Spot Supply Falls Short, Monomer Prices Continue to Rise (Sep 9, 2026)

1. Today's Summary

• Raw materials: The ethylene oxide (EO) price in East China held steady at 8,600 yuan/ton; the domestic ethylene price rose to 8,900 yuan/ton.
• Demand side: Downstream buying interest improved slightly, and new transactions were mostly concluded in small spot lots.

2. Spot Market Overview

Table 1 Domestic polycarboxylate superplasticizer monomer price summary (unit: yuan/ton)

Data source: Chempricehub Information

Today, domestic polycarboxylate superplasticizer monomer prices continued to rise. Ethylene glycol, a related product, fluctuated at high levels, while ethylene oxide spot supply remained tight in the market. In East China, market prices remained strong today; some producers withheld offers and were reluctant to sell, with mainstream quotations staying firm, while downstream derivative products were mostly fulfilled under existing contracts. Ethylene oxide fundamentals remain supported, keeping prices firm at high levels and providing cost-side support. Spot monomer supply remained insufficient in the market, with almost no low-priced cargo available. New transactions were mainly rigid-demand, small-lot spot orders. In summary, the EPEG price in the key East China market is expected to reach 10,300–10,500 yuan/ton on the next working day.

3. Production Dynamics

Today, the capacity utilization rate of the polycarboxylate superplasticizer monomer industry stood at 23.72%, down period-over-period; the gross profit of HPEG monomer was 738 yuan/ton.

4. Price Forecast

On the next working day, domestic polycarboxylate superplasticizer monomer prices are likely to run firm. The main feedstock, ethylene oxide, may remain stable for now, while the tight spot supply situation is expected to persist. Ethylene glycol prices are likely to run firm, and downstream industries are consuming steadily. With marketable ethylene volume insufficient and downstream buyers still willing to purchase for rigid demand, ethylene prices still have room to rise. In the monomer market, low-priced supplies are decreasing and spot cargo remains insufficient. Downstream users are making rigid-demand inquiries but are cautious about high-priced purchases, with transactions negotiated based on order size. Prices are likely to run firm in the short term. In summary, the EPEG price in the key East China market is expected to reach 10,300–10,500 yuan/ton on the next working day.

5. Related Product Situation

• Ethylene oxide (feedstock): The ethylene oxide market is expected to remain firm at high levels. On the supply side, with tight ethylene glycol supply not yet alleviated, ethylene glycol prices may run firm, and tight ethylene oxide spot supply may continue. On the demand side, downstream industries are generally operating stably and consuming steadily. On the cost side, marketable ethylene supply is insufficient, while downstream buyers retain rigid-demand purchasing interest, so ethylene prices still have upside room. Overall, short-term supply-side support and cost-side support exist, and ethylene oxide prices are expected to run firm. Changes in upstream and downstream supply-demand conditions and adjustment trends should be closely monitored.

6. Data Calendar

Table 2 Domestic polycarboxylate superplasticizer monomer data overview (unit: 10,000 tons)

Data source: Chempricehub Information

Notes:

1. ↓/↑ denote significant fluctuations, highlighting metrics with a change rate exceeding 3%.
2. ↗/↘ denote narrow fluctuations, highlighting metrics with a change rate within 0–3%.