Dow to Raise Prices on Ethylene Glycol Ethers by 5% Starting January 6

Starting January 6, Dow announced it will implement a price increase on various ethylene glycol ether products sold in the North American market. The products affected by this price adjustment include CELLOSOLVE™, CARBITOL™, and Butoxy Triethylene Glycol (BTG).

Specifically, the price adjustments are as follows:

• CELLOSOLVE™ Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether: Price increased by $0.05 per pound;
• CARBITOL™ Ethylene Glycol Butyl Ether: Price increased by $0.05 per pound;
• Butoxy Triethylene Glycol (BTG): Price increased by $0.05 per pound.

Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether is widely used in coatings and cleaning products, while ethylene glycol butyl ether is an important co-solvent in the coatings industry due to its properties that improve film-forming, flow, and leveling. Butoxy triethylene glycol has significant value in various industrial applications, helping to enhance the flow, leveling, and film-forming properties of related applications.

According to analysis by Huizheng Information, in December 2024, the North American ethylene glycol ether market continued to show an upward trend due to the growth in end-user consumption. Particularly, the demand for moisturizers in the personal care industry in the United States, especially in cosmetics production, has significantly driven the demand for ethylene glycol ethers. During the 2024 Black Friday period, online sales in the U.S. personal care industry increased by 14.6% year-on-year, reflecting not only robust seasonal demand but also consumer preference for online shopping. In light of these changes in supply and demand conditions, Dow decided to raise prices on its ethylene glycol ether products.

Moreover, despite stable production of ethylene glycol ethers in November, rising energy costs kept export prices unchanged. The increased demand for ethylene glycol in automotive antifreeze led to a rise in the price of the raw material ethylene oxide, providing additional support for production costs. The energy cost index rose by 0.2% in the month, further impacting production costs. It is expected that during the winter peak period, the supply of ethylene glycol ethers will be limited, and due to low supply and rising production costs, market participants may increase their quotes.

Looking ahead, it is anticipated that order volumes for ethylene glycol ethers will increase, with orders from cosmetics manufacturers expected to grow steadily, and the demand from the fast-moving consumer goods sector will further expand. The growth in demand is expected to enhance the market outlook for ethylene glycol ethers. Dow's price increase reflects the rising production costs driven by higher energy prices and increased demand for raw materials like ethylene oxide. This decision aligns with market conditions, ensuring stability in market supply as demand continues to grow in sectors like personal care and fast-moving consumer goods.