2-Ethylhexanol (Isooctanol) prices in China have seen a sharp fall after a brief rebound in May, with the market caught between weak downstream demand, falling propylene costs, and temporary supply tightness from plant maintenance[1][2]. The current price (as of May 28) stands around 7,967 CNY/ton, down 9.47% from early May (8,800 CNY/ton) and 12.13% from the mid-month peak (9,067 CNY/ton) [3].
Price Trend: First Up, Then Down
Early May
Post-holiday (May Day) restocking and high plant shutdowns (operating rate down to 88% from 98% in late April)[4] tightened supply, pushing prices up to ~9,067 CNY/ton.
Mid-to-late May
Plunging propylene prices (the main feedstock) erased cost support; downstream demand remained sluggish, leading to continuous price cuts by producers.
Regional gap
Shandong (major production hub) offers the lowest quotes (~7,800–7,900 CNY/ton), while Jiangsu/Hubei are higher (~8,000–8,500 CNY/ton).
Key Drivers
Cost side (negative)
Propylene prices weakened on rising supply and soft crude oil, reducing production costs and dragging down isooctanol quotes.[5]
Supply side (mixed)
Short term: Maintenance (e.g., Shuguang's 330kt unit in late May) cuts operating rates, slowing spot supply.
Long term: 2026 is a peak year for new capacity (total to reach ~4.82 million tons), pressuring prices in H2.
Demand side (weak)
The downstream DOP (plasticizer) sector remained sluggish amid weak PVC and real estate demand; DOP prices fell by ~7.96% in May, with buyers only purchasing for immediate needs.[5]
Environmental shift toward DOTP (greener plasticizer) further limited DOP and isooctanol consumption.
Freight & export
Ocean freight stayed elevated, limiting export competitiveness despite lower FOB prices; buyers' landed costs did not drop proportionally.
Market Sentiment & Buying Behavior
Buyers stay cautious, avoiding inventory builds and sticking to just-in-time purchasing amid price uncertainty.
Producers, facing inventory pressure, have adjusted offers frequently; some cut FOB prices to boost shipments, but high logistics costs capped export volumes.
Outlook
Short term (June)
Prices may stabilize with weak volatility. Plant restarts will ease supply tightness, while propylene's downside is limited; demand remains the key variable.
Medium term
New capacity overload and persistent downstream weakness will cap upside; focus will shift to demand recovery and operational rates.
Strategy
For both suppliers and buyers, flexible shipment scheduling, freight hedging, and lean inventory management are critical amid high uncertainty
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References
[1]. HENAN GP CHEMICALS CO., LTD - 2-Ethyl Hexanol (CAS No:104-76-7) It is used to produce plasticizer.
https://www.gpcchem.com/news/2-ethyl-hexanol-cas-no-104-76-7-it-is-used-t-85541028.html
[2]. ECHEMI - Supply Tightening, Weak Demand, Average Price Contraction, Isooctanol Rebounds and Adjusts
https://www.echemi.com/cms/3040420.html
[3]. SunSirs - China 2-EH Spot Price
https://www.sunsirs.com/uk/prodetail-489.html
[4]. Construction Starts Decline, Isocyanide Prices Surge After the Holiday
https://www.echemi.com/cms/3008665.html
[5]. SunSirs - Isooctanol Prices in the Shandong Region Declined on May 12