Stable operation of ethylene oxide prices in April 2024

In April 2024, the price of ethylene oxide remained stable and the price gradient increased within the year. According to data from Business Society, as of April 29th, the average market price of ethylene oxide in China was 7000 yuan/ton, an increase of 9.38% compared to the market average price of 6400 yuan/ton at the beginning of the year.

Loose prices of some downstream products

At present, the industrial chain is in a state of poor cost oriented transmission. After the upstream raw material ethylene price rose, it remained at a relatively high level, but some downstream product prices slightly fell. Coupled with the main downstream polycarboxylate water reducing agent monomer prices remaining stable, the demand for ethylene oxide is generally supported.

Supply is tight

In the early stage, there were frequent spring shutdowns and maintenance of epoxy ethane in China, and some enterprises started to reduce their workload due to equipment maintenance. In the first quarter, the operating load of domestic equipment was about 60%, which was lower than the operating rate of 68% in the same quarter last year. The supply of ethylene oxide in the market supports relatively strong prices.

Future market forecast

Under the support of cost, the price of ethylene oxide may continue to remain strong, but in the later stage, with the resumption of production of early maintenance equipment, there is an expected increase in supply side pressure, with significant upward pressure and short-term fluctuations and stability maintenance as the main focus.