For the Quarter Ending March 2024
North America
In the first quarter of 2024, pricing dynamics for Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer (EAA Copolymer) in the North American region displayed a fluctuating pattern, marked by an initial decline in January followed by surges in the subsequent two months. Notably, the USA experienced notable price fluctuations during this period, with EAA Copolymer market prices decreasing in January 2024 due to subdued demand caused by severe weather conditions during the arctic blast.
However, prices rebounded as demand recovered and the cost of feedstock imposed upward pressure. This increase was propelled by heightened demand from the downstream packaging industry, both domestically and internationally, along with constrained product availability in the market. Furthermore, there was an upsurge in the prices of feedstocks Acrylic Acid and Ethylene during this period, further contributing to cost pressures on the product.
Considering broader trends and seasonal patterns, it's worth noting that the first quarter typically experiences moderate demand. This, coupled with supply disruptions in the Panama Canal due to low water levels, has impacted price dynamics.
APAC
In Q1 2024, the pricing dynamics for Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer (EAA Copolymer) in the APAC region have maintained overall stability. However, China has witnessed notable fluctuations in prices during this period. In Indonesia, market prices for EAA Copolymer CFR Tanjung Priok experienced an upward trend, with a 5% increase in January 2024 followed by stabilization for the rest of the quarter. This rise can be attributed to heightened demand from the downstream packaging industry and relatively limited product availability in the market. Additionally, while the cost of feedstock Acrylic Acid initially decreased, it rebounded by March, and another feedstock, Ethylene, exhibited an upward trajectory by mid-quarter, contributing to the price trend for EAA Copolymer. Considering broader trends and seasonal patterns, it's noteworthy that the first quarter typically witnesses moderate demand due to the Lunar New Year holidays. This, combined with challenges confronting the Chinese economy such as issues in the property market and subdued global demand, has impacted price dynamics. Furthermore, when comparing the first and second halves of the quarter, prices have remained steady.
EUROPE
In the initial quarter of 2024, Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer (EAA Copolymer) pricing dynamics in the Europe region have generally stayed stable. However, Germany experienced significant price fluctuations during this period, with EAA Copolymer market prices rising in January 2024 before stabilizing for the rest of the quarter. This increase was driven by heightened demand from the downstream packaging industry, both domestically and internationally, particularly in Asia and the US, coupled with limited product availability in the market. Additionally, there was a surge in the cost of feedstocks Acrylic Acid and Ethylene during this period, adding to the cost pressures on the product. Considering broader trends and seasonal patterns, it's notable that the first quarter typically witnesses moderate demand. This, along with challenges facing the European economy and supply disruptions in the Red Sea, has influenced price dynamics. Furthermore, when comparing the first and second halves of the quarter, prices of EAA Copolymer have remained relatively stable in the European region.
For the Quarter Ending December 2023
North America
In the North American region, Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer (EAA) experienced a fluctuating trend in the fourth quarter, characterized by an initial decline followed by a subsequent rise in the last two months.
The downturn in October was primarily driven by the alleviation in feedstock costs of Ethylene and Acrylic Acid. Concurrently, subdued demand from the downstream packaging sector contributed to a decrease in EAA prices. However, a notable recovery occurred as procurement activities strengthened in anticipation of the holiday season. Both domestic and international markets witnessed an upturn in demand from the downstream sector, prompting sellers to increase EAA prices.
The escalation in Ethylene prices further intensified cost pressures on the product. Complicating the market dynamics, disruptions in the supply chain within the Panama Canal, attributed to drought conditions, exerted additional influence on product pricing. Despite the challenges earlier in the quarter, the resilience of EAA became evident as market conditions improved, reflecting the intricate interplay of factors such as feedstock costs, demand fluctuations, and supply chain disruptions in shaping the trajectory of the market.
APAC
The fourth quarter of 2023 was characterized by a mixed market for Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer (EAA) in the APAC region as the prices followed an upward trend, nevertheless depreciated by the end. The supply of EAA remained stable, but moderate, as Chinese manufacturers implemented production cuts to stabilize their margins. Further, the demand for EAA was low, both domestically and internationally, with only niche buyers showing firm interest. The prices of EAA experienced fluctuations due to the availability and international demand for the product. In terms of China, which saw the most significant changes in pricing, the market was influenced by factors such as low domestic demand and limited supplies from Chinese manufacturers while India and Indonesia also followed a similar trend. Traders practiced destocking practices, leading to a decline in prices as the quarter concluded. However, procurement activities and an expected improvement in economic activities were anticipated to support prices in the coming months. There were no reported plant shutdowns for Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer during this quarter. The price of Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer CFR Tangjunk Prior in Indonesia for the fourth quarter of 2023 is USD 4027/MT.
