Cost Decline, Weak Demand—Oxynol Prices Fluctuate and Fall This Week

October 27th, news

This week, the price of 2-ethylhexanol in China fluctuated and fell.

According to the commodity market analysis system, as of October 27th, the price of 2-ethylhexanol was 5883.33 CNY/ton, a decrease of 6.37% from the price of 6283.33 CNY/ton on October 20th. Some companies in China have been conducting maintenance on their 2-ethylhexanol production equipment, leading to a slight decrease in the operating load of 2-ethylhexanol facilities. The operating rate of 2-ethylhexanol production is below 90%, resulting in a decrease in supply. Additionally, the price of propylene has fallen, reducing the cost of 2-ethylhexanol. This week, both the supply and demand for 2-ethylhexanol in China were weak, and with the reduction in costs, the price of 2-ethylhexanol has experienced a downward fluctuation.

The cost of raw material propylene has decreased in China.

According to the commodity market analysis system, as of October 27, the propylene price in China was 6158.25 CNY/ton, a decrease of 0.61% from the price of 6195.75 CNY/ton on October 20. This week, the propylene price in China has been fluctuating downward, with raw material prices falling, leading to a decrease in the cost of 2-ethylhexanol and increasing the pressure for a decrease in 2-ethylhexanol prices.

Downstream plasticizer DOP prices fluctuated and fell in China.

According to the commodity market analysis system, as of October 27, the DOP price was 7109.16 CNY/ton, a decrease of 1.39% from the DOP price of 7209.17 CNY/ton on October 20. This week, the DOP price has been fluctuating downward. The operating load of DOP enterprises in China is less than 60%, with a slight decline in the operating rate, leading to a decrease in DOP production. The support for isooctanol demand has also decreased, putting significant downward pressure on the isooctanol price.

Future Market Expectations

The octanol product data analyst notes that, on the cost front, falling propylene prices and declining raw material costs are intensifying downward pressure on isooctanol prices. On the supply side, isooctanol producers are operating at less than 90% capacity, leading to a reduction in overall isooctanol supply. Meanwhile, on the demand side, DOP prices have been fluctuating downward, prompting DOP manufacturers to slightly reduce their operating rates—resulting in lower DOP output and diminished support for isooctanol demand. Looking ahead, with isooctanol costs expected to decline further and both supply and demand remaining weak, downward pressure on isooctanol prices is likely to increase. As a result, the market anticipates that isooctanol prices will continue to fluctuate and trend downward in the near term.