MDI Prices Surge by 100 Dollars in Southeast Asia Starting June as Global Giants Signal Uptrend

On May 29, industry sources revealed that Wanhua Chemical will raise the price of both polymeric and pure MDI by $100/ton in Southeast Asia starting June 1. The move is seen as part of a broader pricing wave across the global isocyanates market.

As of May 26, domestic prices in East China stood at RMB 18,000/ton for pure MDI and RMB 16,100/ton for polymeric MDI, reflecting a steady market with room for upward momentum.

This is not Wanhua’s first hike in the region. Back on January 15, the company implemented a $200/ton price increase for MDI and TDI in ASEAN, effective immediately or according to contract terms.

The price pressure isn’t isolated. U.S. giant Huntsman followed with an announcement in January to raise MDI and related system products in EMEA and India by €125/ton, effective February 1. Meanwhile, BASF launched two major price increases in early January, raising its Lupranate® MDI MS grade by $300/ton, and just three days later, doing the same for Lupranate® TDI in both Southeast and South Asia.

A synchronized upward trend is now becoming evident among major global players. With construction, appliances, and automotive demand expected to pick up in the second half of the year, buyers in ASEAN may face growing cost pressures.

The June 1 adjustment by Wanhua is likely just one step in a larger pricing cycle, as producers tighten supply and pass on costs to downstream markets. Industry players should brace for a volatile summer.