Demand has skyrocketed and Asian isopropanol prices have hit a nine-year high!

On April 17, 2020, as the demand for isopropyl alcohol (IPA) continued to grow, the isopropyl alcohol price in the Asian market reached a new high in nine years.

In the first four months of this year, the price of isopropanol almost doubled, up 92%. According to data from the market consulting company Anxisi (ICIS), the cost-plus-freight (CFR) price of isopropyl alcohol in Southeast Asia increased from $ 780 / ton on January 3 to $ 1,500 / ton on April 17.

Demand for isopropanol has surged, and countries such as the United States, Europe and India have sought supply from Asian suppliers.

Asian suppliers mostly use ISO containers to sell products because it is easier to ship and more profitable. Isopropanol shipped from Northeast Asia to other continents has an FOB price of US $ 2,000 / ton. But as Southeast Asian importers urgently need bulk products, the CFR price for Southeast Asia shipments in the second half of May is said to be US $ 1400 ~ 1600 / ton.

In terms of production, almost all isopropyl alcohol plants in China are in operation, including those that use the propylene method and the acetone method to produce isopropyl alcohol.

Isopropyl alcohol can be used to produce disinfectants, including hand sanitizer and disinfectant alcohol. Many chemical companies and other companies have begun to produce disinfectants, bactericides and other personal protective equipment and products to help medical personnel and other groups fight against the new coronavirus.