For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
The third quarter of 2024 for Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol in the North American region has been characterized by a significant uptrend in prices. Several key factors have influenced market dynamics, leading to an increase in prices.
Demand from various downstream industries, particularly the Personal Care sector, played a crucial role in driving prices upwards. The imbalance between supply and demand, exacerbated by rising production costs due to increased prices of raw materials such as ethylene oxide, further pushed prices higher. Additionally, external factors like geopolitical tensions and uncertainties in global markets contributed to the overall bullish sentiment in the market. Plant shutdowns, including disruptions at key facilities, also impacted supply levels during the quarter.
In the USA specifically, the market witnessed the most substantial price changes, reflecting overall trends in the region. Seasonal factors, combined with specific market conditions, led to a 3% increase in prices from the previous quarter. The comparison between the first and second half of the quarter revealed a further 3% price increase, highlighting the ongoing upward trajectory. As the quarter drew to a close, the latest price stood at USD 2640/MT of Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol FOB Illinois in the USA, underscoring the prevailing positive pricing environment in the region.
APAC
In Q3 2024, the pricing environment for Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol in the APAC region witnessed a significant uptrend, with India experiencing the most pronounced price changes. The market for Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol in the region was influenced by several key factors. Robust demand from downstream industries, particularly the Personal Care sector, drove market growth. Adequate supply of raw materials, such as ethylene oxide, supported production, ensuring a steady flow of Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol. However, disruptions in the form of plant shutdowns posed challenges to production during the quarter. In India, the pricing landscape for Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol saw consistent escalation throughout Q3. Seasonal trends, coupled with rising demand, contributed to the positive price trajectory. The correlation between price changes and market dynamics remained strong, with a notable 6% increase from the previous quarter. The price comparison between the first and second half of the quarter revealed a 4% uptick, underscoring the sustained upward trend.
Europe
In Q3 2024, the European market witnessed mixed trend in prices of Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol. Factors influencing this volatility included varied demand from downstream Personal Care sectors and the impact of rising production costs. The demand from personal care and household product sectors exhibited fluctuations. While some regions experienced increased inquiries, others faced stagnant or declining demand, leading to inconsistent pricing. The European market also saw rising ethylene oxide prices, contributing to higher production costs. However, the impact was mitigated by the availability of sufficient stock levels, which prevented drastic price increases. European manufacturers remained cautious in their procurement strategies, responding to mixed signals in demand and uncertain economic conditions. This cautious approach limited the upward price momentum observed in the European market. Although some growth in market transactions was noted, the pace was uneven, reflecting the mixed demand dynamics across different countries within Europe. Overall, the European market for Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol in Q3 2024 was characterized by a mixed price trend, driven by regional demand discrepancies and cautious procurement practices.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
In Q2 2024, the market for Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol in North America demonstrated a mixed pricing environment, influenced by a confluence of market dynamics. The quarter experienced moderate demand from the downstream Personal Care industries, ensuring no significant price fluctuations. The Federal Reserve's decision to maintain high interest rates to control inflation subdued extensive capital investments, thereby impacting the demand for manufactured goods, including Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol.
Focusing on the USA, where the most notable price changes occurred, the overall trend for Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol remained relatively stable. The market did not witness significant seasonal variations, and supply levels were adequate to meet the moderate demand. The correlation in price changes reflected the broader economic conditions, with manufacturing activities slightly pressured due to high borrowing costs. Disruptions were minimal, with no major reported plant shutdowns affecting supply chains during this period.
Compared to the previous quarter in 2024, prices saw a conservative rise of approximately 2%, reflecting a stable yet slightly positive sentiment. The price differentiation between the first and second halves of the quarter was negligible, maintaining a consistent trajectory. The quarter culminated with the price of Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol recorded at USD 2530/MT FOB Illinois, USA, underscoring a stable pricing environment throughout Q2.
