Methanol Prices

Methanol Prices September 2024

The methanol prices in the United States for Q3 2024 reached 737 USD/MT in September. The market witnessed a notable rise in prices due to supply chain interruptions and reduced imports, creating a tight market. The strong demand from industries like formaldehyde and chemicals, along with rising raw material costs and port delays, further pushed prices higher, leading to a positive market outlook.

The price trend for methanol in Japan for Q3 2024 settled at 352 USD/MT in September. The market experienced significant price increases driven by strong demand from acetic acid and formaldehyde production. Supply constraints and high feedstock costs kept prices elevated. While lower shipping rates offered some relief, the market remained tight due to continued industrial activity and growth momentum.

In Netherlands, the methanol prices for Q3 2024 reached 380 USD/MT in September. Prices rose significantly due to an increased demand and higher energy costs, leading to tighter supply conditions. Geopolitical tensions and port congestion further pressured prices and sustained the upward market trend.

The methanol prices in the Saudi Arabia for Q3 2024 reached 312 USD/MT in September. The market saw significant price increases driven by the strong industrial demand and limited supply. Rising production costs and supply chain disruptions added to price pressures. The seasonal demand changes and infrastructure investments supported a consistent upward trend, indicating a stable and optimistic market.

Methanol Prices June 2024

The methanol prices in the United States for Q2 2024 reached 669 USD/MT in June. Prices rose significantly due to supply chain disruptions, reduced imports, and a strong demand from industries like formaldehyde and adhesives. Rising raw material costs and logistical issues, such as port delays, also contributed to this upward trend.

The price trend for methanol in Japan for Q2 2024 settled at 322 USD/MT in June.  The market witnessed significant price increases due to strong demand in the formaldehyde and acetic acid sectors. Supply constraints and high feedstock costs kept prices elevated, and despite lower shipping rates, the market remained tight, reflecting robust industrial activity.

Methanol Prices March 2024

The methanol prices in the South Korea for Q1 2024 reached 347 USD/MT in March. The market witnessed the strong demand due to consistent trading and stable derivative interest. Supply fluctuations and steady purchasing led to rising methanol prices, enhancing South Korea’s role as a regional trading hub.

The price trend for methanol in Saudi Arabia for Q1 2024 settled at 296 USD/MT in March. The market is experienced constrained supply due to rising production costs and high demand from the derivative sector. Limited methanol availability has created supply challenges for importing nations, while Saudi producers face high operating costs and restricted product supply.

In Germany, the methanol prices for Q1 2024 reached 342 USD/MT in March. The market experienced subdued demand, primarily impacted by weak performance in the formaldehyde and MTBE industries. Limited demand and high inventory levels in the region resulted in low purchasing activity. Additionally, a sufficient supply allowed the market to meet its needs without facing significant price increases or supply shortages.

Methanol Prices December 2023

The methanol prices in the United States for Q4 2023 reached 570 USD/MT in December. The market was characterized by stable demand and moderate inventory levels. Price trends were influenced by a combination of low supply and solid market fundamentals, with Methanex raising their quotations reflecting the consumption dynamics.

The price trend for methanol in South Korea for Q4 2023, reached 314 USD/MT in December. The market saw prices rise due to strong demand for formaldehyde and acetic acid. Limited stocks and increased regional trading also contributed to the bullish price trend.

Methanol prices in the Netherlands for Q4 2023, reached 333 USD/MT in December. The market experienced a decline in methanol prices, influenced by high supply and weak demand. The sluggish conditions were further exacerbated by poor demand recovery in downstream industries.

The market in Saudi Arabia faced declining prices due to an oversupply and slow domestic demand. The market sentiment remained bearish, influenced by limited export activities and economic challenges. The quarter ended with methanol priced at 222 USD/MT in December.

Regional Coverage

The report provides a detailed analysis of the methanol market across different regions, each with unique pricing dynamics influenced by localized market conditions, supply chain intricacies, and geopolitical factors. This includes price trends, price forecast and supply and demand trends for each region, along with spot prices by major ports. The report also provides coverage of ex-works, FOB, and CIF prices, as well as the key factors influencing the methanol price trend.

