Global Best Chemical & Petrochemicals Data Base, Chemical Prices

In Q4 2023, the North American region experienced a bullish trend in the   Ammonia prices , driven by several key factors. Firstly, a rise in the price of essential feedstock natural gas elevated the production costs of Ammonia. Secondly, there was strong demand for Ammonia and its derivatives in the domestic market, particularly in anticipation of the upcoming winter planting season, resulting in upward pressure on prices. Additionally, limited material availability within the regional market contributed to increased Ammonia prices domestically. Moreover, as the Chinese government restricted fertilizer exports, international consumers, especially Indian players, actively engaged in the North American market. However, in December 2023, prices declined significantly due to a surplus of available material within the North American market. Prolonged drought conditions and persistent bottlenecks at the Panama Canal, a crucial trading route in the USA, resulted in delayed exports and lo...

During the fourth quarter of 2023, the North American Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) market saw the influence of various significant factors. Primarily, the market was marked by a bearish sentiment attributed to diminished demand from downstream sectors like packaging, adhesives, and moldings. Consequently, prices declined as market players prioritized destocking and avoided inventory accumulation. In the US market, prices experienced further drops due to weak demand from downstream industries and ample material availability domestically. Additionally, support from the upstream Vinyl Acetate Monomer waned, leading to decreased production costs. Despite these fluctuations, the overall market outlook remained steady, albeit with a slight slowdown in consumer inquiries. Regarding price trends, there was a 2.7% decrease compared to the previous quarter, although there was no significant change compared to the same quarter of the previous year. The price of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) 28% DE...

Throughout the fourth quarter of 2023,   Acetaldehyde prices   in the US market have undergone a bearish trend. The influence of cost pressures from Ethanol, a key feedstock, remained limited on Acetaldehyde as its prices remained subdued throughout the quarter. In terms of demand, inquiries from the preservative industry were lackluster, with few instances of new orders reported by market participants. Consumption of preservatives from the end-user food and beverages sector slowed down due to decreased demand during the null season, thereby exerting downward pressure on Acetaldehyde prices in the domestic market. Furthermore, macroeconomic challenges such as persistent inflationary pressure and high-interest rates further diminished the purchasing power of end-users. Similarly, demand from overseas markets weakened in recent months due to ongoing macroeconomic challenges restraining consumer spending. Additionally, US Acetaldehyde producers encountered difficulties in raising...

During the fourth quarter of 2023, the North American Ammonium Sulphate market encountered various hurdles that affected pricing dynamics. Initially, an oversupply of Ammonium Sulphate in the market was exacerbated by delayed exports and elevated freight charges. This surplus availability resulted in a narrower gap between demand and supply, consequently leading to price declines. Additionally, the conclusion of the peak fertilizer season in the United States and subdued demand from international markets, notably Brazil, added to the downward pressure on prices. Another significant factor influencing prices was the bottleneck at the Panama Canal, causing shipment delays and inventory accumulation within the country. Despite these challenges, demand for Ammonium Sulphate remained robust in the domestic fertilizer sector. Moreover, certain shipping companies opted to bypass the Suez Canal due to concerns about potential rebel attacks, opting for alternative trade routes instead. The cons...

In Q4 2023, the Caustic Soda market in North America experienced an upward trajectory, influenced by multiple factors affecting both the market and prices. One significant driver of the October surge was a supply shortage, particularly evident in the US market, leading to price hikes. Despite a sluggish economic recovery, domestic and regional demand for Caustic Soda remained strong, notably propelled by the downstream Aluminum and cleaning industries. However, the weak US dollar contributed to heightened input costs, exerting pressure on market players in the US. Throughout the second half of the quarter, Caustic Soda prices saw marginal downstream demand from the Aluminum segment, while market players' destocking sentiments weighed on price momentum. Prices stabilized in December 2023 due to a temporary halt in production activities. As of December 2023, the latest price of Caustic Soda 50% Liquid FOB Texas in the USA stands at USD 329/MT. The price trend for the USA in Q4 2023 i...

As the fourth quarter of 2023 drew to a close, the biodiesel market in the USA underwent a significant price decrease, primarily driven by a reduction in the price of its primary feedstock, sunflower oil. This decline is linked to a myriad of factors influencing the dynamics of the biodiesel market. Sunflower oil, a vital ingredient in biodiesel production, experienced a decline in its market worth, contributing to the overall downward trajectory of biodiesel prices. The reduction in sunflower oil prices can be attributed to various factors, including shifts in global vegetable oil supply and demand, trends in agricultural production, and geopolitical influences impacting oilseed markets. In response to the decreased feedstock costs, the biodiesel market in the USA witnessed a corresponding decline in prices, rendering the alternative fuel more financially appealing. Moreover, the presence of ample inventories among suppliers and reduced demand from key industrial sectors likely added ...