The Ethylene Oxide Price Trend in Q2 2026 showed a strong increase in prices across major markets, including China, India, Germany, and the Netherlands. Prices increased during the quarter mainly because of higher ethylene feedstock costs, changes in crude oil prices, and geopolitical uncertainty. However, June brought a correction as buyers became more careful with their purchases after the earlier price rise. Ethylene oxide is an important industrial chemical used in making surfactants, glycols, and other chemical products. Changes in its price can affect production costs and purchasing decisions across several industries.
During the second quarter of 2026, China and India recorded the largest price increases, while Germany and the Netherlands saw more moderate growth. In June, prices declined in all four markets. These changes show how raw material costs, market demand, and buying decisions can influence ethylene oxide prices over a short period.
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Understanding the Ethylene Oxide Market
Ethylene oxide is an important chemical used in different industrial applications. It helps produce materials used in cleaning products, personal care products, textiles, polyester, and other everyday and industrial goods.
The price of ethylene oxide depends on several factors. These include the cost of raw materials, production expenses, product availability, transportation costs, and demand from buyers. When the cost of ethylene feedstock increases, manufacturers may face higher production expenses. This can lead to an increase in selling prices.
Market demand also plays an important role. When buyers need more material and supply is limited, prices may rise. However, when prices increase too quickly, some buyers may delay purchases or reduce their orders. This can lead to a price correction, as seen in June 2026.
Ethylene Oxide Price Trend in Q2 2026
The ethylene oxide market experienced a strong upward movement during Q2 2026. Prices increased across all four monitored markets because of higher feedstock costs and changes in production economics.
China recorded the largest quarterly increase, followed by India. Germany and the Netherlands also experienced price growth, although the increases were smaller.
The market situation changed in June. After prices had risen during the quarter, buyers started adjusting their purchasing plans. This resulted in lower prices across all four markets.
This movement shows that prices can increase over a quarter and still decline during the final month. For businesses, it is important to understand both the overall quarterly trend and the short-term changes that may affect purchasing costs.
China: Ethylene Oxide Price Trend
China recorded the strongest price increase during Q2 2026. According to the supplied reference, Ethylene Oxide Prices in the Ex-Nanjing market increased by around 39.07% during the quarter.
The increase was mainly linked to higher ethylene feedstock costs and changes in crude oil-related production expenses. Geopolitical uncertainty also contributed to market pressure.
Higher production costs can affect the prices offered to buyers. When manufacturers face more expensive raw materials, they may need to adjust their selling prices to manage their operating expenses.
However, the upward movement did not continue throughout the quarter. In June 2026, ethylene oxide prices in China fell by approximately 18.03%. Buyers became more cautious after the earlier increase and adjusted their purchasing plans.
China's market movement shows how quickly prices can change when production costs and buying activity shift. Businesses should follow regular price updates instead of making decisions based on a single price movement.
India: Ethylene Oxide Price Trend
India also recorded a strong increase in ethylene oxide prices during Q2 2026. Prices in the Ex-Dahej market rose by approximately 33.09% during the quarter.
Higher feedstock costs and changing production economics contributed to the increase. Demand from industries using surfactants, glycols, and polyester-related materials also supported market activity.
For buyers, higher chemical prices can increase production expenses and affect business budgets. Manufacturers may need to review their purchasing schedules and communicate regularly with suppliers to manage these changes.
In June 2026, ethylene oxide prices in India declined by around 9.38%. This was a smaller correction than the declines reported in China, Germany, and the Netherlands.
The Indian market therefore experienced strong growth during the quarter, followed by a more moderate monthly decline. Buyers should continue to monitor raw material costs and market conditions to understand whether prices may rise or fall in the coming months.
Germany: Ethylene Oxide Price Trend
In Germany, ethylene oxide prices in the FD Hamburg market increased by approximately 18.26% during Q2 2026.
Higher feedstock costs and changes in crude oil-related production expenses contributed to the upward movement. These cost increases can affect chemical manufacturers and the businesses that depend on their products.
