North America: A bearish trend due to weak demand from the paint and coatings industry. Prices were lower than expected as producers struggled with surplus inventory. Discounts were common as companies sought to reduce stockpiles.
Asia Pacific: Mixed trends, with stable prices in China due to adequate supply, while India saw a slight increase in prices driven by higher demand and lower inventories.
March - April 2024:
Europe: The market saw slight price increases due to low supply caused by unplanned production disruptions. Demand was stable but not enough to drive significant price hikes.
Middle East & Africa: Prices remained steady with slight upward pressure due to regional industrial growth and stable supply chains.
May - June 2024:
Asia Pacific: A moderate decrease in prices, particularly in China, as feedstock costs (especially methanol) dropped, allowing producers to maintain competitive pricing. In contrast, India saw continued price increases due to strong domestic demand.
North America: Continued low prices as the market struggled with high inventory levels and sluggish demand from key sectors.
July - August 2024:
Europe: Prices remained stable with a slight increase due to seasonal demand in the construction and automotive sectors.
Latin America: Some price stabilization occurred after a period of volatility earlier in the year, with demand from the construction industry supporting price levels.
September - October 2024:
Global Overview: Prices across all regions began to stabilize as demand started to pick up, particularly in the industrial and automotive sectors. However, the market remained sensitive to crude oil price volatility, which impacted production costs.
November - December 2024:
North America and Europe: Prices saw a slight decline as industrial activities slowed down towards the end of the year. However, the overall market remained resilient with potential for a rebound in early 2025.
what Factors Influencing Methylene Chloride Prices?
Geopolitical Influences: Ongoing tensions in key regions have impacted supply chains and raw material costs, contributing to price volatility.
Economic Conditions: Regional economic slowdowns, particularly in North America, have led to weaker demand, pushing prices lower.
Regulatory Impact: Increased environmental regulations and a shift towards greener solvents are expected to suppress demand for methylene chloride, particularly in Europe and North America.
Supply Chain Dynamics: Supply disruptions and the cost of raw materials such as methanol significantly influenced pricing throughout the year.