Global Methanol Price

The report offers a holistic view of the global methanol pricing trends in the form of methanol price charts, reflecting the worldwide interplay of supply-demand balances, international trade policies, and overarching economic factors that shape the market on a macro level. This comprehensive analysis not only highlights the current price but also provides insights into methanol historical price trends, enabling stakeholders to understand past fluctuations and their underlying causes.

The report also delves into methanol price forecast models, projecting future price movements based on a variety of indicators such as expected changes in supply chain dynamics, anticipated policy shifts, and emerging market trends. By examining these factors, the report equips industry participants with the necessary tools to make informed strategic decisions, manage risks, and capitalize on market opportunities. Furthermore, it includes a detailed methanol demand analysis, breaking down regional variations and identifying key drivers specific to each geographic market, thus offering a nuanced understanding of the global pricing landscape.

Europe Methanol Price

Q3 2024:

In the third quarter of 2024, Europe’s methanol market experienced upward price movements influenced by diverse factors. Downstream sectors had an increased demand for acetic acid and formaldehyde manufacturing, which eventually tightened supply, while increasing energy costs added to production expenses. Geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, disrupted natural gas supplies, exacerbating price pressures. The Netherlands stood out as a key market, mirroring regional trends with significant price hikes. Additionally, logistical challenges, including port congestion and transportation delays, further strained supply chains. Despite these hurdles, the European Methanol market demonstrated resilience, supported by strong industrial demand and strategic investments aimed at enhancing production capabilities, thereby maintaining a positive pricing trajectory throughout the quarter.

Q2 2024:

In Q2 2024, Europe’s methanol market maintained a stable to bullish pricing trend, shaped by a balanced interchange of supply and demand factors. Adequate methanol inventories in key countries such as France, Netherlands, and Germany ensured that downstream industries could meet their needs without urgent purchases. This equilibrium was supported by sufficient supply levels, allowing for steady stock replenishment. However, despite the stable supply, buyers exhibited caution in committing to large-volume purchases due to ongoing market uncertainties. The post-pandemic economic recovery and a resurgence in demand, coupled with rising costs of essential feedstocks like thermal coal and natural gas, propelled methanol prices upwards. Additionally, increased production costs and strategic investments in enhancing production capabilities contributed to the bullish market sentiment, culminating in a positive pricing trajectory by the end of the quarter.

Q1 2024:

Europe’s methanol market faced pressures in Q1 2024 due to the weak demand in major derivative industries like formaldehyde and MTBE. Low purchasing activities, high inventories, and a subdued trading environment contributed to declining prices, with France particularly impacted by reduced methanol prices. The market operated with moderate supply levels and balanced but low demand. Without any major production halts, Europe’s methanol market witnessed modest activity, concluding the quarter with adequate product availability despite limited trading momentum.

Q4 2023:

Europe's methanol market depicted a bearish trend in Q4 2023, marked by subdued demand and insufficient cost support from suppliers. This led to a drop in new orders and a decline in domestic market quotes. In the Netherlands, market conditions remained sluggish, characterized by an ample supply and weak demand, which drove the prices downward. The market was largely influenced by a reduced consumption rate in downstream industries, aligning with the general market trend of reduced price points due to lackluster demand recovery.

This analysis can be extended to include detailed methanol price information for a comprehensive list of countries.

North America Methanol Price

Q3 2024:

In the third quarter of 2024, the methanol market in North America experienced significant rise in prices, influenced by multiple critical factors. Supply chain disruptions and plant outages led to a constrained Methanol supply, intensifying the rising pressure on prices. Concurrently, demand surged from key downstream industries, including chemical manufacturing and formaldehyde production, which further propelled price increases. The United States played a pivotal role in this trend, witnessing the most significant price movements within the region. Additionally, escalating costs of raw materials contributed to the overall price elevation. Despite these challenges, the North American market maintained a positive outlook, supported by the sustained industrial demand and ongoing supply limitations throughout the quarter.