APAC
In Q2 2024, the pricing environment for Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol in the APAC region has shown a consistent upward trend, driven primarily by increasing demand from sectors such as personal care and the impacts of upstream cost factors. Elevated production costs, particularly influenced by rising crude palm oil prices and heightened geopolitical tensions impacting crude oil, have served as substantial catalysts in pushing market prices higher. The manufacturing firms have been diligently operating at optimal rates to meet the robust market demand, while supply-side disruptions such as limited availability of finished goods and seasonally high procurement have further accentuated price increments.
Focusing on India, the country has experienced the most significant price changes within the region, reflecting an overall bullish market sentiment. The personal care sector's vigorous demand and strategic response from manufacturers to capitalize on this trend have led to an increase in Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol prices. Seasonal factors, coupled with a substantial rise in new export orders and a favorable macroeconomic environment marked by easing inflationary pressures, have bolstered this upward movement.
Compared to the same quarter last year, the market has demonstrated a marked positive shift. The latest quarter-ending price for Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol Ex-Bharuch in India is USD 174000/MT, underscoring the persistent positive sentiment and consistent price escalation throughout the quarter. This period has seen no significant disruptions or plant shutdowns, ensuring stable operations and continuous supply to meet the burgeoning demand.
Europe
In the second quarter of 2024, the Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol market faced a complex set of market dynamics. Limited demand from key downstream industries, particularly in personal care and cleaning products, shaped the market sentiment. The slow recovery of the personal care sector, along with subdued economic activity, kept demand for Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol lower than expected.
Production costs were also impacted by heightened wage demands and tight labor conditions domestically, putting additional pressure on manufacturers. The escalating crude oil prices, driven by OPEC+'s decision to cut production, further challenged the market. This increase in crude oil prices raised the cost of ethylene oxide, a crucial input for Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol, thereby pushing up production costs.
Monetary tightening across Europe exacerbated the situation by curbing economic activity and reducing purchasing power, which further dampened demand. Despite these challenges, the availability of upstream raw materials, including Tridecyl Alcohol, was sufficient to meet the subdued demand from downstream industries. However, the operating rates of downstream manufacturing firms did not return to their pre-pandemic levels, contributing to the overall weak demand. In summary, the second quarter of 2024 for Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol was marked by limited demand, increased production costs, and economic challenges, leading to a challenging market environment.
For the Quarter Ending March 2024
North America
In Q1 2024, the pricing dynamics of Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol in the North America region, specifically the USA, were influenced by various factors beyond the conventional top three. The overall trend for the quarter was a slight increase in prices, driven by factors such as reduced market operations during the winter season, limited availability of finished goods, and improved inquiries from downstream industries, particularly Personal Care.
Additionally, the increase in upstream Ethylene Oxide prices and the decline in U.S. crude oil inventories supported the upward shift in price realizations. However, the market also faced challenges, including the impact of the ongoing destocking season and the cautious approach of manufacturers in the wake of tepid demand and lower operating rates. Additionally, increasing palm oil prices, a key upstream component, have supported consecutive price rises of Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol. As a result, Manufacturers have maintained high prices to preserve profit margins amid active downstream demand, bullish upstream prices, and limited stock availability.
Overall, the pricing trend of Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol in Q1 2024 showed a year-over-year increase compared to the same quarter last year, and a slight increase compared to the last quarter of 2023. The final quarter's price for Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol FOB Illinois in the USA stood at USD 2490/MT.
APAC
The pricing environment for Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol in the APAC region during Q1 2024 has been relatively stable, with some fluctuations observed in India. the prices of Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol have demonstrated an upward stable trend in the domestic market of India.
In general, the demand for Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol has been moderate in the APAC region, with fluctuations in the downstream Personal Care industries playing a significant role. Moreover, in Indonesia and Malaysia, which supply about 85% of global palm oil, upstream crude palm oil premiums have risen, leading to negative margins for palm oil refiners. This recent rally is driven by production constraints and increased demand, compensating for Red Sea shipment delays.
The inquiries from the downstream Personal Care industries have remained active, supporting the bullish market sentiments in the domestic market of India in Q1. On the supply side, the manufacturing firms were also operating at regular rates to meet the demand from the terminal industries, leading to stabilized market operations. As of the end of Q1 2024, the price of Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol in India was recorded at USD 1954/MT Ex-Bharuch.
