third quarter came to a close. Key performance indicators, including production levels, new orders, employment rates, and procurement activities, all registered marked declines, with the contraction accelerating as the quarter drew to an end. This trend underscores the deepening challenges faced by manufacturers across Europe, as economic uncertainty, weakening industrial output, and sluggish market conditions weighed heavily on the sector.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
The second quarter of 2024 has been a notably dynamic period for Cyclopentane pricing in the North American region, characterized by a consistent upward trend. This increase in Cyclopentane prices can be attributed to a combination of several interrelated factors. A primary driver of the price surge has been the elevated costs of essential feedstocks, including benzene and crude oil. The increase in these raw material costs has led to higher production expenses, which in turn has pushed Cyclopentane prices upward.
Despite a relatively modest demand from the domestic refrigerant market, which typically experiences seasonal variations during the summer, the overall pricing trend remained bullish. Compounding these factors were production cuts prompted by the hurricane season in the North American region. The impact of tropical storms led to widespread flooding and significant disruptions in transportation infrastructure, which severely hampered logistics and supply chains.
Additionally, the prolonged power outages caused by Hurricane Beryl further disrupted manufacturing operations across the region, exacerbating the supply constraints. Together, these elements created a challenging environment for the Cyclopentane market in the USA, driving prices higher and highlighting the sensitivity of the market to both raw material costs and environmental disruptions.
APAC
The second quarter of 2024 has been a dynamic period for Cyclopentane pricing in the APAC region, marked by a consistent upward trajectory. The market experienced significant price increases driven by several interrelated factors. Elevated costs of essential feedstocks such as benzene and crude oil have been primary contributors, increasing production expenses and consequently pushing Cyclopentane prices higher. Factory equipment malfunctions and partial sales stoppages further constrained supply, exacerbating the disparity between demand and supply. Inflationary pressures, particularly in key production areas, added another layer of complexity, inflating production costs and contributing to the tightened supply. Focusing on China, the country witnessed the most substantial price changes within the region. The Cyclopentane market there faced increased demand from both domestic and international refrigerant sectors, driven by the summer season's resurgence. Despite high operational rates, production outputs were inconsistent due to intermittent shutdowns in some provinces, which further strained supply. Concluding the quarter, the Cyclopentane Free on Board (FOB) price at Shanghai port stood at USD 1825 per metric ton.
Europe
The second quarter of 2024 has been a notably dynamic period for Cyclopentane pricing in the European region, characterized by a consistent upward trend. This increase in Cyclopentane prices can be attributed to a combination of several interrelated factors. A primary driver of the price surge has been the elevated costs of essential feedstocks, including benzene and crude oil. The increase in these raw material costs has led to higher production expenses, which in turn has pushed Cyclopentane prices upward. Despite a relatively modest demand from the domestic refrigerant market, which typically experiences seasonal variations during the summer, the overall pricing trend remained bullish. In addition to this, persistent trade uncertainties. Persistent trade uncertainties, including ongoing conflicts in the Red Sea and port congestions, have significantly delayed the export of various commodities, including Cyclopentane, to Europe. These challenges were compounded by a recent strike at Hamburg's port, which followed earlier warning strikes, disrupting vessel operations and causing congestion at container terminals. These labour actions have exacerbated supply chain disruptions, particularly affecting the timely delivery to European markets. Together, these elements created a challenging environment for the Cyclopentane market in the Europe, driving prices higher and highlighting the sensitivity of the market to both raw material costs and environmental disruptions.
For the Quarter Ending March 2024
North America
Throughout the quarter, the North American Cyclopentane market witnessed a bullish trajectory, driven by a confluence of factors contributing to a notable price surge. Chief among these factors was a scarcity of materials within the market, exacerbated by high production rates.
Additionally, the escalating prices of essential raw materials such as Benzene and Crude Oil prompted an uptick in production rates and energy costs, exerting upward pressure on Cyclopentane prices. The resurgence of demand from downstream refrigerant and blower industries, in anticipation of the impending summer season, further fuelled market momentum, although initial expectations were not fully met.
Notably, March saw a pronounced surge in demand from the Asian refrigerant market, particularly from key players such as India and South Korea, driving prices upwards in the exporting powerhouse of the USA. This scenario underscores the complex interplay of supply and demand dynamics, as well as external market forces, shaping the North American Cyclopentane landscape. As such, prudent market monitoring and strategic decision-making are imperative for stakeholders navigating this dynamic market environment.
APAC
In the dynamic landscape of the Asian Cyclopentane market, the Quarter unfolded with notable price fluctuations, notably impacting India and China. Prices experienced a marginal surge during the initial and final months of the quarter, reflecting a nuanced interplay of supply and demand forces. In January, China witnessed a price escalation of 1.3% from December 2023, attributable to a scarcity of materials within the market. Moreover, the resurgence of demand from downstream refrigerant and blower industries, in anticipation of the approaching summer season, lent momentum to market activities, albeit not meeting initial expectations. March witnessed a steadfast demand surge from the Asian refrigerant market, notably emanating from India and South Korea, propelling prices upwards in exporting powerhouse China. Conversely, February saw a subdued demand scenario within domestic and other importing Asian markets, as consumer focus shifted towards Lunar New Year festivities. Concurrently, China faced a production slowdown, exacerbating material scarcity within the market, albeit without immediate price repercussions. However, the culmination of this scarcity, coupled with a modest demand revision in March, defined a widened gap between demand and supply dynamics, thereby bolstering the subsequent price surge. As of now the latest FOB price of Cyclopentane at Qingdao port was recorded to be USD 1550/MT.
