Glyoxal Price Trend and Forecast 2026-2027

In Europe, the highest-cost reporting region, glyoxal prices climbed steadily through H1 2026, extending a structural premium built on import-dependent feedstock costs and energy inflation. The European average rose from USD 870/MT in Q1 2026 to USD 890/MT in Q2, a gain of about 2.3%. Globally, the average eased from USD 745/MT in Q1 2026 to USD 725/MT in Q2, a decline of about 2.7%, as an early-2026 feedstock cost spike partly unwound. For H2 2026, a global average of USD 700-760/MT is expected, with a low-volatility, range-bound backdrop and a slight downward bias as feedstock costs stabilise.

Glyoxal is produced by the catalytic oxidation of ethylene glycol or, in parts of Asia, acetaldehyde derived from coal, and is sold commercially as a technical-grade aqueous solution. Textile finishing for permanent-press and anti-crease treatment and paper industry wet-strength resins account for the largest share of global demand, with leather tanning, disinfectants and preservatives, and specialty resin and adhesive applications making up most of the remaining major uses. Ethylene glycol and acetaldehyde feedstock costs, energy prices, textile and paper sector demand, and freight and logistics reliability are the drivers that move price most consistently.

Glyoxal Price Forecast for 2026

The supply-demand balance for glyoxal through the remainder of 2026 leans toward a low-volatility, range-bound phase with a modest downward bias, following an early-year feedstock cost spike that has since partly unwound. Ethylene glycol and acetaldehyde costs are expected to stay broadly stable absent a fresh supply shock, while heavy Chinese import volumes continue to cap price gains in the United States and other import-facing markets.

The primary upside risk is renewed disruption to Middle East shipping routes or energy supply, which would spike ethylene glycol and energy costs and push prices back above the forecast range. The primary downside risk is continued heavy low-cost Chinese import penetration combined with weak oilfield and textile demand, which would pull prices below the forecast.

For the Quarter Ending June 2026

Glyoxal Prices Q2 2026:

• Europe: USD 890/MT
• United States: USD 690/MT
• India: USD 705/MT
• China: USD 615/MT

Glyoxal Prices in Europe

European glyoxal prices averaged USD 890/MT in Q2 2026, up about 2.3% from USD 870/MT in Q1 2026, the highest level among the four tracked markets. Import-dependent ethylene glycol costs and elevated energy prices continued to support the region's premium.

Why did the price of Glyoxal change in Q2 2026 in Europe?

Ethylene glycol import costs stayed elevated on continued supply-route caution following the early-year disruption. Energy costs for the oxidation process remained structurally high. Steady textile finishing and paper sector demand absorbed the higher cost base.

Glyoxal Prices in United States

US prices averaged USD 690/MT in Q2 2026, down about 8.0% from USD 750/MT in Q1 2026, as an early-year feedstock and logistics-driven spike partly unwound. Heavy Chinese import volumes added further downward pressure.

Why did the price of Glyoxal change in Q2 2026 in United States?

Ethylene glycol and energy costs eased back from the early-year spike as shipping risk moderated. Heavy Chinese import volumes continued to weigh on domestic pricing. Weaker oilfield and shale-linked demand limited the pace of any recovery.

Glyoxal Prices in India

Indian prices averaged USD 705/MT in Q2 2026, down about 2.1% from USD 720/MT in Q1 2026, as regional feedstock costs eased modestly following the earlier spike. Import-linked pricing tracked the broader regional correction.

Why did the price of Glyoxal change in Q2 2026 in India?

Regional feedstock costs eased modestly as the earlier supply-driven spike unwound. Import volumes from Northeast Asia remained steady, keeping domestic supply comfortable. Textile and leather tanning demand held at consistent levels through the quarter.

Glyoxal Prices in China

Chinese prices averaged USD 615/MT in Q2 2026, down about 3.9% from USD 640/MT in Q1 2026. A comparatively modest correction reflected China's coal-based feedstock route, which limited exposure to the earlier ethylene glycol cost spike.

Why did the price of Glyoxal change in Q2 2026 in China?

