Polyethylene Glycol Pricing Assessment

  • Commodity Pricing

polyethylene glycol Markets Covered: 

krKorea
saSaudi Arabia
inIndia
vnVietnam
trTurkey
idIndonesia

polyethylene glycol Markets Covered: 

Global polyethylene glycol Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast​

Q1 2025

Q1 2025 brought recovery for most exporters. VPEG 2400 from South Korea jumped 9.58% to USD 1094/MT, driven by renewed demand and cost push from upstream markets. Saudi Arabia’s PEG 400 saw a minor rise of 0.57% to USD 948/MT, indicating slow market stabilization. Malaysia maintained its lead with PEG 400 at USD 1100/MT, inching up 0.65% amid steady export volumes. South Korea led in percentage gain, signaling a strong rebound for VPEG, while Malaysia remained the price leader for PEG 400. Overall, Q1 2025 marked a moderate uptrend across all three regions, hinting at a gradual demand resurgence.

Q4 2024

In Q4 2024, prices mostly softened. South Korea’s VPEG 2400 dipped 1.58% to USD 998/MT due to year-end inventory clearances. Saudi Arabia’s PEG 400 slumped sharply by 11.73%, falling to USD 943/MT, hit by reduced demand and aggressive competition. Conversely, Malaysia’s PEG 400 rose slightly by 2.02% to USD 1107/MT, maintaining strong regional footholds. The stark contrast between Saudi’s downturn and Malaysia’s gain highlights diverging export competitiveness. Overall, Q4 witnessed a two-speed market—declining prices for Korean and Saudi products, while Malaysian PEG maintained its premium due to sustained demand and tighter regional availability.

Q3 2024

Q3 2024 presented mixed pricing dynamics. South Korea’s VPEG 2400 prices fell 6.37% to USD 1014/MT, impacted by sluggish Chinese demand and higher competition. In contrast, Saudi Arabia’s PEG 400 surged 6.08% to USD 1068/MT, driven by robust restocking needs. Malaysia posted the strongest growth at 11.52%, with PEG 400 prices rising to USD 1085/MT, aided by consistent orders from ASEAN and South Asian buyers. While VPEG 2400 trended downward, PEG 400 experienced strong upward momentum, especially from Malaysia. This divergence reflects differentiated market positioning and customer base strength across PEG and VPEG exporters.

Q2 2024

Prices rebounded in Q2 2024 across all regions. South Korea’s VPEG 2400 increased 3.84% to USD 1083/MT, supported by better demand recovery. Saudi Arabia’s PEG 400 climbed 5.17% to USD 1007/MT, boosted by increased Gulf and African demand. Malaysia recorded a marginal 0.93% rise to USD 973/MT, reflecting stable regional consumption. Among all, Saudi PEG 400 witnessed the strongest growth momentum, outpacing Malaysia’s modest uptick. Overall, Q2 reflected a mild recovery phase for both PEG and VPEG categories, indicating improved downstream activity and a partial revival of export sentiments across Asian and Middle Eastern markets.

Q1 2024

In Q1 2024, VPEG 2400 exports from South Korea averaged USD 1043/MT, marking a sharp 8.02% decline due to weak demand and reduced feedstock cost. Simultaneously, PEG 400 exports from Saudi Arabia fell 1.76% to USD 958/MT, reflecting mild market corrections. Malaysian PEG 400 saw a steeper drop of 3.70%, averaging USD 964/MT, driven by sluggish regional buying. Overall, the first quarter witnessed a downward pricing trend across all origins, with South Korea facing the largest dip due to lower industrial off-take, while Malaysia and Saudi Arabia adjusted pricing in response to modest export pressures and competitive pricing strategies.

India polyethylene glycol Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast

Q1 2025

In Q1 2025, the price of VPEG 2400 imported by India from South Korea surged by 9.01%, reaching USD 1205/MT. The sharp rise was driven by increased demand and tighter supply conditions. As the new year began, industrial production picked up, leading to a spike in VPEG 2400 consumption, particularly in manufacturing sectors. Additionally, higher feedstock costs and logistical constraints contributed to the price increase. South Korean suppliers capitalized on the demand surge, adjusting prices upwards. This increase marks a positive shift for the Indian market, signalling growth and recovery in industrial demand after a challenging 2024.

Q4 2024

In Q4 2024, the price of VPEG 2400 imported by India from South Korea dropped 3.44%, reaching USD 1105/MT. This decline was driven by end-of-year inventory clearing and slower demand as industrial activities wind down. While the fourth quarter usually sees seasonal dips in demand, the continued pressure from rising feedstock prices and global economic uncertainties further impacted pricing. Despite this, Indian buyers maintained stable import levels, focusing on securing cost-effective deals before the year-end. South Korean suppliers were faced with pricing pressure, needing to balance competitiveness while managing their margins.

Q3 2024

In Q3 2024, VPEG 2400 imports into India from South Korea saw a 2.62% decrease, with prices settling at USD 1144/MT. The decline can be attributed to weakening demand as the monsoon season and economic slowdowns in key industrial sectors, including automotive and construction, impacted overall consumption. While the price remained slightly higher than Q1, the softening trend reflected seasonal adjustments and lower buying activity. The market saw buyers opting for cost-effective alternatives, and South Korean suppliers had to adjust pricing to stay competitive despite the softer demand conditions.