Europe
Throughout the quarter, the European Cyclopentane market witnessed a bullish trajectory, driven by a confluence of factors contributing to a notable price surge. Chief among these factors was a scarcity of materials within the market, exacerbated by high production rates. Additionally, the escalating prices of essential raw materials such as Benzene and Crude Oil prompted an uptick in production rates and energy costs, exerting upward pressure on Cyclopentane prices. The resurgence of demand from downstream refrigerant and blower industries, in anticipation of the impending summer season, further fuelled market momentum, although initial expectations were not fully met. Notably, March saw a pronounced surge in demand from the Asian refrigerant market, particularly from key players such as India and South Korea, driving prices upwards in the exporting powerhouse of the Europe. This scenario underscores the complex interplay of supply and demand dynamics, as well as external market forces, shaping the European Cyclopentane landscape. As such, prudent market monitoring and strategic decision-making are imperative for stakeholders navigating this dynamic market environment.
For the Quarter Ending December 2023
North America
In the final quarter of 2023, the North American Cyclopentane market encountered a combination of challenges and opportunities. Initially, there was a positive market sentiment driven by a Cyclopentane supply shortage and increased global demand from the refrigerant sector.
International demand, particularly from the Indian market, remained strong due to the upcoming festive season. However, as November progressed, North American Cyclopentane prices started to decline. The drop in prices was influenced by the decrease in the cost of essential raw materials such as Benzene and Crude Oil, leading to reduced production rates and lower energy costs in the country. Additionally, a rise in Cyclopentane inventories in the region contributed to the downward pressure on prices.
Persistent drought conditions in the Panama Canal and Maersk's decision to reroute vessels away from Red Sea routes, opting for navigation around Africa's Cape of Good Hope due to rebel attacks in the Red Sea, significantly increased tonne-miles. These strategic changes posed a multifaceted challenge for global trade, resulting in a surge in inventories at ports. The redirection of shipping routes and the subsequent increase in tonne-miles further complicated the dynamics influencing the Cyclopentane market, reinforcing an overall bearish trend during this period. Moreover, during this timeframe, demand from the domestic refrigerant market remained subdued as the peak seasonal demand had already passed. The intricate interplay of these factors led to a narrowed gap between demand and supply in the North American Cyclopentane market.
APAC
In Q4 2023, Cyclopentane pricing in the APAC region exhibited a mixed trend. Initially, prices declined due to subdued demand, but as the quarter progressed, a shortage of Cyclopentane supplies in China, coupled with renewed global demand from refrigerant sector, led to a price increase. Demand for Chinese Cyclopentane was firm from Indian refrigerant sector amidst forthcoming festive season. Further, as December unfolded heightened shipping rates from China, driven by trade uncertainties and Red Sea ship attacks, particularly impacted Cyclopentane prices in Asia, with China experiencing the most significant effects. Ongoing Red Sea ship attacks escalated ocean freight rates, raising concerns about inflation and delayed goods. Carriers, in an effort to avoid strikes by Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen, diverted trade away from the crucial Middle East route, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean. This created a multi-front storm for global trade, resulting in increased transportation costs. To safeguard profit margins, traders elevated prices for various commodities, including Cyclopentane. Notably, China's export container shipping price index rose by 2.3 percent month-on-month in December 2023, as reported by the Shanghai Shipping Exchange.
Europe
In the European region, the Cyclopentane market exhibited bearish trends throughout the final quarter of 2023, reaching a culmination in December. This downturn was primarily driven by a decline in demand for Cyclopentane within both domestic and international refrigerant markets. The extended downturn in global crude oil prices further exacerbated these challenges. Declining price of essential raw material Benzene and Crude Oil prompted towards reduced production rates and energy cost thus exerting downward cost pressure on Cyclopentane prices. Further, the imposition of sanctions on Venezuelan Crude oil sales and exports played a role in influencing the global crude oil value, providing some relief to downstream industries. As the quarter unfolded, attacks on Red Sea trade by Yemeni rebels heightened concerns about the safety of maritime traffic in the region, leading to disruptions in Red Sea trade. These disruptions are anticipated to have a significant impact on global supplies of various commodities, including Cyclopentane. Shippers responded by imposing additional fees amidst the trade disruption in the Red Sea, prompting Asian consumers to exhibit hesitancy in making bulk purchases. Consequently, this situation has led to a notable increase in inventories within the European market. The intricate interplay of these factors contributed to a narrowed gap between demand and supply, reinforcing the overall downturn in the Cyclopentane market.
