Production: Domestic 2-ethylhexanol (Oxo-alcohol) production totaled 69,600 tons this week, a decrease of 1,900 tons from the previous week. Operating rates stood at 75%, down by 2 percentage points. The average weekly gross margin was -300 RMB/ton, a decline of 366 RMB/ton compared to the prior week.
Demand: DOP operating rates were at 46%, down 7 percentage points from last week; DOTP operating rates were at 55%, down 5 percentage points; and isooctyl acrylate operating rates were at 49%, remaining flat compared to last week.
| Domestic 2-Ethylhexanol Market Trend Chart (Unit: RMB/ton) |
|---|
| Data Source: Chempricehub Information |
Domestic 2-Ethylhexanol Price Weekly Change Table
Unit: RMB/ton
| Region | Last Week Close | This Week Close | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shandong Region | 8,950 | 9,100 | +150 | +1.68% |
| East China Region | 9,150 | 9,375 | +225 | +2.46% |
Data Source: Chempricehub Information
Following the return from the holiday, domestic 2-ethylhexanol market prices gradually rebounded. As of October 10, ex-factory prices in Shandong rose to 9,000–9,200 RMB/ton, an increase of 150 RMB/ton compared to the end of September. The upward momentum was primarily driven by significant price hikes in the raw material propylene. Post-holiday supply tightness led to sharp increases in propylene prices, raising 2-ethylhexanol production costs and resulting in severe losses for manufacturers. Driven by these cost pressures, 2-ethylhexanol prices rebounded gradually. However, due to inventory accumulation during the holiday period, the magnitude of the market price rebound was smaller than the rise in costs. Downstream plasticizer product prices also surged significantly, facilitating smooth price transmission from upstream to downstream, which helped reduce manufacturer inventories.
Supply: Expected decrease in domestic 2-ethylhexanol supply, leading to reduced supply pressure.
Demand: Anticipated increase in operating rates for downstream plasticizer units, boosting rigid demand for 2-ethylhexanol.
Costs: Raw material propylene prices are expected to remain high, maintaining a cost-inversion situation for 2-ethylhexanol producers.
Due to the cost inversion, domestic 2-ethylhexanol supply is expected to decline, thereby alleviating overall supply pressure. Meanwhile, healthy profit margins in the downstream plasticizer sector suggest that unit operating loads may increase, supporting rigid demand for 2-ethylhexanol. Propylene prices remain strong, keeping 2-ethylhexanol producers in a state of cost inversion with significant loss pressures. Overall, the 2-ethylhexanol market is likely to exhibit a firm trading trend next week. Future focus should remain on propylene price movements and maintenance schedules of 2-ethylhexanol enterprises.
For more weekly market analysis, please refer to the Chempricehub Information Oxo-Alcohol Weekly Report.
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