The center of gravity of ethylene glycol prices shifted downwards in October, and there are signs of stabilization this week
This week, the price of ethylene glycol first fell and then rose, showing signs of stabilizing and stopping the decline. According to data from Shengyi Society, as of October 24th, the average price of domestic oil to ethylene glycol was 4276.67 yuan/ton, a decrease of 2.47% from the average price of 4385 yuan/ton on October 1st.
In terms of port ethylene glycol, the basis of port ethylene glycol spot contracts (starting from 500 tons) is generally strong, and the basis transactions have increased significantly this week; As of October 24th, the actual trading range of this week’s contract basis is+95 to+107, an increase of 20-35 compared to last week.
The spot price of domestic coal to polyester grade ethylene glycol (loose water, tax included, self pickup) per unit is 3830-4030 yuan/ton.
In terms of external ethylene glycol, as of October 24th, recent ship cargo negotiations have resulted in transactions around $488-491 per ton.
The main reasons for the recent stabilization and stabilization of ethylene glycol prices are:
1. News of East China’s major factories switching production in November
There are new variables on the supply side, and market rumors suggest that a large factory in East China plans to shut down and switch production in November. The market is gradually digesting the supply of Yulong Petrochemical, and the pressure on domestic supply expectations has eased.
2. Inventory data declines
On October 23, 2025, the total inventory of ethylene glycol in the main ports of East China was 483000 tons, a decrease of 30000 tons compared to the total inventory of ethylene glycol in the main ports of East China on October 20, which was 513000 tons. The weekly cargo arrival volume has decreased, breaking the expectation of continuous inventory accumulation.
3. International crude oil prices have risen significantly
On October 23, 2025, international crude oil futures saw a significant increase. The price of light crude oil futures for December delivery on the New York Mercantile Exchange rose by $3.29, closing at $61.79 per barrel, an increase of 5.62%; The London Brent crude oil futures price for December delivery rose by $3.40 to close at $65.99 per barrel, an increase of 5.43%. The significant increase in raw material prices has affected investors’ expectations for the ethylene glycol market.
The probability of ethylene glycol prices starting weak and then strong in October is high
The overall inventory of ethylene glycol ports is still relatively low, and there is currently little pressure on spot supply. The recent price decline is mainly due to strong domestic supply expectations, more overseas imports to ports, weak downstream terminal hoarding willingness, strong inventory data, and weak market expectations for early trading fundamentals. At present, the price has fallen significantly and there are signs of stabilization in the near future. We will wait and see the strength of the bullish support in the future. Ethylene glycol is expected to bottom out and rebound in the short term. There is a high probability that the price of ethylene glycol will first weaken and then strengthen in October.