Chemicals Updates

PA prices decline as Asian buyers delay purchases / Plasticizers pressured by weak downstream PVC demand

May 22, 2026

Asian oxo-alcohol and plasticizer markets extended their downward trend in the week ended May 21, pressured by sluggish buying activity as buyers largely remained on the sidelines amid weak sentiment. In the upstream market, propylene FOB South Korea at $1,210/mt on May 21, down $35/mt from a week earlier. Meanwhile, CFR China propylene was at $1,230/mt on May 21, falling $20/mt over the same period. 2-ETHYLHEXANOL Persistent weak demand across Asia continued to weigh on Asian 2-EH spot prices this week, extending the market's downward trend. Market participants also said regional producers are facing mounting pressure on profit margins as prices continue to fall. "Several Chinese 2-EH producers have either begun turnarounds or reduced operating rates," a Chinese buyer said. Offers from several Chinese producers were heard to have fallen...

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