Production Slows Sharply, But Isooctanol Prices Surge This Week

November 7th, according to reports

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

According to the commodity market analysis system, as of November 7th, the price of 2-ethylhexanol was 6033.33 CNY/ton, a fluctuating increase from the price of 5950 CNY/ton on November 1st, with a price increase of 1.40%. Some companies' 2-ethylhexanol equipment is under maintenance, significantly reducing the operating load of 2-ethylhexanol facilities; the operating rate of 2-ethylhexanol is at 70%, leading to a decrease in 2-ethylhexanol supply. The price of propylene has fallen, reducing the cost of 2-ethylhexanol. This week, with the decrease in 2-ethylhexanol supply and the reduction in costs, the support for the price increase of 2-ethylhexanol has increased, but the pressure for a price drop still exists, resulting in a fluctuating increase in the price of 2-ethylhexanol.

Raw Material Propylene Costs Decline

According to the commodity market analysis system, as of November 7, the propylene price was 5890.75 CNY/ton, a 2.61% decrease from the propylene price of 6058.25 CNY/ton on November 1. This week, the propylene price has been fluctuating downward, with a decline in raw material prices leading to a reduction in the cost of 2-ethylhexanol, thus increasing the pressure for a decrease in 2-ethylhexanol prices.

Downstream plasticizer DOP prices in China have fluctuated and risen.

According to the commodity market analysis system, as of November 7th, the DOP price was 7025.83 CNY/ton, a slight increase from the DOP price of 7009.16 CNY/ton on November 1st, with a price increase of 0.24%. In November, the operating load of DOP plasticizer enterprises in China slightly increased, leading to an increase in DOP production. The demand for 2-ethylhexanol remains, and the support from the rising price of 2-ethylhexanol has strengthened.

Future Market Expectation

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 have reduced their operating rates to 70%, marking a significant drop in output and tightening supply. Meanwhile, on the demand side, DOP manufacturers have seen a slight increase in operating rates, leading to higher DOP production—though demand for isooctanol remains supported. Looking ahead, with isooctanol costs expected to decline further and combined with shrinking supply and recovering demand, the downward pressure on isooctanol prices is easing, while upward momentum is strengthening. As a result, the market anticipates that isooctanol prices will stabilize—and even potentially strengthen—in the near term.