In Q1 2024 the Asian PPG market decreased by 0.21% as compared to the Q4 of 2023. The polypropylene market across the Asia-Pacific region experienced a dynamic pricing environment with notable fluctuations. Prices started on a downward trend in January, largely due to reduced demand in downstream industries. This decline was further exacerbated by the depreciation of the South Korean won against the US dollar, which increased the cost of imports, including polypropylene glycol. As a result, both businesses and consumers scaled back their purchases, adding to the downward pressure on prices. The challenges in the Asian market have had a same impact on price of India, Australia, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and USA, as South Korea is a significant exporter to all these countries. By the end of the quarter in South Korea, the price of Polypropylene Glycol reached 1634 USD per metric ton in March.
In Q2 2024, the Asian polypropylene glycol (PPG) market followed a bearish trend, marked by mild month-to-month fluctuations. Early in the quarter, feedstock availability helped stabilize prices. However, as the quarter progressed, demand for the commodity weakened. Alongside the softening demand, the cost of raw materials and production also trended downward, further driving a decline in polypropylene glycol prices. In South Korea, PPG market showed a downward trend towards the end of the quarter. By the end of the quarter in June, the price of PPG in South Korea settled at 1572 USD per metric ton.
In Q3 2024, the PPG market will continue to experience an upward price pressure due to ongoing supply limitations. The growing demand for adhesives, paints, automotives will expect to boost the PPG market in the APAC region. As of July 2024, PPG prices were fluctuating and reflecting around 0.23% decrease from the previous month. In the beginning of the quarter in July, the price of South Korea reached at 1535 USD per metric ton.
In Q4 2024, the Asia-Pacific region will experience upward trend in PPG prices. Key factors driving these price fluctuations include differing demand trends across various countries, particularly influenced by Asia’s strong performance. Additionally, rising raw material prices will affect production costs, while ongoing trade tensions will disrupt regional supply chains. In the short term, the PPG market will experience growth primarily due to rising demand from the construction, transportation and pharmaceuticals. In addition, the global production of PPG is expected to increase owing to the rising demand for construction from end use industries.