Europe
During the fourth quarter, the European market for Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer (EAA) faced challenging demand dynamics, characterized by a brief uptick in October followed by a subsequent downturn for the rest of the quarter. The October increase in the European EAA market was linked to a marginal rise in the costs of feedstock Ethylene and Acrylic Acid. Market sources indicate that European EAA producers have been grappling with significant cost pressures over an extended period, compounded by weak demand fundamentals that have adversely affected their profitability. As November and December unfolded, the European market experienced a decline in EAA prices, primarily attributed to subdued demand in the downstream packaging sector. November witnessed diminishing new orders due to weak demand conditions, leading to job cuts and a pessimistic outlook for future output. Additionally, by mid-December, supply disruptions in the Red Sea further impacted the supply situation in the European region, adding another layer of complexity to the challenges faced by the EAA market during this quarter.
For the Quarter Ending September 2023
North America
Prices of Ethylene Acrylic Acid in the North American market have witnessed a bullish situation as prices of feedstock Ethylene increased by almost 15% in the third quarter of 2023. Demand from the downstream packaging sector remained constant as increasing interest rates triggered inflationary behaviors amongst local populace who had started stocking up essential comestible items which continued to pressure the downstream packaging sector. This increased demand further added to increments in the prices which the suppliers used as an advantage to improve profit margins. Towards the beginning of the second half of the third quarter of 2023, the economy of United States saw increasing production in automobiles as newly entered players started to construct factories despite high interest rates, which further created demand for packaging of automotive parts. A heightened demand coupled with limited supplies consequently led to increasing prices of the product. Moreover, incessant rainfalls in the exporting Southeast Asian market have led to floodings and closure of ports and manufacturing operations which further contributed to increase in prices.
APAC
Prices of Ethylene Acrylic Acid in the Asian market have witnessed a bullish situation with prices rising by approximately 15% in the third quarter of 2023. This was largely due to increasing prices of feedstocks Acrylic Acid and Ethylene increasing by approximately by 10% and 15% which added to the production costs. Moreover, the increasing prices were supported by a constant demand from downstream packaging industry which had further improved as Mid Autum festival neared. Moreover, increasing industrial output of the South Asian market further added to the currently high demand of the production. Increasing prices of Crude by almost 25% also contributed to increasing prices of the product. With purchasing sentiments improving as Mid-Autumn manufactures found it hard to satisfy the current demand of the local populace amidst moderate production rates. This consequently led to an undersupplied in which prices of products continued to inflate throughout the third quarter of 2023. Existing inventories were sold at healthy profit margins as purchasing sentiments improved.
Europe
Prices of Ethylene Acrylic Acid have witnessed a bullish situation in the European market as prices of feedstocks Ethylene increased more than 20% and Acrylic Acid increased marginally by 2%. Increasing production costs were also largely complemented by increasing prices of Crude Oil which appreciated by almost 25% in the third quarter of 2023. Moreover, demand from the downstream packaging sector remained largely constant with several FMCG companies indicating rising sales figures amidst recessionary conditions. Demand from the automotive parts packaging sector also remained strong with automotive production increasing by almost 10% towards the termination of September. Moreover, as economic conditions improved trading activities also resumed. This added transportation costs with significant improvements in the existing supply chain system. This consequently increased the prices of the product as lead times were shortened. The constant demand along with increasing prices of feedstocks were largely attributed to increased prices of the product. Moreover, incessant rainfalls in the exporting Southeast Asian market have led to floodings and closure of ports and manufacturing operations which further contributed to increase in prices.
For the Quarter Ending June 2023
North America
The Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer market in the USA has witnessed multiple fluctuations during Q2 2023. As per the data, Ethylene and Acrylic Acid market remained volatile throughout the quarter. However, three months of market dynamics show an overall downtrend in the market, owing to consistently falling feedstock Acrylic Acid prices amidst already low offtakes by downstream consumers. As per the data, demand for the product remained unchanged throughout the quarter from the packaging sector, despite the ongoing economic slowdown in the country. Furthermore, as per the FRED data, Producer Price Index (PPI) for plastic material and resin manufacturing fell from 344.745 (April 2023) to 339.641 (June 2023). At the same time, Consumer Price Index for Cities kept on rising throughout the quarter, rising from 302.918 (April 2023) to 303.841 (June 2023), showcasing that despite the ease in inflationary pressure, it was high enough to affect the consumers spending in the country. Therefore, under these circumstances, the US Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer prices remained dull during Q2 2023.
