As of August 2024, petroleum resin prices in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region are hovering around $998 per metric ton, FOB China marking a 4% increase compared to the previous month. This upward price trend is largely driven by constrained supply and steady demand from industries such as adhesives, coatings, and automotive. In Q1 and Q2 2024, production in key resin manufacturing hubs like China and India was hindered by ongoing plant maintenance and operational disruptions caused by power shortages. These factors collectively reduced regional output by approximately 2.5 million metric tons, exacerbating the supply-demand imbalance.
In Q3 2024, the market for petroleum resins in APAC remains tight due to limited feedstock availability and high global demand. The automotive sector has seen a notable uptick in resin consumption, increasing by 5% year-on-year, driven by a recovery in vehicle production and demand for high-performance adhesives and coatings. The packaging sector has also witnessed a 3% growth in resin demand, fueled by continued expansion in e-commerce and consumer goods packaging.
Looking ahead to Q4 2024 and beyond, India is expected to boost its resin production capacity with the opening of a new refinery in Gujarat, which could help alleviate some of the supply shortages. However, the APAC petroleum resin market is likely to remain volatile due to factors such as fluctuating crude oil prices, trade policies, and geopolitical tensions in the region, particularly in the South China Sea.