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IndiaIn Q1 2025, Ethylene Oxide prices in Germany dropped a bit to USD 1290/MT, marking a −1.28% decline from the previous quarter. This decrease can be largely attributed to weaker demand from sectors like glycol and ethanolamine, which are still feeling the effects of ongoing economic uncertainty across Europe. On the production side, everything remained steady — plants were operating normally, and with feedstock ethylene prices staying flat, there wasn’t much pressure to push prices higher.
In Q4 2024, prices edged down slightly to USD 1307/MT, a −0.38% decrease from Q3. This small dip was expected, given the usual slowdown at year-end when demand from industries like personal care and construction tends to cool off. Inventory levels across the region were good, and there weren’t any major disruptions in the supply chain, so prices stayed relatively stable.
Q3 2024 saw a small bounce back, with prices reaching USD 1312/MT, up by +3.01% from the previous quarter. Demand picked up slightly, especially in the textile and surfactant sectors, while some maintenance at production facilities in Europe created a bit of supply tightness. Despite this, the overall mood in the market stayed cautious, with economic concerns still looming large, keeping many buyers on the fence.
By Q2 2024, the market softened, and prices dropped to USD 1273/MT, a −5.91% decline from Q1. Demand slowed across several key sectors, such as antifreeze and flexible packaging, while production stayed strong. With logistics improving and feedstock ethylene costs dropping, the market became well-supplied, making it harder for prices to stay elevated.
In Q1 2024, Ethylene Oxide prices in Germany were relatively steady at USD 1353/MT, reflecting a small +0.47% increase over Q4 2023. Demand from sectors like cleaning and detergent remained stable, keeping the market balanced. Supply was smooth, and with feedstock prices not fluctuating much, there wasn’t any major reason for prices to shift drastically.
In Q1 2025, Ethylene Oxide prices dropped to USD 1,135/MT Ex-Dahej, a decline of –3.93% from the previous quarter. This decrease was largely driven by softened demand in key downstream industries such as detergents and textiles, alongside post-year-end inventory corrections. Additionally, a softer global economic outlook and improved availability from domestic suppliers weighed on prices. The supply chain remained fluid, but sluggish buying activity capped price recovery.
In Q4 2024, Ethylene Oxide prices edged up slightly to USD 1,212/MT Ex-Dahej, a marginal +0.25% increase from Q3. Stable demand from the packaging and automotive sectors underpinned the market, while tighter operational rates from some regional producers helped limit supply. However, the market remained broadly balanced, as most buyers avoided bulk purchases ahead of the year-end, contributing to the muted price movement.
In Q3 2024, prices rose modestly to USD 1,218/MT Ex-Dahej, a +1.73% increase from Q2. A rebound in demand from the textile and surfactant segments provided an upward pressure, while logistical delays from some domestic plants due to maintenance disruptions led to momentary tightness. Despite that, broader macroeconomic headwinds and controlled purchasing prevented any sharp surge in prices.
In Q2 2024, Ethylene Oxide prices increased to USD 1,203/MT Ex-Dahej, a +2.37% rise from the previous quarter. Stronger seasonal demand, particularly from detergent manufacturers and industrial ethoxylate users, contributed to firmer pricing. Feedstock ethylene remained costlier during the quarter, adding input pressure. Export delays from other Asian markets also constrained supply, supporting the overall uptrend.
In Q1 2024, prices stood at USD 1,182/MT Ex-Dahej, reflecting a slight decline of –0.67% from the prior quarter. This minor correction was attributed to subdued post-holiday demand and cautious procurement across key application sectors like textiles and home care. While feedstock costs remained steady, an easing in raw material procurement and balanced inventories limited price growth.
PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global ethylene oxide price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the ethylene oxide 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 ethylene oxide prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely ethylene oxide market data.
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U.S.–China Trade Tariff Dispute on Petrochemicals (April 2025):
In April 2025, the United States and China imposed heavy tariffs—up to 125%—on each other’s petrochemical exports, including EO derivatives such as surfactants, glycol ethers, and ethanolamine. This disrupted bilateral trade flows, raised input costs for U.S. manufacturers, and restricted exports from Chinese chemical suppliers. The resulting uncertainty and regional imbalance in supply caused EO prices to fluctuate, particularly in Asia and North America.
