Singapore
Japan
United States
India
China
Brazil
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.
According to the PriceWatch, In Q2 2025, Cumene (Technical Grade> 99%, FOB Singapore Port) prices declined by $968.33 per metric tonne decline of -1.36%. Prices were mostly due to seasonal weakness in demand for large downstream industries such as Phenol and Acetone production, who experienced their regular maintenance shutdowns in the summer months. Singapore and other regional centres regularly maintained local production, without dramatic supply blocks.
Geophysical pressure in the South China Sea and the Middle East pushed goods rates and disrupted some classic trade lanes. Restrictions on some Middle Eastern suppliers also forced option sources. Despite these issues, the total trade patterns were in balance, supported by strategic procurement rebirth within Southeast Asia and India.
Volatile Crude Oil-related Benzene feedstock cost instability put pressure upwards on production costs, but not enough to remove weak demand. There was also inventory, with almost equal consumption. Overall, the Q2 Cumene market was typed by warm demand, level regional production and global geopolitical stresses, resulting in a minor but improving the price.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
According to PriceWatch, In Q2 2025, Cumene (Technical Grade >99% Nhava Sheva imported from U.S. In the last quarter, prices declined at $992.62/MT, which was a decline of -2.07% compared to the last quarter. The decrease was mostly influenced by seasonal factors, tempered during the mandated summer maintenance with a downstream demand from Phenol and Acetone manufacturers. Although local consumption was steady, the market did not have the procurement speed of earlier in the year.
Geographical development also impacted trade flow East European struggle and Middle Eastern tension interrupted world shipping lanes slowed and restricted availability of large feedstocks like Benzene. Further restrictions on certain petrochemical sellers reduced sourcing alternatives encouraging buyers to take a more conservative, hand-buying strategy. Even with these issues, the US supply chain functioned relatively smoothly maintaining a decent stream of imports in balance.
Domestic needs were pretty much in sync with supply available which prevented a major build up of inventory. Overall, Q2 had the Cumene market stalled but constructed out of a blend of season-recession geo-political risk and solid but watchful consumption but stable – stable.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Cumene Grades Covered
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)Â | 10Â |
| Assay (GC)Â | >99%Â |
| Water | None Detected |
| Uncertainty (μg/ml) | 70.01 ± 1.12 |
Cumene 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.
COVID-19 Pandemic Impact (2020): The pandemic caused widespread supply chain disruptions and a decline in demand for Cumene and its derivatives, leading to significant price volatility across various industries.
Crude Oil Price Fluctuations (2019-2020): Changes in Crude oil prices during this period directly affected Cumene production costs, resulting in corresponding shifts in Cumene pricing.
Increased Demand from Acetone and Phenol Markets (2018): A surge in demand for Acetone and Phenol, key derivatives of Cumene, led to increased prices as manufacturers adjusted to the rising consumption levels.
Introduction of Bio-based Alternatives (2017): The emergence of bio-based alternatives to traditional Cumene derivatives began to influence market dynamics, prompting discussions about sustainability and impacting pricing strategies.
These events highlight the interplay of market demand, external economic factors, and shifts towards sustainable practices in the Cumene market.
PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global cumene price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the cumene market. By monitoring critical events such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts, PriceWatch keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.
In addition, PriceWatch provides detailed forecasts and updates on production capacities, enabling you to anticipate market changes and make well-informed decisions. With PriceWatch, you gain a competitive edge in understanding all the elements that influence cumene prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely cumene market data.
Track PriceWatch's cumene price assessment on a weekly basis since 2015 onwards, along with short-term forecasts, and get access to the detailed report in a downloadable format.
Real-Time Market Data: PriceWatch aggregates real-time pricing data from a diverse range of sources, including global commodity exchanges, industry reports, and proprietary databases. This ensures that our assessments reflect the most current market conditions.
On-the-Ground Intelligence: Our team gathers insights directly from key market participants, including producers, suppliers, traders, and end-users, across major Cumene production hubs. This ground-level intelligence is crucial for understanding localized market dynamics.
Supply Chain Monitoring: We closely monitor the entire Cumene supply chain, starting from the availability of key raw materials such as Benzene and Propylene, all the way through to production and distribution channels. Our tracking encompasses essential elements like feedstock prices, production capacities, and transportation logistics.
Geopolitical Tensions: PriceWatch continuously monitors global geopolitical developments, such as conflicts or trade disputes, which can significantly impact Cumene prices. Our analysis includes potential disruptions to supply chains and their immediate and long-term effects on pricing.
Natural Disasters and Climate Events: We assess the impact of natural disasters, such as hurricanes or winter storms, on Cumene production facilities, particularly in vulnerable regions like the U.S. Gulf Coast and Asia-Pacific. These events are factored into our price forecasts and supply outlooks.
Economic Shifts: PriceWatch evaluates macroeconomic trends, including global economic growth, inflation rates, and sector-specific demand (e.g., construction, automotive, chemicals) to predict shifts in Cumene demand and corresponding price movements.
Current Production Monitoring: We maintain a comprehensive database of global Cumene production facilities, tracking their operational status, maintenance schedules, and output levels. This allows us to assess current supply availability accurately.
Future Capacity Projections: Our research includes detailed forecasts of upcoming Cumene production capacities, factoring in new plant constructions, expansions, and technological advancements. This helps in predicting future supply trends and potential price stabilization.
Sectoral Demand Analysis: PriceWatch provides in-depth analysis of demand trends across key sectors, including paper and pulp, healthcare, textiles, and water treatment. We track year-on-year demand growth and project future consumption patterns based on economic indicators and industry developments.
Global Demand Dynamics: Our methodology considers regional demand variations and how they influence global Cumene pricing. This includes understanding the impact of shifts in manufacturing bases, trade policies, and environmental regulations.
Dynamic Pricing Models: PriceWatch utilizes advanced econometric models to forecast Cumene prices, incorporating real-time data, historical trends, and projected market conditions. Our models are continuously refined to enhance accuracy and predictive power.
Scenario Analysis: We conduct scenario-based assessments to evaluate potential future market conditions. This includes best-case, worst-case, and most likely scenarios, helping our clients prepare for a range of market outcomes.
Comprehensive Reports: Our clients receive detailed reports that include current price assessments, future price forecasts, and in-depth analysis of market drivers. These reports are designed to be actionable, providing clear insights and recommendations.
Ongoing Support: PriceWatch offers continuous updates and personalized support to our clients, ensuring they have the most up-to-date information to make informed decisions. Our experts are available to discuss specific market developments and provide tailored advice.
This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable Cumene pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions.
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
Grades Covered
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)Â | 10Â |
| Assay (GC)Â | >99%Â |
| 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.