APAC
The Asian market has witnessed multiple price revisions throughout the quarter, especially in China. As per the data, Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer has showcased huge volatility throughout the quarter in the APAC region. In China, prices shot up during April by around 20% within a month due to the unexpected shortage of the material in the country, which further affected the prices of the product in other importing countries like Indonesia. As per the data released by NBS, China’s PMI fell marginally from 95.3 (April 2023) to 94.1 (May 2023). Nevertheless, industrial activities seem to be improving during June 2023. However, after this steep rise, Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer prices started to ease down for the rest of the quarter in China, and the Indonesian market also followed the same trajectory. On the other side, the Indian market also faced a similar pricing trend despite the fact that low demand and only niche players were importing cargo at high prices, while industries were not performing well due to the arrival of the monsoon season.
Europe
The European market has been struggling with low demand and recessionary fear in the region for a long time. Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer prices kept on falling throughout the second quarter of 2023 in the European market. As per the market sources, demand fundamentals for several commodities kept on falling throughout the quarter on the back of low offtakes from the consumers’ segment amidst declined consumers spendings due to inflationary pressure. The data shows feedstock Acrylic Acid prices have also declined effectively during this quarter affecting the prices of its downstream derivatives, including Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer. On the other side, the economic momentum of the region has been slow, which can be detected by observing different economic indicators. The data released by Eurostat show that the Producer Price Index (PPI, Industry) of the region declined from 138.3 (April 2023) to 136.3 (May 2023), proving that under the influence of low demand, prices have been falling across the regional market.
For the Quarter Ending March 2023
North America
In North America, prices of several commodities fluctuated throughout the quarter under the influence of slow economic momentum amidst sudden hiccups in the country due to the banking crisis. As per the data, after witnessing a significant drop during the month of January 2023, prices of feedstock chemicals, including Ethylene and Acrylic acid, started rising in February. Further, while Ethylene sustained an uptrend, Acrylic Acid fluctuated during the second half of the quarter. Consequently, prices of Ethylene Acrylic Acid copolymer also oscillated parallelly, while demand fundamentals ended up on an optimistic note.
Asia
In the first scenario, the demand for Ethylene Acrylic Acid copolymer rose marginally in India due to stable demand from downstream industries, resulting in a bullish market situation. The supply remained stable, and imports from China remained cheaper. In the second scenario, the demand for the product in China rose unexpectedly due to the economic recovery of the country, resulting in a bullish market situation. The supply remained stable, and the domestic automotive sector experienced a rebound. In the third scenario, the demand for the product in India rose due to the seasonal surge, resulting in a bullish market situation. The supply remained moderate, and expensive imports played a key role in driving the price trend. In the fourth scenario, the prices in Indonesia remained subdued due to low demand from the downstream sector, resulting in a bearish market situation. The supply remained high, and the downstream industry witnessed subdued demand despite the anticipated seasonal surge.
Europe
The prolonged dullness in the European market due to the repercussions of the Russia-Ukraine war did not let the demand for several commodities rise in the region. As per the data, Q1 2023 remained dull for Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer throughout the quarter owing to the rising threat of recession amidst plummeted US market. In terms of raw material, Ethylene and Acrylic Acid prices declined initially during January 2023 and rose again by the mid of the next month. However, by the end of the quarter, prices of both of the raw materials ended up on a pessimistic undertone, compelling prices of Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer to fluctuate parallelly.
For the Quarter Ending December 2022
North America
Amidst frequent changes in downstream demand from various sectors, Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer's market value in the North American market displayed conflicting sentiments in the fourth quarter of 2022. The demand for Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer (EAA) fluctuated along with the unequal growth of the flexible packaging industries. Upstream costs and variable production costs also influenced the development of the Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer market. Hence, the price trend for Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer declined in October, climbed in November, and then decreased once more in December. Destocking in December also played a role in the year-end fall in Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer pricing.