Texas Freeze & Gulf Coast Plant Shutdowns (February 2021):
A severe winter storm paralyzed Texas and the U.S. Gulf Coast, home to a large portion of North America’s EO production capacity. Prolonged power outages and frozen infrastructure forced shutdowns at major EO units. This caused a sudden drop in supply across North America, disrupting downstream markets such as agrochemicals, detergents, and personal care. EO prices rose sharply due to production losses and delayed exports.
COVID-19 Pandemic Demand Surge (2020–2021):
The global outbreak of COVID-19 drove a sharp increase in demand for EO-based products like disinfectants, hand sanitizers, and cleaning agents. Ethoxylates and glycol-based solvents, key EO derivatives, saw surging consumption. However, supply remained tight due to transportation delays and raw material constraints, leading to widespread shortages and significant price increases, especially in the healthcare and hygiene sectors.
Hurricane Harvey Disruption (August 2017):
Hurricane Harvey brought catastrophic flooding to the Houston area, shutting down a large portion of U.S. petrochemical infrastructure, including EO plants. The loss of production led to regional shortages and rising prices for EO and its derivatives such as MEG (Mono ethylene glycol) and PEGs (Polyethylene glycols). Exports to Latin America and Asia were disrupted, compounding the global supply strain.
These events highlight the sensitivity of the Ethylene oxide market to geopolitical tensions, weather disruptions, and shifts in supply-demand dynamics, underscoring the importance of monitoring global trends.
This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers accurate, timely, and actionable Ethylene Oxide pricing assessments, helping clients stay ahead of market trends and make well-informed business decisions.
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Ethylene Oxide is a colorless, flammable gas or liquid with a slightly sweet, ether-like odor. It is primarily used as an intermediate in the production of ethylene glycol and other chemicals. Ethylene Oxide is a crucial raw material in the manufacture of surfactants, detergents, solvents, antifreeze, textiles, and sterilization agents. It is typically produced by the catalytic oxidation of ethylene in the presence of silver. Due to its reactivity, Ethylene Oxide plays a significant role in various sectors including pharmaceuticals, personal care, and industrial chemical manufacturing.
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.
| Physical Properties | |
| Relative Density (H2O=1) @ 0°C | 0.882 |
| Flash point | 0°C Open cup |
| Boiling point | 10.7 °C |
| Vapour pressure (mmHg) @ 25 °C | 1.4 |
| Appearance | Liquid, colourless or light yellow. |
Applications
Ethylene Oxide is primarily used as a critical chemical intermediate in the production of ethylene glycol, which is widely used in the manufacture of antifreeze, polyester fibers, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resins. It plays a significant role in the production of surfactants and detergents, making it essential for household and industrial cleaning products. Ethylene Oxide is also utilized in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, especially as a sterilizing agent for medical equipment due to its effective antimicrobial properties. Additionally, it supports the synthesis of ethanolamine and glycol ethers, which are used in textiles, cosmetics, agrochemicals, and other specialty chemical applications. Ethylene Oxide is an integral component in various industrial value chains, supporting downstream processes with high-purity chemical inputs.
The price of Ethylene Oxide is influenced by various factors such as ethylene prices, which is the primary feedstock in its production via catalytic oxidation. Supply-demand dynamics, plant operating rates, and unplanned shutdowns or maintenance also significantly impact pricing. Additionally, geopolitical tensions, energy costs, environmental regulations, and transportation logistics can cause price fluctuations. As Ethylene Oxide is a key raw material in the production of ethylene glycol, surfactants, and sterilants, shifts in end-use industries like automotive, textiles, personal care, and healthcare further influence its pricing trends.
Global supply and demand shifts have a direct effect on Ethylene Oxide prices. An increase in demand from sectors such as polyester production, industrial cleaners, and medical sterilization can drive prices higher, especially when supply is constrained due to feedstock limitations or plant outages. Conversely, oversupply due to capacity expansions or weakened downstream consumptions such as during global economic downturns—can lead to price declines. Procurement professionals must track global ethylene markets, operational schedules of EO production units, and consumption trends in end-use sectors to anticipate price movements and optimize sourcing strategies.
Ethylene Oxide pricing varies across regions based on factors like ethylene availability, environmental regulations, and regional demand from key industries. For example, Asia may face higher price volatility due to fluctuating polyester and surfactant markets, while North America’s prices may reflect more stability owing to abundant ethylene feedstock and mature infrastructure. Regional regulations around EO storage and handling also impact cost structures. Procurement teams should analyze regional price trends, evaluate logistical considerations, and consider diversified sourcing strategies to reduce risk and maintain cost efficiency amid regional price shifts or supply chain disruptions.
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