Looking ahead to Q4 2024 and beyond, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to see steady growth in ethyl benzene production, with new capacity additions primarily in China and India. While these additions will help meet the region’s growing demand, the market is likely to remain volatile due to fluctuating raw material costs, environmental regulations, and shifting demand dynamics across key industries like automotive and packaging. Geopolitical tensions, especially around trade relations, and changes in energy policies could further impact the stability of the supply chain.
In Q3 2024, ethyl benzene prices are under continued upward pressure as supply constraints persist, and demand from the styrene segment remains high. Styrene production in China and India has increased, while packaging and automotive sectors have driven global consumption growth compared to the previous year. However, the construction sector in several markets, particularly Europe, has seen a modest decline in demand, softening the growth potential somewhat.
Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have also impacted the global supply of benzene, a key feedstock for ethyl benzene, resulting in volatility in pricing. Additionally, global demand from the automotive and electronics sectors has been robust, pushing up ethyl benzene consumption and contributing to ethyl benzene price increases. Ethyl benzene is a critical intermediate to produce styrene, and strong styrene demand, especially in the construction and packaging industries, has further supported upward pricing trends.
As of August 2024, ethyl benzene prices are fluctuating around $1,620 per metric ton, FOB Shanghai reflecting a decrease from the previous month. The ethyl benzene market has experienced rising prices due to multiple supply-side constraints, including lower-than-expected production in key regions and higher raw material costs. Supply limitations were exacerbated by ongoing maintenance schedules.
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Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Ethylbenzene is a colorless, flammable liquid that smells like gasoline. It is naturally found in coal tar and petroleum and is also found in manufactured products such as inks, pesticides, and paints. Ethylbenzene is used primarily to make another chemical, styrene. Other uses include as a solvent, in fuels, and to make other chemicals.
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.
Property | Specification
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Boiling point
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136 °C (1013 hPa) |
Density
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0.87 g/cm3 (20 °C)
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Flash point
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22.0 °C
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Ignition temperature
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430 °C
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Melting Point
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-94.9 °C
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Vapor pressure
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9.5 hPa (20 °C)
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Viscosity kinematic
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0.63 mm2/s (40 °C)
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Solubility
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0.2 g/l
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Applications
Ethyl benzene is primarily used as a feedstock to produce styrene, a critical material for plastics, resins, and synthetic rubber. It is also used in the manufacturing of paint solvents, rubber chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.
The pricing of Ethyl Benzene is influenced by several key factors, including raw material costs such as benzene and ethylene, which are the primary feedstocks for its production. Additionally, fluctuations in global supply and demand, especially in the petrochemical and styrene production industries (since Ethyl Benzene is a key precursor for styrene), play a significant role in price determination. External elements like crude oil prices, geopolitical instability, energy costs, and trade tariffs can also contribute to price volatility in the Ethyl Benzene market.
Regional production has a notable impact on Ethyl Benzene pricing. Areas with strong local production, such as Asia-Pacific and North America, tend to offer more competitive pricing due to reduced transportation costs and stable supply chains. Conversely, regions that rely heavily on imports, such as parts of Europe or emerging markets, often face higher prices due to shipping fees, import duties, and potential supply chain disruptions. Additionally, local refining capacity and demand for related products like styrene can also influence regional pricing trends.
Recent trends in Ethyl Benzene pricing show an increase in price volatility, driven by fluctuations in the cost of crude oil and raw materials like benzene and ethylene. To secure better rates, companies can consider locking in long-term contracts with suppliers, monitoring crude oil and petrochemical price indices, and exploring bulk purchasing agreements to take advantage of economies of scale. Staying informed about global supply chain conditions and considering alternative sourcing strategies can also help mitigate unexpected price increases.
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