During Q1 2025, the international Propylene Carbonate market saw a significant downturn across all regions. China FOB prices dropped to $757/MT, reflecting a sharp 10.63% decrease compared to Q4 2024. The decline was driven by weaker demand from key end-use industries such as coatings and battery manufacturing, compounded by excess supply in the market. Similarly, CIF Vietnam prices fell by 10.32%, reaching $808/MT, as regional markets faced subdued industrial activity and cautious purchasing from downstream sectors. CIF Turkey prices also decreased by 8.02%, to $940/MT, influenced by slower demand from the automotive and electronics industries. Overall, the market sentiment remained negative, with buyers hesitating to commit to large purchases due to uncertainty in the economic outlook.
In Q4 2024, the market exhibited a modest decline, with China FOB prices falling to $847/MT, a 0.82% decrease compared to Q3 2024. CIF Vietnam prices dropped by 3.94%, to $901/MT, as regional demand weakened further, particularly in the automotive and coatings sectors. On the other hand, CIF Turkey saw a significant drop of 5.02%, with prices reaching $1022/MT, as the Turkish market faced higher inventory levels and slower off-take, despite some resilience in other regional sectors. The market was under pressure from both weaker demand and continued logistical challenges, affecting price stability.
During Q3 2024, China FOB prices were quoted at $854/MT, marking a 3.06% decrease from Q2 2024. CIF Vietnam prices decreased by 1.47%, to $938/MT, reflecting a slowdown in local manufacturing activity and a reduction in restocking efforts. CIF Turkey prices rose modestly by 2.28%, reaching $1076/MT, supported by steady demand from specific industrial applications, particularly in the chemical and automotive sectors. Despite the slight improvement in Turkey, the overall market remained under pressure due to rising costs and logistical delays.
In Q2 2024, the market saw a slight price recovery after the Q1 downturn. China FOB prices increased to $881/MT, reflecting a 2.32% rise compared to Q1 2024, as downstream demand stabilized, particularly in the electronics and coatings industries. CIF Vietnam prices rose by 2.92%, reaching $952/MT, bolstered by restocking activity in Southeast Asia and improved industrial activity. CIF Turkey prices rose by 3.75%, reaching $1052/MT, supported by strong demand from the automotive and chemical sectors. The market appeared to show signs of stabilization as demand in key industries helped offset some of the earlier downturns.
During Q1 2024, the Propylene Carbonate market saw a relatively weaker start to the year. China FOB prices were recorded at $861/MT, reflecting a 5.18% decrease from the previous quarter. CIF Vietnam prices also declined by 0.64%, to $925/MT, influenced by slower manufacturing activity and cautious buying behavior in the region. In contrast, CIF Turkey prices increased by 5.30%, reaching $1014/MT, due to continued demand from the automotive and coatings sectors, which helped cushion the overall decline. The market remained relatively stable in Turkey, while other regions faced challenges stemming from softer industrial demand and logistical constraints.
In Q1 2025, the Indian Propylene Carbonate market faced a clear downward trend. CIF India prices dropped sharply to INR 72,360/MT, registering a -7.46% decrease from the previous quarter. The decline was mainly due to weak post-festive industrial demand and oversupply in the market, especially from China, where export availability remained strong. Indian buyers were conservative with procurement, relying on previously built-up inventories. Ex-Mumbai prices also declined, settling at INR 90,521/MT, down -2.71%, as distributors lowered prices to clear stock amidst low offtakes.
In Q4 2024, the market saw limited price movement but began to soften. CIF prices edged up slightly to INR 78,191/MT, reflecting a 0.33% increase from Q3. While the Indian festive season boosted demand in sectors like coatings and packaging, overall purchase volumes were cautious due to comfortable inventory levels. Freight rates remained stable, and imports from China continued without disruption. Meanwhile, Ex-Mumbai prices fell to INR 93,041/MT, marking a -3.25% dip, as sellers adjusted to match muted end-user demand despite the festive backdrop.
In Q3 2024, the market stabilized with minimal fluctuation. CIF India prices dipped to INR 77,931/MT, a -0.98% decrease over Q2. The monsoon season led to slower activity in the construction and coatings industries, which softened demand. Meanwhile, there were no major constraints in supply from China, keeping availability steady. Ex-Mumbai prices remained nearly flat at INR 96,166/MT, reflecting a 0.87% increase, likely supported by steady local distribution and some delayed demand from earlier quarters.
