Ethylene Oxide Prices, Chart, Index, Trends, Demand and Forecast | Q3 2025

Ethylene Oxide Prices: Q3 2025 Market Analysis

Ethylene oxide (EO) is a key industrial chemical widely used in the production of ethylene glycol, surfactants, detergents, and other chemical intermediates. The market dynamics of EO are influenced by factors such as feedstock availability, downstream demand, production capacity, and global trade flows. For the quarter ending September 2025, Ethylene Oxide prices have displayed notable movements across major regions including North America, APAC, Europe, and the Middle East & Africa (MEA). This article provides a detailed analysis of price trends, drivers, and market outlook, optimized for the keyword “Ethylene Oxide Prices.”

Global Overview of Ethylene Oxide Prices

In Q3 2025, the global Ethylene Oxide market experienced a moderate upward trend, reflecting a combination of supply tightness, feedstock cost pressures, and robust demand in export markets. While price growth varied across regions, the overall trajectory indicates continued interest from downstream industries such as polyester production, surfactant manufacturing, and chemical intermediates.

Get Real time Prices for Ethylene Oxide: https://www.chemanalyst.com/ChemAnalyst/PricingForm?Product=Ethylene%20Oxide

Several factors contributed to the regional variations:

• Feedstock costs: Ethylene price fluctuations directly influenced EO pricing.
• Exports and trade arbitrage: North America and the Middle East saw elevated demand from export markets.
• Downstream consumption: Industrial applications, especially in Asia and Europe, impacted regional EO pricing.

The following sections provide a detailed regional breakdown of Ethylene Oxide prices for Q3 2025.

North America Ethylene Oxide Prices

USA Market Performance

In the United States, the Ethylene Oxide Price Index rose by 5.0% quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025. This price increase was primarily driven by strong export demand, with several downstream manufacturers securing EO for ethylene glycol and surfactant production.

• Average Price: USD 1763.00/MT
• Price Basis: Contract settlements across major Gulf Coast suppliers
• Key Drivers:

• Robust export arbitrage opportunities to APAC and Latin America.
• Steady domestic demand from polyethylene glycol and surfactant producers.
• Limited unplanned plant outages keeping supply tight in certain regions.

The U.S. market continues to benefit from its cost-competitive production base. However, volatility in ethylene prices and downstream consumption patterns remain key factors influencing EO price trends in the near term.

Factors Influencing North American EO Prices

1. Export Demand: North American EO producers have increasingly relied on export markets to maintain plant utilization rates. With Asia-Pacific demand for ethylene glycol remaining strong, U.S. suppliers enjoyed favorable pricing.
2. Feedstock Costs: Ethylene feedstock prices remained moderately elevated, supporting higher EO pricing during the quarter.
3. Inventory Management: Strategic drawdowns and cautious stocking by distributors contributed to price stability and incremental gains.

Overall, the North American EO market demonstrated resilience with a positive quarterly price movement.

APAC Ethylene Oxide Prices

Japan Market Dynamics

In Japan, the Ethylene Oxide Price Index rose by 1.88% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting feedstock pressures and incremental demand from downstream applications such as detergents and chemical intermediates.

• Average Price: USD 904.67/MT
• Price Basis: Depot assessments from major chemical distributors
• Key Drivers:

• Slight increase in ethylene prices impacting production costs.
• Stable demand from industrial applications amid seasonal production cycles.
• Import reliance maintaining sensitivity to regional supply-demand imbalances.

Despite the modest price increase, the Japanese EO market remained relatively stable, with downstream buyers cautious amid higher raw material costs.

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Broader APAC Market Trends

Across the Asia-Pacific region, EO prices showed varied trends:

• China: Domestic EO production remained stable, with some pressure from feedstock volatility.
• Southeast Asia: Demand for surfactants and ethylene glycol contributed to steady pricing.
• India: EO imports and regional distribution costs influenced price fluctuations.

In general, feedstock-driven costs and supply-demand alignment remained the major determinants of EO pricing in APAC.

European Ethylene Oxide Prices

France Market Analysis

In France, the Ethylene Oxide Price Index rose by 3.3% quarter-over-quarter, driven by increased feedstock demand and downstream production requirements.

• Average Price: USD 996.67/MT
• Price Basis: FD (Free Delivered) Marseille
• Key Drivers:

• Rising ethylene costs in Europe affecting EO production economics.
• Steady industrial consumption from polyester and chemical intermediates sectors.
• Export opportunities within the EU maintaining competitive pricing.

European EO markets remain sensitive to both feedstock cost fluctuations and energy pricing, with regional demand from chemical manufacturing driving quarterly price gains.

