Asian isopropanol prices hit new highs in April

Due to the continued enthusiasm for the demand for isopropyl alcohol, the price of Asian isopropyl alcohol (IPA) reached a new high in nine years on April 17. ICIS data shows that since the beginning of this year, IPA prices have almost doubled, from $ 780 / tonne (CFR, Southeast Asia) on January 3 to $ 1,500 / tonne (CFR, Southeast Asia) on April 17. Demand for IPA is strong, and buyers from the United States, Europe, and India have sought inquiries from Asian suppliers.

Canned sales are still the favorite method of Asian suppliers, because the packaging time is faster and more convenient. In addition, compared with bulk materials, canned sales are more profitable. The sales price of canned goods shipped to other regions can be as high as $ 2,000 / tonne (FOB, Northeast Asia). It is reported that the transaction price of shipments from the second half of the month to the end of May is 1400 to 1600 US dollars per ton (CFR, Southeast Asia).

In terms of production, almost all IPA factories in China are in operation. Suppliers in Northeast Asia maintained normal operating rates. In other regions, IPA demand has been boosted due to the expansion of disinfectant production by multiple companies / factories to combat the new coronavirus epidemic.