APAC
The Asia-Pacific market witnessed a consistent rise in the Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer (EAA) market value during the fourth quarter of 2022. As the downstream flexible packaging industry was performing well in the market, the demand for Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer surged, which eventually led to its price hike. Additionally, inventories were limited, and the supply rate was low, which made the supply side weaker in comparison to demand and further supported the steady increment in Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer during the quarter. Hence, In China, the assessed price of Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer was USD 4236 EX-Qingdao, which was 20.2% more than the value in September.
Europe
In the fourth quarter of 2022, the market prices of Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer in the European market often fluctuated due to fluctuations in downstream demand from various industries. The uneven growth of the flexible packaging industry fluctuated demand for Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer. Upstream expenses and variable production costs also had an impact on the growth of the market for Ethylene Acrylic acid copolymers. As a result, the price trend for Ethylene Acrylic acid copolymer decreased in October, increased in November, and then decreased again in December. Destocking in December also contributed to the year-end decline in the price of Ethylene Acrylic acid copolymer.
For the Quarter Ending September 2022
North America
During the third quarter of 2022, the price of ethylene acrylic acid copolymer grew steadily, supported by soaring upstream expenses. While propylene prices were growing and there was strong downstream demand from the paint and plastics sectors, the market value of the feedstock acrylic acid skyrocketed throughout the quarter. Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer's price increased because of the increase in the cost of producing acrylic acid and its associated production costs. Another significant driver in Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer's increased pricing value was the downstream demand from the packaging industry. Additionally, the market value of ethylene acrylic acid copolymer in the area was further aggravated by rising port congestion and berth delays.
APAC
The price of ethylene acrylic acid copolymer increased substantially in the Asia-Pacific region during the third quarter of 2022, helped by growing upstream costs. The market value of the feedstock acrylic acid surged during the quarter despite rising propylene prices and robust downstream demand from the paint and plastics industries. The cost of generating acrylic acid and its related production costs went up, which resulted in an increase in the price of ethylene acrylic acid copolymer. The downstream demand from the packaging sector was a significant factor in the higher pricing value of ethylene acrylic acid copolymer. Rising port congestion and berth delays also made the market value of ethylene acrylic acid copolymer in the region worse.
Europe
During the third quarter of 2022, the European market witnessed a significant increase in the price of ethylene acrylic acid copolymer, which was aided by rising upstream prices. Even though propylene prices were rising and the downstream demand from the paint and plastics sectors was strong throughout the quarter, the market value of the feedstock acrylic acid increased. The price of ethylene acrylic acid copolymer increased because of the increase in the cost of producing acrylic acid and its associated production costs. The packaging industry's downstream demand played a big role in driving up the price of ethylene acrylic acid copolymer. The market value of ethylene acrylic acid copolymer in the area was also negatively impacted by increasing port congestion and berth delays.
For the Quarter Ending June 2022
North America
Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer prices increased consistently during the second quarter of 2022, backed by surging upstream costs. The feedstock Acrylic Acid market value soared throughout the quarter amidst rising propylene prices and bullish downstream demand from the plastics and paint industries. Furthermore, the increment in Acrylic Acid prices raised the manufacturing cost of Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer, eventually causing its price hike. In addition, the downstream demand for Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer from the packaging industries was another crucial factor contributing to its enhanced price value. Besides, escalated crude oil prices, elevated freight charges, and congested ports amidst Russia- Ukraine war tensions further exacerbated the market value of Ethylene Acrylic Acid copolymer in the region.
APAC
The Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer pricing trend showcased mixed sentiments in the Asian market. The market value of Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer increased till May and then dropped suddenly in June on the back of declined feedstock prices. The price of Acrylic Acid was mainly decreasing in June, which caused the value of Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer to fall correspondingly. Furthermore, the downstream demand from the packaging industry weakened till June, which further contributed to the price reduction of Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer. At the beginning of the quarter, elevated energy costs, inclined logistic charges, and supply disruption amidst Russia-Ukraine conflicts and another outbreak of covid-19 kept the Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer price on the higher side.
Europe
In contrast to the North American market, the pricing trend of Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer showcased a consistent decline throughout the second quarter of 2022. As the inquiry for Ethylene acrylic Acid from downstream industries such as packaging dropped in the considered, so did its price value in the region. Besides, feedstock Acrylic Acid's price value was continuously decreasing, pushing the manufacturing cost downwards, which eventually plummeted the market value of Ethylene Acrylic Acid copolymer in the European countries. In addition, the supply flow was good amidst better feedstock availability. Still, the consumer buying activity was slow, which piled up the Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer stock, and reduced its market value.