Factors Affecting European EO Pricing

1. Feedstock Volatility: Ethylene and energy costs continue to play a significant role in determining EO prices.
2. Downstream Demand: Polyester fiber production and chemical intermediates remained consistent contributors to price movements.
3. Trade and Export: While domestic demand is significant, cross-border EU trade helps balance supply-demand and influences price levels.

The European EO market is characterized by moderate price growth, supported by consistent industrial demand and feedstock-linked cost pressures.

MEA (Middle East & Africa) Ethylene Oxide Prices

Saudi Arabia Market Overview

In Saudi Arabia, the Ethylene Oxide Price Index rose by 2.15% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting strong ethylene pricing and export demand dynamics.

• Average Price: USD 1265.67/MT
• Price Basis: Export trade assessments
• Key Drivers:

• Robust demand from international buyers seeking competitively priced Middle East EO.
• Ethylene feedstock supply stability supporting consistent EO production.
• Export logistics and shipping cost considerations influencing market pricing.

MEA markets, especially in Saudi Arabia, continue to play a vital role in global EO trade due to cost-competitive production and strategic proximity to key export regions.

Regional Market Insights

1. Export Orientation: Middle East EO producers rely heavily on export markets to maintain production efficiencies.
2. Feedstock Costs: Ethylene pricing in the MEA region remains a critical driver for EO pricing.
3. Trade Dynamics: Logistics and international trade flows can influence short-term pricing fluctuations, particularly in response to global demand patterns.

The MEA EO market shows a positive quarterly price trend, albeit more moderate than North America and Europe, reflecting its role as an export-driven hub.

Key Factors Driving Global Ethylene Oxide Prices

Across all regions, several common factors have influenced Ethylene Oxide Prices in Q3 2025:

1. Feedstock Prices: Ethylene remains the primary cost component, with price fluctuations directly impacting EO pricing globally.
2. Export and Import Demand: International trade flows, especially between North America, MEA, and APAC, have created opportunities for price increases.
3. Downstream Consumption: EO demand from ethylene glycol, detergents, surfactants, and chemical intermediates consistently supports regional pricing.
4. Production Capacity & Plant Utilization: Plant maintenance schedules, outages, and capacity utilization levels influence supply tightness and market prices.
5. Energy Costs: Particularly in Europe and APAC, energy prices play a significant role in production economics and EO pricing.
6. Inventory Management: Distributor strategies in inventory stocking or drawdowns affect quarterly price movements.

Understanding these drivers helps stakeholders anticipate potential market shifts in the coming quarters.

Price Comparison Across Regions: Q3 2025

This comparative overview demonstrates that North America led quarterly price growth, supported by exports, while APAC and MEA markets experienced moderate increases.

Outlook for Ethylene Oxide Prices

Looking ahead to Q4 2025, several factors may influence Ethylene Oxide Prices globally:

1. Feedstock Volatility: Changes in ethylene supply or price fluctuations could drive EO pricing adjustments across all regions.
2. Export Market Dynamics: Strong demand from Asia and Latin America may continue to support North American and Middle East prices.
3. Downstream Industrial Activity: Seasonal shifts in ethylene glycol, surfactant, and polyester production will influence regional EO demand.
4. Production Capacity Changes: Planned maintenance, new capacity additions, or unplanned outages can create supply tightness or easing, affecting pricing.
5. Energy and Transportation Costs: Rising energy prices in Europe or shipping disruptions in MEA/APAC regions could further impact EO pricing trends.

Market participants should closely monitor these variables to anticipate potential price movements in Q4 2025 and beyond.

Get Real time Prices for Ethylene Oxide: https://www.chemanalyst.com/ChemAnalyst/PricingForm?Product=Ethylene%20Oxide

Conclusion

For the quarter ending September 2025, Ethylene Oxide Prices showed an overall upward trend across major regions. The U.S. led with a 5.0% increase, while France, Saudi Arabia, and Japan recorded more moderate gains due to feedstock pressures and export demand. Key drivers include ethylene costs, downstream consumption, export flows, and regional trade dynamics.

The North American market continues to be influenced by export opportunities, while APAC prices reflect feedstock volatility and depot-level assessments. Europe’s EO market remains sensitive to energy and feedstock costs, and MEA pricing is export-driven, benefiting from competitive production economics.

As global markets navigate supply-demand shifts, production costs, and downstream demand trends, stakeholders in the EO sector should prepare for continued moderate price growth and region-specific volatility. Strategic inventory management, awareness of export arbitrage, and monitoring feedstock developments will remain critical for market participants.

The Q3 2025 performance highlights that Ethylene Oxide Prices are poised to remain resilient, with opportunities for producers and distributors to optimize sales strategies amid dynamic market conditions.

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