Ethylene Glycol Prices | Current and Forecast
Monitor Ethylene Glycol Prices Worldwide
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Monitor monthly Ethylene Glycol price assessments covering 5 locations: United States, Europe, Southeast Asia, China and Middle East. Also check Ethylene Glycol 10-year price history and forecasts.
The chart below is a sample of Intratec Primary Commodity Prices. Subscribe and access now current prices of 225 commodities, including Ethylene Glycol.
Data Legend. The chart above shows Ethylene Glycol price assessments in USA Dollar per metric ton (USD/mt) in 5 locations, as follows:
- Ethylene Glycol, US (United States): Ethylene Glycol, export transaction price, fob, United States
- Ethylene Glycol, EUR (Europe): Ethylene Glycol, import transaction price, cif, Belgium (netforward from fob United States)
- Ethylene Glycol, SEA (Southeast Asia): Ethylene Glycol, import contract price, cfr, India
- Ethylene Glycol, CN (China): Ethylene Glycol, domestic spot price, exw, China
- Ethylene Glycol, MDE (Middle East): Ethylene Glycol, export spot price, fob, Saudi Arabia (netback from cfr China)
Data Use. Ethylene Glycol prices are provided as an annual subscription where subscribers have access to reliable pricing data of 225 commodities worldwide. Intratec's methodology employs a structured big data strategy that utilizes advanced technologies to extract publicly available data from primary sources such as governmental trade records, statistics bureaus, and international agencies. This data is then processed through mathematical models to generate reliable assessments, published at the very beginning of each month. To better understand the data provided check Intratec Primary Commodity Prices Methodology .
Data Delivery Methods. Ethylene Glycol price assessments are available via different delivery methods: (i) online charts; (ii) directly into Excel (using Intratec Add-in); (iii) in Power BI dashboards or (iv) a web API (to facilitate integration with existing workflows).
Intratec Primary Commodity Prices
Track global current prices of 225 commodities including Ethylene Glycol
Current Monthly Prices
Price History & Forecasts
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Ethylene Glycol Price Outlook. The price of Ethylene Glycol (United States) decreased during March 2020 to 490 USD per metric ton, which represents a considerable decline of 14% compared to the previous month’s value. On a year-over-year basis, the prices of Ethylene Glycol (United States) decreased significantly by 22%. Meanwhile, the average price of Ethylene Glycol (China) amounted to 479 USD per metric ton, from 790 USD per metric ton one year earlier. On a month-over-month basis, the price of Ethylene Glycol (China) is 26% lower than the price one month before.
The price of Ethylene Glycol (Southeast Asia) declined considerably throughout March 2020, reaching 510 USD per metric ton. The price is 13% lower than the average price in the previous month and 18% lower than the average price one year before. In contrast, the prices of Ethylene Glycol (Middle East) decreased significantly during March 2020, reaching 411 USD per metric ton, which means a decline of 30% from the previous month’s price and a decline of 44% from the previous year’s price.
The prices of Ethylene Glycol (Europe) experienced a modest decline of 20 USD per metric ton from the prior month's price, to 497 USD per metric ton. Such price movement meant a decrease of 4% on a monthly basis and a decrease of 31% on a yearly basis.
About Ethylene Glycol. Ethylene Glycol (a.k.a. Monoethylene Glycol, MEG) is an organic compound, more specifically a diol (a chemical compound that contains two hydroxyl groups). It is a colorless, practically odorless, with low viscosity, hygroscopic liquid at room temperature. It is the simplest diol and a major chemical commodity that, like other glycols, undergoes reactions common to monohydric alcohols forming esters, acetals, ethers, and similar products. Di- and tri-ethylene glycol (DEG and TEG respectively) are important co-products in MEG manufacturing processes.
Ethylene glycol is a key chemical used in various industries, primarily in polyester, resins, and antifreeze production. It is typically produced via ethylene oxide hydration, with direct hydration being the most common method. Emerging alternative production methods include utilizing carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2) to produce methanol, which is then converted into MEG, as well as the direct conversion of syngas into MEG through catalytic processes. Bio-based production from renewable resources like bioethanol is also gaining attention. While these alternatives aim to reduce fossil fuel reliance, the ethylene oxide process remains the dominant method due to its efficiency.
Ethylene Glycol Handling. Anhydrous Ethylene Glycol is usually transported in tank trucks, railroad cars, or tank ships. Most tanks are made of steel or aluminum since Ethylene Glycol is not aggressive towards most plastic and metals at room temperature. Nitrogen blanketing can be used for protection against oxidation if more meticulous quality is desired. MEG cannot be stored in phenolic resins containers, since they are not resistant to it.
Ethylene Glycol Production. First prepared by hydrolysis of ethylene glycol diacetate in the 19th century, Ethylene Glycol can be manufactured from several raw materials nowadays. Globally, the largest volume of Monoethylene Glycol has been produced from ethylene via ethylene oxide intermediate, generating di- and tri-ethylene glycol as well. Raw materials and the respective production processes employed in the manufacturing of Ethylene Glycol are listed below.
- Ethylene + oxygen (oxidation/hydration),
- Ethylene oxide (hydration)
Ethylene Glycol Uses. The uses and applications of Ethylene Glycol may vary according to its specifications. The main forms of Ethylene Glycol are fiber grade (min. purity of 99.8%, max. 0.1% DEG) and antifreeze grade (min. purity of 98%, max. 0.5% DEG).