Q2 2024:

In the second quarter of 2024, North America's methanol market experienced a notable rise in prices, influenced by a combination of strong industrial demand and constrained supply chains. The region saw increased consumption from key downstream sectors such as formaldehyde and adhesives, which intensified the demand for Methanol. Supply-side challenges, including production halts and logistical disruptions, further tightened market conditions. Strategic pricing decisions by major suppliers reflected the robust purchasing activity and higher contractual commitments. Additionally, seasonal factors played a role, with heightened demand for industrial applications and construction materials supporting the upward price trend. The United States, in particular, emerged as a significant driver within the region, showcasing a bullish market outlook sustained by consistent consumption and favorable market fundamentals throughout the quarter.

Q1 2024:

In the first quarter of 2024, North America's methanol market saw a notable increase in the demand and pricing. This rise was primarily fueled by the sustained demand from downstream industries such as formaldehyde and adhesives, alongside heightened market purchasing activities. The delayed commencement of Methanex Corporation's new Louisiana plant limited the availability of spot supplies to key markets like China and South Korea, further tightening the supply. Despite several plant shutdowns during the January period affecting major producers, Methanol prices continued to climb. The United States remained the dominant force in the regional market, benefiting from strong industrial consumption and stable contract pricing. Overall, the North American methanol sector demonstrated robust growth and resilience amidst transient disruptions caused by weather related shutdowns.

Q4 2023:

The market maintained a robust outlook, driven by strong demand from downstream sectors. The market experienced heightened trading activities and low inventory levels, influencing the overall market dynamics. The region's pricing trends reflected these conditions, with rise in spot market acquisitions and manufacturing costs. In the USA, a notable rise in contract prices was observed due to low inventory levels coupled with solid market fundamentals. Overall, the market sentiment remained strong, supported by limited supply and steady consumer demand. Suppliers, like Methanex, adjusted their pricing strategies in response to market conditions.

Specific methanol historical data within the United States and Canada can also be provided.

Middle East and Africa Methanol Price

Q3 2024:

The methanol market in the Middle East and Africa region witnessed an increase in prices during Q3 2024, driven by several influential factors. The strong demand from vital industries, coupled with persistent supply chain disruptions, created a tight Methanol supply environment. In particular, Saudi Arabia emerged as a crucial market, experiencing significant price escalations due to heightened industrial activity and limited import availability. Additionally, rising production costs, influenced by higher raw material prices, contributed to the overall price surge. Seasonal demand fluctuations and logistical challenges, such as port delays and transportation inefficiencies, further intensified market pressures. Despite these challenges, the Middle East and Africa region maintained a stable growth outlook, supported by ongoing investments in Methanol production infrastructure and expanding industrial applications across various sectors.

Q2 2024:

In the MEA region, the methanol market witnessed a varied sentiment with an upward trend in Q2 2024. Early in the quarter, market activity was subdued due to regional holidays, resulting in limited transaction volumes. Focusing on Saudi Arabia, the market saw a gradual recovery with increasing Methanol prices driven by strong industrial demand and limited supply availability. Factors, such as elevated freight rates to key markets in South Korea and Southeast Asia, alongside active bidding and sustained purchasing interest from regions like India, contributed to the price surge. Additionally, global disruptions, including rising manufacturing costs fueled by higher feedstock prices, reinforced the bullish pricing environment. Despite minor declines compared to the previous year, the Middle East and Africa region demonstrated resilience and optimism, supported by ongoing infrastructure investments and expanding industrial applications.

Q1 2024:

Methanol prices in the Middle East and Africa region reflected constrained supply and steady demand in early 2024. Saudi Arabia’s methanol sector experienced notable shifts, impacted by supply restrictions and high production costs. Robust demand for methanol derivatives like formic acid kept market activity active, while lower methanol availability in the region influenced pricing. Saudi Arabia's limited supply amid increased production costs led to challenges for methanol producers, with a resulting tight market felt across major importing nations, including India and China.

Q4 2023:

In Q4 2023, the Middle East and Africa methanol market was impacted by multiple factors that led to a bearish price trend. Weaker demand from downstream markets and economic challenges contributed to reduced purchasing power and market activity. Methanol prices in Saudi Arabia were relatively low, despite being a major producer, due to sluggish local demand and constrained export capabilities. The market dynamics were primarily shaped by an oversupply and slow off-takes, which were not alleviated by significant price negotiations or plant shutdowns.