In Q2 2024, Propylene Carbonate prices saw a modest rise. CIF prices increased to INR 78,701/MT, showing a 3.41% gain from Q1. This was driven by restocking across key end-user industries, including electronics, automotive chemicals, and cleaning formulations. Some firmness in Chinese domestic demand also reduced export supply, supporting higher prices. On the domestic front, Ex-Mumbai prices rose to INR 95,333/MT, up 3.25%, as traders passed on higher import costs and responded to slightly stronger buyer interest.
In Q1 2024, the market started off slightly bearish. CIF India prices dropped to INR 76,105/MT, showing a -1.55% decline from Q4 2023. Demand remained slow across industrial sectors following the New Year break, and Chinese suppliers maintained steady export flows despite minor port disruptions during Lunar New Year. As a result, the Indian market remained well-stocked. Ex-Mumbai prices mirrored this softness, falling to INR 92,333/MT, down -4.11%, as local players avoided aggressive purchasing in a subdued demand environment.
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These events highlight the volatility of the propylene carbonate market and emphasize the need for constant monitoring of regional demand, geopolitical factors, and raw material prices to anticipate future price trends.
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Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Propylene Carbonate is a versatile, colourless, and odourless liquid with a high polarity, making it an effective solvent in a wide range of industrial applications. It is commonly used as a solvent in paints, coatings, and adhesives due to its ability to dissolve both organic and inorganic compounds. In the electronics and automotive industries, Propylene Carbonate is used in the production of lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors as a key component of electrolyte solutions. Additionally, it serves as a solvent in the production of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and in cleaning agents. Propylene Carbonate is an eco-friendly alternative to more hazardous solvents, making it a preferred choice for environmentally conscious formulations.
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.
Property | Specification
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Appearance
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Clear to pale yellow liquid
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Purity
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≥99.7%
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Water
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≤0.02%
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Specific Gravity @20/20°C
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1.203-1.210
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Viscosity (CPS) @ 25°C (77°F)
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2.4
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Distillation @ 760mm, Hg IBP, min
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195°C
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Density (pounds per gallon) at 20°C (68°F)
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10.0
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Flash Point GT (SETA) °F
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275°
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Applications
Propylene Carbonate is primarily used as a solvent in various applications, including in the manufacture of paints, coatings, adhesives, and cleaning agents. It is also utilized in the production of lithium-ion batteries, where it acts as a solvent in electrolyte solutions. Additionally, Propylene Carbonate is used in the pharmaceutical industry as a solvent for drugs, in the cosmetics industry for formulations, and in industrial cleaning processes. Its high dielectric constant makes it useful in electrochemical applications, and it is also a key ingredient in some chemical synthesis processes.
The pricing of Propylene Carbonate is influenced by several key factors, including the cost of propylene oxide, which is a primary raw material in its production. Additionally, fluctuations in global supply and demand for industries such as batteries (especially lithium-ion batteries), solvents, coatings, and personal care products play a significant role. Changes in crude oil prices and energy costs can also impact production expenses. Moreover, trade tariffs, regulatory changes, environmental standards, and logistical costs are external elements that contribute to variability in Propylene Carbonate pricing.
Regional production can have a substantial effect on Propylene Carbonate pricing. Regions with strong local production capabilities, such as Asia-Pacific, often have more competitive pricing due to proximity to raw material sources and lower transportation costs. In contrast, regions that rely heavily on imports, such as North America or Europe, may experience higher costs due to shipping fees, import duties, and potential supply chain disruptions. Local demand, especially from industries like battery manufacturing and cleaning products, can also impact pricing trends regionally.
The latest trend in Propylene Carbonate pricing has been influenced by the increasing demand in sectors like energy storage (for lithium-ion batteries) and the expansion of the green energy market. As raw material costs fluctuate, along with global supply chain disruptions, prices have seen upward pressure. To secure better rates, buyers can consider entering into long-term contracts with suppliers, monitoring fluctuations in propylene oxide prices, and exploring bulk purchasing options. Staying informed about industry-specific demand trends, particularly in battery technology and sustainable energy, can also help in securing competitive pricing.
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