Press Releases

USA – Polyols Prices Outlook Q2 2026

In the USA, Polyols Prices reached USD 1,798/MT during Q2 2026. The market remained supported by steady demand from the polyurethane, construction, automotive, and furniture industries. Stable feedstock availability and balanced production helped maintain market equilibrium, while consistent industrial activity and healthy procurement continued to support pricing throughout the quarter.

China – Polyols Prices Outlook Q2 2026

China recorded Polyols prices at USD 1,331/MT in Q2 2026, making it one of the most competitive markets among the major producing regions. Ample production capacity, sufficient raw material supply, and stable demand from the construction and appliance sectors contributed to balanced market conditions and consistent pricing during the quarter.

Thailand – Polyols Prices Outlook Q2 2026

In Thailand, Polyols prices stood at USD 2,281/MT during Q2 2026, the highest among the listed markets. Strong demand from polyurethane manufacturers, healthy export activity, and higher production costs supported elevated pricing. Stable industrial consumption and improving downstream demand also contributed to a firm market throughout the quarter.

Brazil – Polyols Prices Outlook Q2 2026

Brazil reported Polyols prices of USD 1,955/MT in Q2 2026. The market benefited from steady consumption across the automotive, insulation, and furniture industries. Balanced domestic supply, stable feedstock availability, and consistent procurement from downstream manufacturers supported pricing, while improving industrial activity maintained positive market fundamentals during the quarter.

South Africa – Polyols Prices Outlook Q2 2026

In South Africa, Polyols prices averaged USD 1,882/MT during Q2 2026. The market remained stable due to balanced supply conditions and consistent demand from construction, refrigeration, and polyurethane foam manufacturers. Reliable imports, adequate inventories, and ongoing industrial activity helped sustain healthy pricing across the regional Polyols market throughout the quarter.

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Note: The analysis can be tailored to align with the customer's specific needs.

What is Polyols?

Polyols are organic compounds containing multiple hydroxyl (-OH) groups and serve as one of the primary raw materials for manufacturing polyurethane products. They are commonly classified into polyether polyols and polyester polyols, each offering unique performance characteristics for different industrial applications. Polyols are widely used in flexible and rigid polyurethane foams, coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers (CASE), insulation materials, automotive components, furniture, mattresses, footwear, refrigeration equipment, and construction products due to their excellent durability, flexibility, and thermal insulation properties.

Latest Polyols Prices – Q2 2026

During Q2 2026, Polyols prices showed noticeable regional variations. Thailand recorded the highest prices due to stronger production costs and healthy downstream demand, while China remained the most competitively priced market because of its large manufacturing capacity and stable feedstock availability. Overall, demand from construction, automotive, furniture, and insulation industries continued to support the global Polyols market.

Polyols Price Trend and Market Analysis

North America

The North American Polyols market remained stable as demand from the automotive, furniture, and insulation industries supported steady consumption. Balanced production, reliable feedstock availability, and healthy procurement maintained favorable market conditions throughout the quarter.

Asia-Pacific

China and Thailand displayed contrasting market trends. China benefited from abundant production capacity and competitive pricing, while Thailand experienced firmer prices due to higher manufacturing costs, export demand, and steady polyurethane production.

Latin America

Brazil maintained balanced market fundamentals supported by stable industrial activity, improving construction demand, and healthy consumption from polyurethane manufacturers. Adequate inventories helped maintain price stability.

Africa

South Africa experienced consistent demand from refrigeration, construction, and industrial foam manufacturers. Stable imports and balanced supply conditions helped maintain firm market performance during the quarter.

Factors Affecting Polyols Prices

Propylene Oxide and Ethylene Oxide Prices

Polyols are primarily manufactured using propylene oxide and ethylene oxide. Fluctuations in these feedstock prices directly influence production costs and market prices.

Crude Oil and Energy Costs

As petrochemical derivatives, Polyols prices are significantly affected by crude oil, natural gas, electricity, and overall energy market trends.

Polyurethane Industry Demand

Demand from polyurethane foam manufacturers remains the largest driver of Polyols consumption, particularly in construction, automotive, furniture, and appliance industries.

Construction Activity

Growing residential and commercial construction increases demand for insulation materials, coatings, adhesives, and sealants produced using Polyols.

Automotive Production

The automotive industry uses Polyols in seating, dashboards, insulation, and interior components, making vehicle production an important market driver.

Global Supply and Production Capacity

Manufacturing capacity, plant operating rates, maintenance shutdowns, inventory levels, and feedstock availability significantly impact market supply and pricing.

International Trade and Logistics

Freight rates, shipping availability, import-export policies, and global logistics conditions continue to influence regional Polyols pricing.

Supply and Market Index

The global Polyols market remained adequately supplied during Q2 2026, supported by stable production across major manufacturing regions and balanced downstream demand.

Key Market Indicators

• Stable propylene oxide supply
• Balanced global inventories
• Healthy polyurethane production
• Steady construction demand
• Strong automotive consumption
• Active international trade
• Consistent industrial manufacturing

The Polyols market index reflected stable regional performance, with pricing supported by balanced supply-demand fundamentals and healthy industrial activity.

Latest Industry News – Q2 2026

Construction Industry Supports Demand

Infrastructure development and residential construction projects continued to increase consumption of polyurethane insulation materials, supporting Polyols demand globally.

Automotive Manufacturing Remains Strong

Steady vehicle production maintained healthy demand for polyurethane components used in seating, interiors, insulation, and lightweight applications.

Sustainability Initiatives Accelerate

Manufacturers continued investing in bio-based polyols and environmentally friendly production technologies to reduce carbon emissions and support sustainable polyurethane manufacturing.