When chemical prices rise, buyers may review their inventory levels, compare supplier offers, and plan their orders more carefully. These steps can help businesses manage costs and avoid unnecessary purchasing pressure.
In June 2026, prices in Germany declined by approximately 15.76%. This decrease followed the strong increase recorded during the quarter.
The German market shows that a quarterly price increase does not always mean prices will continue rising every month. Regularly checking market developments can help businesses understand changing conditions and make more informed purchasing decisions.
Netherlands: Ethylene Oxide Price Trend
The Netherlands recorded an ethylene oxide price increase of around 13.76% during Q2 2026 in the FD Rotterdam market.
Although the increase was smaller than those in China, India, and Germany, prices still moved higher during the quarter. Higher raw material costs and changing market conditions contributed to the overall trend.
For businesses, these changes can affect production budgets and purchasing plans. Monitoring supplier quotations and material availability can help buyers prepare for possible price fluctuations.
In June 2026, ethylene oxide prices in the Netherlands declined by approximately 15.77%. This was a significant correction following the earlier price increase.
The Dutch market highlights the importance of understanding regional price movements. Even when countries experience similar changes in raw material costs, their prices may move differently because of local demand, supply conditions, and purchasing activity.
Q2 2026 Ethylene Oxide Prices: Regional Comparison
During Q2 2026, ethylene oxide prices increased in all four markets, but the size of the increase differed by country.
China recorded the largest quarterly increase of 39.07%, while India followed with a rise of 33.09%. Germany recorded an increase of 18.26%, and the Netherlands saw prices rise by 13.76%.
In June, prices declined across all four markets. China recorded a decrease of 18.03%, while India saw a smaller drop of 9.38%. Germany and the Netherlands experienced similar declines of 15.76% and 15.77%, respectively.
These figures show that China and India experienced stronger price increases during the quarter. Germany and the Netherlands recorded more moderate growth, followed by noticeable declines in June.
The main reason for these differences is that each market responds differently to changes in raw material costs, demand, supply, and purchasing decisions. Although global market conditions can affect all regions, local factors also play an important role.
Main Factors Affecting Ethylene Oxide Prices
Several factors influence ethylene oxide prices. Understanding them can help businesses follow market changes more easily.
- Raw Material Costs
Ethylene feedstock is an important part of ethylene oxide production. When feedstock prices increase, production costs can rise. Manufacturers may then adjust their selling prices, depending on market conditions.
- Crude Oil Prices
Changes in crude oil and energy markets can affect petrochemical production costs. Higher energy and raw material expenses may put pressure on chemical prices, while lower costs can sometimes reduce that pressure.
- Geopolitical Developments
International conflicts and political uncertainty can affect energy supplies, transportation, and trade. These developments may create uncertainty in chemical markets and influence buying decisions.
- Supply and Demand
When demand is strong and available supply is limited, prices may increase. When buyers reduce their orders or product availability improves, prices may come under pressure.
- Transportation and Production Costs
Transportation expenses, plant operations, maintenance, and other production costs can influence the final price paid by buyers. These factors may also help explain why prices differ between regions.
- Buyer Purchasing Decisions
Buyers often change their purchasing plans when prices rise sharply. Some may purchase earlier to avoid further increases, while others may wait for prices to fall. Such decisions can influence short-term market movements.
Ethylene Oxide Price Changes: Understanding the Market
Following ethylene oxide prices over time helps businesses understand whether the market is moving higher or lower.
In Q2 2026, prices increased across all four monitored markets. The largest increases occurred in China and India, while Germany and the Netherlands experienced smaller gains. The declines recorded in June showed that the market was also responding to changes in purchasing activity.
When reviewing price information, buyers should consider the reporting period, market location, product grade, and trading terms. Prices from different regions may not be directly comparable because transportation costs, local supply, and other conditions can vary.
Looking at several months of information can also provide a clearer picture than focusing on one price change. This approach helps businesses identify broader patterns and make purchasing decisions based on a better understanding of market conditions.
Ethylene Oxide Price Index: What Does It Mean?
The Ethylene Oxide Price Index helps track how prices change over a selected period. It provides a simple way to understand whether prices have increased or decreased compared with an earlier reference point.
