As of August 2024, the price of Dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether (DPGME) is hovering around $1,950 per metric ton in the APAC region, showing a 5 % decrease from the previous month. This price surge is attributed to supply disruptions in China and India, which have been exacerbated by plant maintenance schedules and logistics challenges in key production hubs. DPGME, primarily used in paints, coatings, and cleaning products, has faced tighter supply as demand from the industrial and consumer goods sectors grows. The ongoing recovery in the automotive and construction sectors in China has further amplified the demand for solvent-based products like DPGME.
In Q1 and Q2 of 2024, the DPGME market faced additional challenges, with severe flooding in southern China and labor strikes in India leading to production slowdowns. This resulted in a drop in output, leading to tight inventory levels across the region. The Indian market, in particular, experienced supply chain disruptions as key manufacturing plants in Gujarat and Maharashtra struggled with raw material shortages. In contrast, Vietnam has become a growing hub for DPGME production, with new plants coming online in 2024, contributing to an increase in regional supply.
Looking ahead to Q3 and Q4 2024, demand for DPGME is expected to rise further, particularly in the coating and cleaning industries. In China, the construction sector’s growth is projected to increase DPGME consumption by 5% year-on-year. Similarly, in India, expanding industrial activities in the automotive and textile sectors are likely to further strain supply. Meanwhile, Vietnam’s growing production capacity is expected to ease some of the supply challenges in the region, though it may not be enough to offset the overall demand surge.