Current and Future Demand Outlook

Major End-Use Industries

• Polyurethane foam manufacturing
• Furniture and mattresses
• Automotive components
• Construction and insulation
• Refrigeration equipment
• Footwear manufacturing
• Adhesives and sealants
• Protective coatings
• Industrial elastomers
• Packaging materials

Growing industrialization, urbanization, and energy-efficient construction continue to support long-term Polyols consumption worldwide.

Future Market Outlook

The global Polyols market is expected to expand steadily due to:

• Rising polyurethane foam demand
• Growth in construction and infrastructure projects
• Increasing automotive production
• Expansion of refrigeration and appliance industries
• Rising furniture and bedding demand
• Growing adoption of bio-based Polyols
• Technological advancements in polyurethane manufacturing
• Industrial development in emerging economies

Although feedstock and energy price volatility may influence short-term pricing, increasing demand across multiple industries is expected to sustain long-term market growth.

Previous Year Price Comparison (Q2 2025 vs Q2 2026)

Compared with Q2 2025, Polyols prices in Q2 2026 reflected changes influenced by:

• Propylene oxide and ethylene oxide costs
• Crude oil and energy prices
• Polyurethane production demand
• Construction sector growth
• Automotive manufacturing activity
• Global production capacity
• Freight and logistics costs
• International trade conditions

Markets with integrated petrochemical facilities and strong domestic manufacturing generally experienced greater pricing stability than import-dependent regions.

Uses of Polyols

Polyurethane Foam Production

Polyols are the primary ingredient in manufacturing flexible and rigid polyurethane foams used in furniture, mattresses, insulation, and automotive seating.

Construction Industry

They are widely used in insulation panels, roofing materials, sealants, coatings, adhesives, and energy-efficient building products.

Automotive Manufacturing

Polyols are utilized in vehicle seats, dashboards, steering wheels, insulation materials, and lightweight interior components.

Furniture and Bedding

The furniture industry relies heavily on Polyols for producing comfortable, durable, and resilient foam cushions and mattresses.

Refrigeration and Appliances

Polyurethane insulation produced from Polyols improves energy efficiency in refrigerators, freezers, water heaters, and cold storage equipment.

Industrial Coatings and Adhesives

Polyols are essential raw materials in high-performance coatings, elastomers, adhesives, sealants, and protective industrial finishes.

Most Asked FAQs

What are Polyols mainly used for?

Polyols are mainly used to manufacture polyurethane foams, insulation materials, furniture, automotive components, coatings, adhesives, elastomers, refrigeration products, and industrial sealants.

What factors affect Polyols prices?

Polyols prices are influenced by propylene oxide and ethylene oxide costs, crude oil prices, energy expenses, polyurethane demand, construction activity, automotive production, supply availability, and global trade.

Why are Polyols important in polyurethane production?

Polyols react with isocyanates to form polyurethane, providing flexibility, strength, insulation, durability, and performance across numerous industrial and consumer applications.

Which industries consume the most Polyols?

Construction, automotive, furniture, bedding, refrigeration, footwear, coatings, adhesives, sealants, and insulation industries are the largest consumers of Polyols.

Are bio-based Polyols becoming more popular?

Yes. Increasing sustainability initiatives and environmental regulations are encouraging manufacturers to develop bio-based Polyols derived from renewable raw materials.

What is the future outlook for the Polyols market?

The Polyols market is expected to grow steadily due to expanding construction activities, rising polyurethane demand, increasing automotive production, greater adoption of energy-efficient insulation, and ongoing investments in sustainable manufacturing technologies.

Short Summary

Polyols are essential petrochemical intermediates used primarily in polyurethane production for construction, automotive, furniture, refrigeration, coatings, adhesives, and industrial applications. During Q2 2026, the global Polyols market remained stable, supported by balanced supply, healthy industrial demand, and steady polyurethane production. Looking ahead, increasing infrastructure investments, expanding automotive manufacturing, energy-efficient construction, and the growing adoption of bio-based Polyols are expected to drive sustained long-term market growth.

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Key Coverage:

• Market Analysis
• Market Breakup by Region
• Demand Supply Analysis by Type
• Demand Supply Analysis by Application
• Demand Supply Analysis of Raw Materials
• Price Analysis
  • Spot Prices by Major Ports
  • Price Breakup
  • Price Trends by Region
  • Factors influencing the Price Trends
• Market Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities
• Competitive Landscape
• Recent Developments
• Global Event Analysis

How IMARC Pricing Database Can Help:

The latest IMARC Group study, “Polyols Prices, Trend, Chart, Demand, News, Historical and Forecast Data 2026 Edition,” presents a detailed analysis of Polyols price trend, offering key insights into global Polyols market dynamics. This report includes comprehensive price charts, which trace historical data and highlights major shifts in the market.

The analysis delves into the factors driving these trends, including raw material costs, production fluctuations, and geopolitical influences. Moreover, the report examines Polyols demand, illustrating how consumer behaviour and industrial needs affect overall market dynamics. By exploring the intricate relationship between supply and demand, the prices report uncovers critical factors influencing current and future prices.

About Us:

IMARC Group is a global management consulting firm that provides a comprehensive suite of services to support market entry and expansion efforts. The company offers detailed market assessments, feasibility studies, regulatory approvals and licensing support, and pricing analysis, including spot pricing and regional price trends. Its expertise spans demand-supply analysis alongside regional insights covering Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. IMARC also specializes in competitive landscape evaluations, profiling key market players, and conducting research into market drivers, restraints, and opportunities. IMARC’s data-driven approach helps businesses navigate complex markets with precision and confidence.

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