For example, if an index starts at 100 and later rises to 110, it indicates an increase of 10% from the starting level, assuming the same index methodology is used.
During Q2 2026, the reported price increases showed an upward trend across China, India, Germany, and the Netherlands. The declines in June reflected a change in direction during the final month of the quarter.
An index is useful for following market direction, but it should be considered alongside actual price information, raw material costs, and regional supply conditions. It does not necessarily show the exact selling price paid by every buyer.
Ethylene Oxide Price Chart
The Ethylene Oxide Price Chart provides a simple way to understand price movements across different markets. During Q2 2026, ethylene oxide prices increased in China, India, Germany, and the Netherlands. China recorded the highest quarterly increase at 39.07%, followed by India at 33.09%, Germany at 18.26%, and the Netherlands at 13.76%. However, prices declined in all four markets during June as buyers adjusted their purchasing plans after the earlier price increases. These changes show how raw material costs, market demand, and buying decisions can influence prices. By tracking price movements over time, businesses can better understand market conditions, compare regional trends, and make more informed purchasing decisions.
Ethylene Oxide Price Forecast: What to Expect
The future direction of ethylene oxide prices will depend on changes in raw material costs, market demand, supply availability, and wider economic conditions.
If ethylene feedstock costs remain high, prices may continue to receive support. Steady demand from downstream industries could also help maintain market activity.
However, if feedstock costs decrease or buyers continue to reduce their purchases, prices may face further downward pressure. Changes in production availability or unexpected supply disruptions could also affect the market.
The June 2026 price declines suggest that buyers were becoming more cautious after the earlier increases. However, one month of falling prices is not enough to confirm that a long-term downward trend has started.
Businesses should therefore monitor new market information and prepare for different possible outcomes. Regular communication with suppliers and careful inventory planning can help reduce the impact of sudden price changes.
How Businesses Can Manage Price Changes
Businesses can take several practical steps to manage changes in ethylene oxide prices.
First, they should review market prices regularly instead of relying only on older quotations. Second, they should maintain communication with suppliers to understand changes in availability, delivery schedules, and purchasing costs.
Third, businesses should plan inventory according to actual requirements. Buying too much material can increase storage costs, while keeping too little stock may create supply problems.
It is also useful to compare price movements across different periods and regions. This helps buyers understand whether a price change is part of a wider market trend or a short-term adjustment.
Most importantly, businesses should avoid making purchasing decisions based only on the expectation that prices will always rise or fall. A balanced approach based on market information, supplier discussions, and production needs can support better planning.
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The Ethylene Oxide Price Trend in Q2 2026 showed strong price increases across China, India, Germany, and the Netherlands, followed by a correction in June. China recorded the largest quarterly increase at 39.07%, while India followed at 33.09%. Germany and the Netherlands experienced increases of 18.26% and 13.76%, respectively.
In June, prices declined in all four markets as buyers adjusted their purchasing plans. Higher feedstock costs, crude oil-related production expenses, geopolitical uncertainty, and demand from downstream industries influenced the market during the quarter.
For businesses, following Ethylene Oxide Prices and the Ethylene Oxide Price Index can help provide a clearer understanding of market direction. However, future prices will depend on how raw material costs, supply, and demand develop.
Overall, Q2 2026 showed that chemical prices can rise quickly and then correct within a short period. By monitoring market changes, understanding regional differences, and planning purchases carefully, businesses can make better decisions and prepare for future developments in the ethylene oxide market.
About Price Watch™
Price Watch™ is an India-based, independent raw material price reporting agency that provides real-time price forecasts and data-driven insights into global raw material markets. Price Watch™ specializes in tracking raw material prices, analyzing market trends, and delivering timely updates on plant shutdowns, supply disruptions, capacity expansions, and demand-supply dynamics. The Price Watch™ platform empowers manufacturers, traders, and procurement professionals to make faster, smarter decisions. Leveraging AI-powered forecasting and over a decade of historical data, Price Watch™ transforms market volatility into actionable opportunity.
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