Q2 2024

In Q2 2024, the price of VPEG 2400 imported by India from South Korea increased by 4.33%, reaching USD 1175/MT. This rise was driven by stronger demand from the Indian market, coupled with higher input costs for South Korean producers. With a recovery in industrial activity post the first quarter dip, Indian demand for VPEG 2400 surged, particularly in the automotive and packaging sectors. The price uptick reflected the stabilization of global supply chains, and South Korea was able to command higher prices due to its competitive position in the market.

Q1 2024

In Q1 2024, India’s imports of VPEG 2400 from South Korea saw a 3.33% decrease, with the price dropping to USD 1126/MT. The decline was attributed to a slow start to the year, with lower demand from downstream industries, and price corrections following previous quarter highs. Despite this, South Korean suppliers remained competitive in the Indian market, offering price flexibility. Overall, the first quarter experienced a downward trend, with Indian buyers adjusting to market fluctuations and moderate demand, while suppliers from South Korea sought to maintain their market share amidst the global pricing adjustments.

polyethylene glycol Parameters Covered: 

  • Ethylene oxide (EO)
  • South Korea
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Malaysia
  • Cosmetics & Personal Care
  • Food Industry
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Construction
  • Chemical Manufacturing
  • India
  • Turkey
  • Indonesia
  • Vietnam

polyethylene glycol Parameters Covered: 

  • Ethylene oxide (EO)
  • South Korea
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Malaysia
  • Cosmetics & Personal Care
  • Food Industry
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Construction
  • Chemical Manufacturing
  • India
  • Turkey
  • Indonesia
  • Vietnam

Why PriceWatch?

PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global polyethylene glycol price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the polyethylene glycol 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 polyethylene glycol prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely polyethylene glycol market data.

Track PriceWatch's polyethylene glycol 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.

Historically, several events have caused significant fluctuations in Polyethylene Glycol prices

  • Surplus inventories: Periods of oversupply in the market which lead to price drops. For example, increased production capacity by major manufacturers can saturate the market and reduce prices.
  • Pandemic Impact (2020-2021): The global COVID-19 pandemic led to disruptions in supply chains and changes in demand patterns. Saudi Arabia and China, as a major producer, faced challenges that affected PEG 400 production and pricing.
  • Geopolitical Tensions (2018-2019): U.S.-China trade wars caused price instability due to disrupted supply chains.
  • Changes in Trade Policies: Saudi Arabia’s trade agreements or policy changes regarding the export and import of chemicals can impact PEG 400 prices. For instance, new trade agreements or tariffs can alter market dynamics.
  • U.S.-China Trade War (2018-2019): Trade disputes and tariffs imposed between the U.S. and China affected the chemical industry, including PEG 400. Tariffs on chemical imports and exports impacted market dynamics and pricing.
  • Supply Chain Issues: Disruptions in the supply of key raw materials for PEG 400 production, such as methanol and carbon monoxide, due to domestic and international factors have influenced PEG 400 prices.
  • Oil Price Crises (e.g., 1973, 1980s, 2014-2016): As a major oil producer, Saudi Arabia’s oil price fluctuations impact the cost of raw materials and energy used in PEG 400 production. Sharp oscillations in crude oil prices which indirectly influenced the chemical production costs and PEG 400 prices.

 

These events underscore the PEG 400 market’s vulnerability to global disruptions and highlight the need for continuous monitoring of supply-demand dynamics.

Data Collection and Sources​

  • Real-Time Market Data: PriceWatch aggregates real-time pricing data from a diverse range of sources, including global commodity exchanges, industry reports, and proprietary databases. This ensures that our assessments reflect the most current market conditions.
  • On-the-Ground Intelligence: Our team gathers insights directly from key market participants, including producers, suppliers, traders, and end-users, across major PEG 400 production hubs. This ground-level intelligence is crucial for understanding localized market dynamics.
  • Supply Chain Monitoring: We track the entire PEG 400 supply chain, from raw material availability (e.g., carbon monoxide, dimethylamine) to production and distribution channels. This includes monitoring feedstock prices, production capacities, and transportation logistics.

Event Tracking and Impact Analysis​

  • Geopolitical Tensions: PriceWatch continuously monitors global geopolitical developments, such as conflicts or trade disputes, which can significantly impact PEG 400 prices. Our analysis includes potential disruptions to supply chains and their immediate and long-term effects on pricing.
  • Natural Disasters and Climate Events: We assess the impact of natural disasters, such as hurricanes or winter storms, on PEG 400 production facilities, particularly in vulnerable regions like the U.S. Gulf Coast. These events are factored into our price forecasts and supply outlooks.
  • Economic Shifts: PriceWatch evaluates macroeconomic trends, including global economic growth, inflation rates, and sector-specific demand (e.g., automotive, packaging), to predict shifts in PEG 400 demand and corresponding price movements.