In addition to region-wise data, information on methanol prices for countries can also be provided.

Asia Pacific Methanol Price

Q3 2024:

During Q3 2024, the methanol market in the Asia Pacific region saw a substantial increase in prices, driven by collection of the robust demand and supply constraints. Key industries like acetic acid and formaldehyde production continued to drive Methanol consumption, while disruptions in supply chains limited availability. Japan emerged as a significant player, indicating broader regional trends with heightened demand from expanding production units. Additionally, elevated prices of essential feedstocks like natural gas and coal further pressured Methanol costs. Despite some relief from reduced shipping rates between major trading hubs, overall market conditions remained tight. The Asia Pacific region's dynamic industrial landscape and ongoing infrastructure developments contributed to the sustained upward momentum in Methanol pricing throughout the quarter.

Q2 2024:

During the second quarter of 2024, the Asia Pacific methanol market encountered a complex mix of shifting demand and supply conditions. The early months were marked by vigorous spot trading and fierce competition among regional suppliers, suggesting an oversupply situation. Seasonal impacts, particularly the monsoon, caused a decline in the demand from industries such as laminates and plywood, leading to more restrained purchasing behaviors. As these operations gradually restarted, the market achieved a tentative balance amid ongoing uncertainties. Fluctuating feedstock prices and increased transportation costs further complicated the scenario, driving up the costs of imported methanol.

Q1 2024:

The Asia Pacific methanol market experienced volatility in early 2024 due to supply shortages, plant shutdowns, and currency shifts. Key disruptions, such as natural gas shortages and unexpected plant shutdowns in China and Malaysia, limited methanol availability, while demand for derivatives stayed firm, especially in South Korea. Market fundamentals in the region remained strong, pushing prices upward amid fluctuating supply levels. South Korea’s methanol sector showed notable strength, with healthy trading activities and downstream demand growth, driving a bullish price trend across the region for the quarter.

Q4 2023:

The market demonstrated a bullish trend, primarily due to a shortfall in supply and vigorous demand from derivative industries. Recovery signs were evident with increased market transactions and a rebound in demand. South Korea, in particular, saw significant price adjustments influenced by robust needs for formaldehyde and acetic acid, along with scarce inventory and active trading. The price trends in the region were largely shaped by these supply constraints, which spurred a noticeable increase in bulk trading activities.

This Methanol price analysis can be expanded to include a comprehensive list of countries within the region.

Latin America Methanol Price

The analysis of Methanol prices in Latin America provides a detailed overview, reflecting the unique market dynamics in the region influenced by economic policies, industrial growth, and trade frameworks.

This comprehensive review can be extended to include specific countries within the region.

Methanol Price Trend, Market Analysis, and News

IMARC’s newly published report, titled “Methanol Prices, Trend, Chart, Demand, Market Analysis, News, Historical and Forecast Data Report 2024 Edition,” offers an in-depth analysis of methanol pricing, covering an analysis of global and regional market trends and the critical factors driving these price movements.

It encompasses an in-depth review of spot price of methanol at major ports, a breakdown of prices including Ex Works, FOB, and CIF, alongside a region-wise dissection of methanol price trend across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.

The report examines the elements influencing methanol price fluctuations, such as changes in raw material costs, supply-demand dynamics, geopolitical factors, and industry-specific developments. Additionally, it integrates the latest market news, providing stakeholders with up-to-date information on market shifts, regulatory changes, and technological advancements, thereby offering a comprehensive overview that aids in strategic decision-making and forecasting.

Methanol Market Analysis

The global methanol market size reached US$ 36.3 Billion in 2023. By 2032, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 55.2 Billion, at a projected CAGR of 4.60% during 2023-2032.

