Get the ChemPriceHub app — track prices on the go. Membership syncs across app & web. View plans
 
Home > News > Ethylene oxide supply tightness lifts polycarboxylate monomer prices as downstre...

Ethylene oxide supply tightness lifts polycarboxylate monomer prices as downstream demand stays cautious

Published on 2026-11-03
  1. Daily Summary

① Feedstock: East China ethylene oxide (EO) prices reached 9,700 RMB/ton, while domestic ethylene prices rose to 10,050 RMB/ton.
② Demand: Downstream buyers remained cautious about high-priced procurement, preferring to replenish stocks at lower price points.

  1. Spot Market Overview

Table 1: Domestic Polycarboxylate Superplasticizer Monomer Price Summary (Unit: RMB/ton)

Region Specification 2026-11-02 2026-11-03 Change Value Change Rate
East China EPEG 10,300–10,600 10,400–10,600 +100 / 0 +0.97% / 0%
HPEG 10,400–10,700 10,500–10,700 +100 / 0 +0.96% / 0%
TPEG 10,400–10,700 10,500–10,700 +100 / 0 +0.96% / 0%
South China EPEG 10,400–10,600 10,400–10,700 0 / +100 0% / +0.94%
HPEG 10,500–10,700 10,500–10,800 0 / +100 0% / +0.93%
TPEG 10,500–10,700 10,500–10,800 0 / +100 0% / +0.93%
Northeast China HPEG 10,100–10,350 10,150–10,350 +50 / 0 +0.5% / 0%
EPEG 10,100–10,350 10,150–10,350 +50 / 0 +0.5% / 0%
TPEG 10,200–10,450 10,250–10,450 +50 / 0 +0.49% / 0%
Source: Chempricehub Info

Domestic polycarboxylate superplasticizer monomer prices edged higher today. The regional supply of feedstock ethylene oxide (EO) was relatively tight, providing market support. Downstream industries maintained steady trading based on rigid demand consumption, keeping EO prices stable. In the ethylene market, spot resources available for sale in East China were scarce, leading to continued upward revisions in offer prices. Some downstream factories in peripheral regions held low inventories and purchased small volumes of high-priced cargo out of necessity. Fundamentals in the EO market offered supportive factors, reducing the availability of low-priced monomer cargoes; consequently, downstream buyers procured cautiously, seeking lower prices. In summary, the expected price range for EPEG in the main East China market for the next working day is 10,400–10,600 RMB/ton.

  1. Production Dynamics

Today, the capacity utilization rate of the polycarboxylate superplasticizer monomer industry stood at 30.33%, a month-on-month decline. The gross profit margin for HPEG monomers was -174 RMB/ton.

  1. Price Forecast

For the next working day, domestic polycarboxylate superplasticizer monomer prices are likely to remain firm or stable. Key feedstock ethylene oxide (EO) is expected to maintain stability. Facilities undergoing prior maintenance have not yet fully resumed operations, with some units experiencing short-term shutdowns or reduced loads, supporting the supply side. Downstream users will continue purchasing based on rigid demand. While tight ethylene supply persists, most derivative products show reluctance to chase further price hikes, suggesting a trend of stability with a slight bullish bias; cost-side pressures may provide some support. Monomer producers face manageable inventory pressure and are holding prices firm to facilitate sales. Downstream users remain cautious in raw material procurement, primarily engaging in inquiries driven by immediate needs, with transactions negotiated individually. In conclusion, the expected price range for EPEG in the main East China market is 10,400–10,600 RMB/ton.

  1. Related Product Status

① Ethylene Oxide (Feedstock): EO prices are projected to run stably. On the supply side, temporary unplanned shutdowns and scheduled maintenance outages are occurring concurrently, limiting spot availability and tightening overall supply. On the demand side, major downstream industries exhibit a willingness to hold prices firm, though trading sentiment remains average, with key downstream markets purchasing strictly according to rigid demand. Regarding costs, the domestic ethylene market is trending stronger due to tight supply, with some external sellers withholding offers, leading to continued increases in quoted prices. Overall, tightened supply and high cost levels support stable EO market conditions. Continued monitoring of upstream and downstream changes is recommended.

  1. Data Calendar

Table 2: Domestic Polycarboxylate Superplasticizer Monomer Data Overview (Unit: 10,000 tons)

Indicator Release Time Previous Period Expected Trend This Period
Sellable Inventory Rate Thursday 17:00 PM -24.86% ↗
Weekly Output Thursday 17:00 PM 3.38 ↘
Capacity Utilization Rate Thursday 17:00 PM 30.33% ↘
Source: Chempricehub Info. Note: 1. ↓↑ indicates significant volatility, highlighting data dimensions with fluctuations exceeding 3%. 2. ↗↘ indicates narrow-range volatility, highlighting data dimensions with fluctuations within 0–3%.

Comments

0
  • Marcus Hayes 2026-11-03 20:02
    With tight EO supply pushing feedstock costs up, monomer prices edged higher, yet weak downstream demand keeps buyers cautious. Negative HPEG margins and declining capacity utilization signal real margin pressure. Expect..
No comments yet.