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ItalyEntering Q1 2025, FOB Singapore Port (Technical Grade (>99%)), Cumene prices further at $981.67/MT, down -8.26% from Q4 2024. The market experienced surplus supply, with some foreign buyers choosing to hold off on purchases, hoping for additional price corrections. Yet steady export business and Singapore’s strategic location as a key supplier ensured overall market stability, averting any steep price falls.
By Q4 2024, FOB Singapore Port (Technical Grade (>99%)) prices at $1070/MT, down by -4.46% from Q3. This was primarily because demand was lower in overseas, with major importing regions rebalancing their inventories, resulting in a temporary slowdown in exports. Seasonal variations in industrial activity also affected procurement patterns, resulting in a marginal decline in market prices. All this notwithstanding, Singapore’s established production capacities ensured a well-balanced supply, which kept any major price falls at bay.
During third quarter 2024, the FOB Singapore Port (Technical Grade (>99%)), Cumene market trended upwards, with prices reaching $1120/MT, an increase of 2.50% from Q2. The increase was mainly due to strong export demand from major global markets, whereby a number of importers raised their buying to stock up before expected market volatility. Moreover, increased production efficiency and improved operation in Singapore plants guaranteed steady output levels, further enhancing price appreciation. The higher demand for Cumene in the downstream phenol and acetone markets also helped fuel the upward trend, with consistent market momentum.
As we entered the second quarter of 2024, Cumene prices increased again in FOB Singapore Port (Technical Grade (>99%)) to $1,092.66/MT, showing a positive Q1 trend of +5.44%. The sustained rise can be supported by various reasons, such as uninterrupted demand from the automotive and building industries as they increased production. In addition, continued investment in manufacturing capacity and improvement in production technologies has boosted supply capacities, enabling producers to satisfy the increasing market demand efficiently.
In the first quarter of 2024, an upward trend was followed by Cumene market worldwide, especially in FOB Singapore Port (Technical Grade (>99%)), where the price was registered at $1,036.33 per MT. This is up by +5.00% compared to the last quarter. The upward trend in Cumene price was mainly stimulated by high demand from major sectors like chemicals and automotive, which use Cumene as a key feedstock in the manufacture of phenol and acetone. Also, the return to industrial activities after the pandemic helped boost consumption, with supply chain enhancement assisting in stabilizing market availability.
By Q1 2025, CIF Nhava Sheva (Technical Grade (>99%)), Cumene prices further declined to $1015/MT, a 2.79% fall from Q4 2024. The decline was largely caused by the usual seasonal slack in industrial production and reduced downstream Phenol industry demand in the initial part of the quarter. USA imports continued to be steady, and Indian port operations were less plagued by logistical issues than earlier quarters. The overall market remained in equilibrium, with sufficient supply and guarded purchasing maintaining the trend of prices on a downward incline.
In Q4 2024, CIF Nhava Sheva (Technical Grade (>99%)) prices fell marginally, reaching approximately $1045/MT, down by 1.07% compared to the last quarter. The festival-led demand during Q3 started to ease after Diwali, and thus there was a marginal slowdown in purchases. While market fundamentals were still quite firm, a mild accumulation of stocks eased the pricing pressures. Furthermore, softer downstream industry demand and muted market sentiment during December also led to the marginal fall in prices.
By the third quarter of 2024, the Cumene market in CIF Nhava Sheva (Technical Grade (>99%)) saw a significant price rise to around $1055/MT, a 12.3% increase from Q2. The steep rise was due to both domestic and international reasons. Domestically, pre-festive restocking in anticipation of Raksha Bandhan and Diwali demand fuelled consumption levels. Concurrently, import volumes were disrupted because of constrained vessel availability and increased transit times from the USA, placing pressure on local inventories. In addition, tighter supply chains and heightened demand from resin producers fuelled the bullish trend in the Indian market.
Carrying forward into the second quarter of 2024, CIF Nhava Sheva (Technical Grade (>99%)) prices were also on a rise, recording approximately $940/MT, which shows a 4.89% appreciation from the levels of Q1. The growth was supported by consistent off-take by downstream segments, particularly in coatings and resins, which traditionally witnesses higher activity ahead of monsoon. Increased container freight charges from the USA, fuelled by equipment shortages and congestion at the ports, also contributed to the increase in import prices. Additionally, firmer consumption by the packaging and consumer goods sector—preparing for seasonally induced demand—sustained the optimistic market mood in the quarter.
During Q1 2024, the Indian Cumene market saw an uptrend. The CIF Nhava Sheva (Technical Grade (>99%)) prices (imported from USA) were approximately $895/MT, registering a growth of 3.95% over the last quarter. The growth was further driven by enhanced industrial activity post-year-end holidays and an increase in demand from the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Further, strong buying interest prior to the festive season resulted in increased imports from the USA. Domestic demand expanded steadily, and shipping constraints and slight port delays also fuelled the bullish sentiment.
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Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Cumene, also known as Isopropylbenzene, is a colourless, flammable liquid that belongs to the Alkyl aromatic Hydrocarbon family. It has a distinctive odour and is primarily used as a key raw material in the production of Phenol and Acetone through the Cumene process.
Packaging Type
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Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
| Characteristics | Specifications |
| Appearance | Clear Colourless Liquid |
| Colour (Pt-Co) | 10 |
| Assay (GC) | >99% |
| Water | None Detected |
| Uncertainty (μg/ml) | 70.01 ± 1.12 |
Applications
Cumene is primarily used as a feedstock and intermediate in the production of various chemicals, including Phenol, Acetone, and Alkylbenzene. It serves as a key precursor in the synthesis of these important industrial compounds, playing a vital role in processes such as polymer production and the formulation of resins and solvents.
Several factors impact Cumene prices, including fluctuations in the cost of its key feedstock, Benzene and Propylene. Additionally, global supply and demand dynamics, especially in sectors like plastics and resins, influence pricing. Geopolitical events, such as trade policies or disruptions in production regions like the U.S. and China, and changes in energy prices (such as crude oil), can also significantly affect Cumene prices.
Long-term contracts provide procurement heads with price stability by locking in prices for Cumene over a specified period. This can help mitigate the risks associated with price fluctuations due to feedstock changes or global supply chain disruptions. Negotiating favourable terms in long-term contracts also allows businesses to better forecast operational costs and manage their procurement budgets more effectively.
Cumene prices are likely to be influenced by the trends in the prices of Benzene and Propylene, along with global demand for downstream products like phenol and acetone. Additionally, factors like rising energy costs, changes in production capacity, and environmental regulations may drive future price trends. Procurement heads should monitor these variables closely to make informed purchasing decisions.
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