• The increasing demand for methanol in the end-use industries, including automotive, construction, and electronics, is driving the market growth.
• The widespread use of methanol as a fuel, solvent, and chemical feedstock for nearly all the industries promotes the product demand.
•  The market is also expanding due to the increasing consumption of methanol as an ecological alternative fuel, spurred by mounting climatological concerns and regulations.
• Continuous technological developments in methanol production processes, particularly the introduction of renewable methanol production technologies, are driving the market.
• Mounting investments in methanol production and infrastructure development are expanding the market growth.
• The methanol-based industries’ expansions in the developing countries, such as China and India, are supporting the market growth.
• The progressive regulations supporting ethanol as fuel and raw material are fueling the need for the product in the market.
• The fluctuations in crude oil prices in the competitive resistance of methanol as a fuel to the commercially available fuel are influencing the market.
• Rising trends of environmentally friendly and renewable energy sources are promoting the Bia based continual methanol market.
• Increasing expansions in the market and research and development initiatives are leading to new methanol-feeding mechanisms, which initiates the market potential.
• Methanol usage in plastic, glue, and paint manufacturing in the chemical sector is promoting the methanol market.
• The technological improvement to produce olefins, called methanol-to-olefins, methanol-to-propylene, and other similar patterns is propelling the methanol market growth.
• The significant companies increasing their methanol production potential to fulfill the market necessity is hampering the market competition.
• The expanded consciousness about methanol’s advantages as a marine fuel in marine industry.
• Adoption of methanol blending in gasoline fuels for cleaner combustion is a key trend in the automotive sector.
• Methanol's use as a solvent in pharmaceutical and personal care products is driving demand in these industries.
• Environmental concerns regarding greenhouse gas emissions from traditional fuels are boosting interest in methanol as a cleaner alternative.
• Rising demand for formaldehyde, acetic acid, and methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) drives the consumption of methanol in various chemical processes.

Methanol News

The report covers the latest developments, updates, and trends impacting the global methanol market, providing stakeholders with timely and relevant information. This segment covers a wide array of news items, including the inauguration of new production facilities, advancements in methanol production technologies, strategic market expansions by key industry players, and significant mergers and acquisitions that impact the methanol price trend.

Latest developments in the methanol industry:

• In 2024, Methanex Corporation announced the commercial production of its new 1.8-million-ton methanol plant, Geismar 3 (G3), in Geismar, Louisiana. It has been delayed due to complications that occurred in the autothermal reformer (ATR) during the late stages of the initial start-up process.
• In 2022, SABIC unveiled its plans to collaborate with Saudi Aramco and Air Products to develop the world's largest green hydrogen project in NEOM, Saudi Arabia. The project aims to produce green hydrogen and ammonia, with methanol as a byproduct. SABIC's involvement underscores its commitment to sustainable practices and the development of alternative energy sources.

Product Description

Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol or wood liquor, is a versatile chemical compound that can be used for many purposes. It is a colorless volatile liquid, having a characteristic smell and taste, and will easily dissolve in water. It is made primarily by the catalytic synthesis of carbon monoxide and hydrogen (known commonly as synthesis gas in the methanol industry), a process referred to simply as methanol synthesis.

Methanol's principal use, besides being a fuel, is as a raw material for making formaldehyde, acetic acid, and methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE). These are basic ingredients in the manufacture of plastics, adhesives, paints and medicinal products. Methanol's role in chemical feedstock underpins its importance within industrial processes and supply chains.

Methanol is widely used as a solvent in the paint, coatings, and pharmaceutical sectors owing to its exceptional solubility characteristics. Its ability to dissolve a wide range of substances makes it valuable in formulations that require effective dispersion and mixing.

Report Coverage

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report presents a detailed analysis of methanol pricing, covering global and regional trends, spot prices at key ports, and a breakdown of Ex Works, FOB, and CIF prices.
• The study examines factors affecting methanol price trend, including raw material costs, supply-demand shifts, geopolitical impacts, and industry developments, offering insights for informed decision-making.
• The competitive landscape review equips stakeholders with crucial insights into the latest market news, regulatory changes, and technological advancements, ensuring a well-rounded, strategic overview for forecasting and planning.
• IMARC offers various subscription options, including monthly, quarterly, and biannual updates, allowing clients to stay informed with the latest market trends, ongoing developments, and comprehensive market insights. The methanol price charts ensure our clients remain at the forefront of the industry.