Production Capacity and Supply Analysis

  • Current Production Monitoring: We maintain a comprehensive database of global PEG 400 production facilities, tracking their operational status, maintenance schedules, and output levels. This allows us to assess current supply availability accurately.
  • Future Capacity Projections: Our research includes detailed forecasts of upcoming PEG 400 production capacities, factoring in new plant constructions, expansions, and technological advancements. This helps in predicting future supply trends and potential price stabilization.

Demand Forecasting

  • Sectoral Demand Analysis: PriceWatch provides in-depth analysis of demand trends across key sectors, including packaging, automotive, and construction. We track year-on-year demand growth and project future consumption patterns based on economic indicators and industry developments.
  • Global Demand Dynamics: Our methodology considers regional demand variations and how they influence global PEG 400 pricing. This includes understanding the impact of shifts in manufacturing bases, trade policies, and environmental regulations.

Pricing Model Development

  • Dynamic Pricing Models: PriceWatch utilizes advanced econometric models to forecast PEG 400 prices, incorporating real-time data, historical trends, and projected market conditions. Our models are continuously refined to enhance accuracy and predictive power.
  • Scenario Analysis: We conduct scenario-based assessments to evaluate potential future market conditions. This includes best-case, worst-case, and most likely scenarios, helping our clients prepare for a range of market outcomes.

Reporting and Client Support

  • Comprehensive Reports: Our clients receive detailed reports that include current price assessments, future price forecasts, and in-depth analysis of market drivers. These reports are designed to be actionable, providing clear insights and recommendations.
  • Ongoing Support: PriceWatch offers continuous updates and personalized support to our clients, ensuring they have the most up-to-date information to make informed decisions. Our experts are available to discuss specific market developments and provide tailored advice.

This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable PEG 400 pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions.

Molecular Weight[g/mol]

380–420 g/mol

CAS No

25322-68-3

HS Code

3907.29.11

Molecular Formula

C₂₀H₄₂O₁₃
polyethylene glycol

Polyethylene Glycol 400 (PEG 400) is a versatile, water-soluble polymer widely used in various industrial, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications. It is synthesized from feedstocks like ethylene oxide (EO) through a chemical reaction water or ethylene glycol (EG). It is highly hygroscopic and exhibits excellent lubricating, emulsifying, and solubilizing properties.

Packaging Type

230Kg - Drum

Grades Covered

Industrial

Incoterms Used

FOB South Korea, FOB Saudi Arabia, FOB Malaysia, CIF India (South Korea), CIF Turkey (Saudi Arabia), CIF Vietnam (Malaysia), CIF Indonesia(Malaysia)

Synonym

PEG 400, Polyethylene Oxide (PEO) 400, Macrogol 400

PriceWatch Quotation Terms:

25-28 MT

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.

Component Unit Value by weight
pH-5% in aq @ 25°C pH 4.5 – 7.5
Viscosity @ 210°F (99°C) cSt 6.8 – 8.0
Physical State Liquid
Boiling Point °C > 200 (decompose)
Melting Point °C 4 – 8
Solubility in Water @ 20 °C wt% 100
Water wt% 0.5 max
Acidity, as Acetic Acid wt% 0.02 max

Applications

Polyethylene Glycol 400 (PEG 400) is a versatile, water-soluble polymer used across various industries due to its excellent solubility, lubricating properties, and low viscosity. Below is a combined overview of its key applications in different sectors such as as a solvent and carrier in oral, injectable, and topical pharmaceutical formulations, used as an osmotic laxative, in synthesis of various polymers and as a plasticizer in the production of synthetic rubber.

Polyethylene Glycol price provided by PriceWatch is a base price and excludes VAT/Taxes, discounts, or offers. The information herein is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the date indicated and is provided solely for the convenience of our customers as a reference for polyethylene glycol. PriceWatch disclaims any warranties or representations regarding the accuracy of results derived from this information. It is the sole responsibility of the user to assess the suitability of the product for their specific application. This document does not constitute an endorsement to use the product in violation of any applicable patent rights.

The pricing of PEG 400 (PEG 400) is influenced by several factors, including fluctuations in raw material costs (such as ethylene oxide (EO)), energy prices, and supply chain dynamics. Additionally, demand from key industries like pharmaceuticals, textiles, and electronics, along with geopolitical events and trade policies, can significantly impact PEG 400 pricing. Procurement heads must monitor these variables to manage costs effectively.

Feedstock availability, particularly for key components like ethylene oxide (EO), directly impacts PEG 400 pricing. Shortages or disruptions in the production of these raw materials, due to factors such as weather conditions, geopolitical tensions, or regulatory changes, can lead to price increases. Conversely, improved feedstock availability can drive prices down, allowing for more cost-effective procurement strategies.

PEG 400 prices can vary significantly by region due to differences in production capacities, raw material costs, and local demand. For example, regions with higher production capabilities, such as South Korea and the Middle East, may offer more competitive pricing compared to Europe or North America. Procurement teams should evaluate regional price variations and consider diversifying sourcing from cost-effective markets to optimize procurement strategies.

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