Europe
The Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol market in Europe experienced a mixed pricing environment in Q1 2024. Overall, prices remained relatively stable, with minimal changes observed. Several factors influenced market prices during this quarter. Firstly, the demand from the downstream Personal Care industries remained subdued, leading to weak market sentiments.
On the supply side, the operating rates of Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol manufacturing firms were under pressure due to tepid demand from the terminal industries. Some companies even initiated scheduled maintenance during this period to alleviate inventory pressure. However, the availability of Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol remained adequate to meet demand. This, coupled with abundant gas inventory levels, eased supply concerns and lowered European gas prices. According to insights shared by regional manufacturers, palm oil has been traded at a premium in Europe due to higher freight costs, making it even more expensive for European buyers, due to shipping disruptions in the Red Sea caused by geopolitical tensions.
In terms of price trends, Germany experienced significant price changes compared to the previous quarter. The market started the quarter with lower prices, but they gradually increased towards the end.
For the Quarter Ending December 2023
North America
The prices of Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol in the North American region during the fourth quarter of 2023 have experienced upward momentum, driven by increased inquiries from the downstream Personal Care industries. The market fundamentals of Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol have strengthened, supported by the recovery in demand from these industries.
The availability of finished goods has been sufficient to meet the demand, although manufacturing firms have not operated at full capacity amid the inflationary pressure On the upstream front, limited cost support has been observed from Ethylene Oxide, while the prices of palm oil, an upstream raw material, have risen, potentially impacting the production costs of Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol.
energy prices, particularly natural gas, have decreased, easing the manufacturing costs. In terms of market sentiment, the US Federal Reserve's decision to maintain stable interest rates for the third consecutive time has contributed to the recovery in the US markets. The US economy has shown resilience, with improved economic conditions supporting the market fundamentals of key raw materials. Overall, the prices of Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol have remained on the higher end, with manufacturers making slight price adjustments to safeguard their profit margins. The latest price of Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol in the USA for the current quarter is USD 2710/MT FOB Illinois.
APAC
The fourth quarter of 2023 for Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol in the APAC region was characterized by several key factors that influenced the market and prices. Firstly, strong demand from the downstream Surfactant and Detergent industries bolstered market sentiment and led to an increase in prices. Additionally, the availability of Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol remained high due to regular production and sufficient stocks. However, the prices of upstream raw materials, particularly Palm Oil, increased, leading to a rise in the manufacturing costs of Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol. Furthermore, the slowdown in global trade volumes and excess container supply resulted in stable freight rates, facilitating the movement of finished goods. In terms of India, which experienced significant changes in prices, the demand from the downstream Personal Care industries remained high, contributing to the positive market sentiments for Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol. The country also saw an increase in palm oil imports, leading to a surge in upstream Palm Oil prices. This, in turn, influenced the price realizations of Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol. Additionally, the production of coal in India increased, ensuring a steady supply of energy for downstream manufacturing firms. The price of Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol in India at the end of the quarter was USD 2102/MT, Ex-Bharuch.
Europe
Throughout the fourth quarter of the year, the prices of Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol in Germany have experienced a fluctuating trend, characterized by an initial increase followed by a subsequent decline. This mixed movement in prices can be attributed to several key factors influencing the market. Persistent inflationary pressures have exerted upward pressure on costs, impacting the pricing dynamics of Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol. Additionally, weak demand from downstream industries has contributed to the challenging market conditions, as these industries have struggled to maintain robust consumption levels. Regarding production, the manufacturing firms have not operated at full capacity in the wake of moderate demand from the downstream end-use industries. The availability of Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol was also sufficient to meet the demand from the Surfactant and detergent industries. In December, The pace of inquiries originating from downstream Surfactant and detergent industries has remained low and hasn’t led to any positive development in the market fundamentals of ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol. Most transactions involve smaller orders, prompting Ethoxylated Tridecyl Alcohol manufacturers to explore cost-cutting measures in response to both inflationary pressures and a persistent downturn in demand.
