Germany
Netherlands
China
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 glycols and Ethanolamines, 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.
According to the PriceWatch, Ethylene Oxide prices averaged USD 1303.75 per metric ton FD Hamburg during Q2 2025, reflecting a quarterly increase of +1.07%. In Rotterdam, prices stood slightly higher at USD 1370.17 per metric ton FD basis, registering a gain of +1.87%. The increase in Ethylene Oxide prices across Northwest Europe was supported by steady downstream demand from surfactant and glycol manufacturers. Domestic production remained stable, and there were no major disruptions reported in feedstock availability.
The Ethylene Oxide price trend reflected a modest uptrend as producers benefited from firm offtake and minimal inventory pressure. Energy input costs remained broadly steady, with minor fluctuations in natural gas and ethylene. Import volumes stayed limited keeping domestic sellers in a favorable position.
According to the Ethylene Oxide price chart, price movement remained rangebound with a gradual upward slope. The Ethylene Oxide market in Q2 was balanced, with healthy consumption, controlled supply, and moderate cost stability across both locations.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
According to the PriceWatch, Ethylene Oxide prices averaged USD 1076.25 per metric ton Ex-Dahej during Q2 2025, reflecting a quarterly decrease of -5.18%. The decline in Ethylene Oxide prices across the Indian west coast was primarily attributed to subdued demand from industrial glycols and non-ionic surfactant producers, as seasonal slowdown in construction and textile auxiliaries weighed on downstream consumption.
Domestic production continued steadily, but higher inventory levels and competitive market behavior exerted downward pressure on spot pricing. The Ethylene Oxide price trend showed a softening trajectory throughout the quarter, with sellers facing margin compression due to limited export inquiries and steady domestic supply. According to the Ethylene Oxide price chart, pricing maintained a narrow downward channel amid a broadly balanced yet cautious Ethylene Oxide market environment in Q2 2025.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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
Ethylene Oxide 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 | |
| Density | 868 kg/m³ @ 25 °C |
| Flash point | -2 °C (Closed cup) |
| Boiling point | 10.4 °C @ 1 atm |
| Vapor pressure | 109 kPa @ 20 °C |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless gas or liquid with a sweet, ether-like odor |
Ethylene Oxide 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.
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.
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.
Track PriceWatch's ethylene oxide 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 gathers real-time pricing data from a wide range of sources, including global commodity exchanges, industry reports, and proprietary databases. This ensures our assessments reflect the latest market conditions for Ethylene Oxide.
On-the-Ground Intelligence: Our team collects insights directly from key market players, including Ethylene Oxide producers, suppliers, traders, and end-users across major production hubs. This local intelligence is vital to understanding the unique dynamics of specific Ethylene Oxide markets.
Supply Chain Monitoring: We monitor the entire Ethylene Oxide supply chain, from feedstock sourcing and production to transportation and distribution. This includes tracking ethylene prices, steam cracker operations, production plant operations, storage levels, and shipping logistics to provide a comprehensive view of supply dynamics.
Geopolitical Tensions: PriceWatch keeps a close eye on global geopolitical developments, such as conflicts, sanctions, and trade disputes, which can significantly impact Ethylene Oxide prices. For instance, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its disruption to energy and feedstock markets have led to price volatility worldwide.
Natural Disasters and Climate Events: We assess the impact of weather-related events, such as hurricanes, typhoons, and extreme cold spells, on Ethylene Oxide production and export facilities. Events like hurricanes in the U.S. Gulf Coast or freezing conditions in key exporting nations can lead to short-term supply disruptions.
Economic Shifts: PriceWatch analyses macroeconomic trends, including global economic growth, inflation, and sector-specific demand (e.g., pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and consumer products). These factors are crucial in predicting Ethylene Oxide demand and resulting price movements.
Current Production Monitoring: We maintain a detailed global database of Ethylene Oxide production facilities, tracking their operational status, maintenance activities, and output levels. This helps us assess the current supply of Ethylene Oxide at any given time.
Future Capacity Projections: Our research includes forecasts of future Ethylene Oxide production capacity, considering new production units, expansions, and advancements in technology. This aids in predicting future supply trends and potential impacts on price stability.
Sectoral Demand Analysis: PriceWatch offers a deep dive into demand trends across key sectors, such as ethylene glycol production, surfactants, personal care products, and industrial cleaning agents. We monitor year-on-year demand growth and predict future consumption patterns based on market indicators.
Global Demand Dynamics: Our analysis looks at regional variations in demand and how they influence global Ethylene Oxide prices. This includes evaluating shifts in environmental regulations, product substitution trends, and regional supply and demand imbalances.
Dynamic Pricing Models: PriceWatch uses advanced econometric models to forecast Ethylene Oxide prices, integrating real-time data, historical trends, and projected market conditions. Our models are constantly updated to improve accuracy and reliability.
Scenario Analysis: We run scenario-based analyses to examine possible future market conditions. This includes evaluating best-case, worst-case, and most likely scenarios, helping clients prepare for various market developments.
Comprehensive Reports: Clients receive detailed reports featuring current Ethylene Oxide price assessments, future price forecasts, and in-depth analysis of market drivers. These reports are designed to provide actionable insights and clear recommendations.
Ongoing Support: PriceWatch offers continuous updates and personalized client support, ensuring you always have the latest information to make informed decisions. Our experts are available for discussions on specific market trends and offer tailored advice.
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 | |
| Density | 868 kg/m³ @ 25 °C |
| Flash point | -2 °C (Closed cup) |
| Boiling point | 10.4 °C @ 1 atm |
| Vapor pressure | 109 kPa @ 20 °C |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless gas or liquid with a sweet, ether-like odor |
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.