The coal-based acetaldehyde production route limited China's exposure to the ethylene glycol cost spike seen elsewhere. Export volumes stayed elevated as producers sought outlets for available capacity. Domestic textile and paper demand remained steady.

For the Quarter Ending March 2026

Glyoxal Prices Q1 2026:

• Europe: USD 870/MT
• United States: USD 750/MT
• India: USD 720/MT
• China: USD 640/MT

Glyoxal Prices in Europe

European prices averaged USD 870/MT in Q1 2026, up about 7.1% from Q4 2025. Import-dependent ethylene glycol costs and elevated energy prices drove the increase entering the year.

Why did the price of Glyoxal change in Q1 2026 in Europe?

Ethylene glycol import costs rose sharply amid supply-route disruption concerns entering the year. Energy costs for the oxidation process climbed alongside the broader European energy market. Steady downstream demand allowed producers to pass the higher cost through.

Glyoxal Prices in United States

US prices averaged USD 750/MT in Q1 2026, up sharply by about 12.8% from Q4 2025, as ethylene glycol and energy costs spiked sharply on supply-route tension before easing later in the quarter.

Why did the price of Glyoxal change in Q1 2026 in United States?

Ethylene glycol and energy costs spiked sharply on Middle East-linked shipping-route tension early in the quarter. Winter logistics disruption added further short-term supply pressure. Resilient oilfield, paper, and specialty resin demand supported the pass-through.

Glyoxal Prices in India

Indian prices averaged USD 720/MT in Q1 2026, up about 9.9% from Q4 2025, tracking the broader regional feedstock cost spike tied to supply-route tension.

Why did the price of Glyoxal change in Q1 2026 in India?

Regional feedstock costs spiked alongside the broader Asian and European increase. Import volumes from Northeast Asia carried the higher cost through to the domestic market. Steady textile and leather tanning demand absorbed the increase.

Glyoxal Prices in China

Chinese prices averaged USD 640/MT in Q1 2026, up about 13.1% from Q4 2025, the sharpest quarterly increase among the four tracked markets, as feedstock costs firmed even for the comparatively insulated coal-based production route.

Why did the price of Glyoxal change in Q1 2026 in China?

Feedstock costs firmed even for coal-based acetaldehyde producers as the broader petrochemical complex repriced. Export demand stayed strong, supporting the pass-through. Domestic textile and paper sector demand remained steady through the quarter.

Quarterly Glyoxal Price Trends

Global glyoxal prices eased gradually through most of 2025 on soft feedstock costs and ample supply, before spiking sharply in Q1 2026 on Middle East-linked shipping and feedstock cost tension, then partly correcting in Q2. The average opened near USD 698/MT in Q1 2025, eased to USD 675/MT by Q4 2025, then jumped to USD 745/MT in Q1 2026 before easing to USD 725/MT in Q2 2026, a net gain of about 3.9% across the six-quarter window. Soft 2025 feedstock costs drove the initial decline, while the early-2026 supply-route disruption drove the sharp reversal and subsequent partial correction.

What was Glyoxal Price in 2025?

Glyoxal prices eased gradually across most reporting regions in 2025, weighed down by soft ethylene glycol feedstock costs and ample supply, even as Europe firmed on structurally higher energy and import costs. The global average opened near USD 698/MT in Q1 2025 and eased to USD 675/MT by Q4, a full-year decline of about 3.3%. Soft feedstock costs, ample Chinese export supply, and steady but unremarkable textile and paper sector demand were the primary forces that defined the year.

Glyoxal Prices in Europe in 2025

European prices rose from about USD 780/MT in Q1 2025 to USD 812/MT by Q4, a gain of roughly 4.1%, the only tracked region to post a full-year increase. Structurally higher energy and import-dependent feedstock costs drove the steady climb through the year.

Glyoxal Prices in United States in 2025

US prices fell from about USD 720/MT in Q1 2025 to USD 665/MT by Q4, a decline of roughly 7.6%. Soft ethylene glycol feedstock costs and ample supply pressured the market lower through most of the year, ahead of the sharp early-2026 reversal.

Glyoxal Prices in India in 2025

Indian prices fell from about USD 680/MT in Q1 2025 to USD 655/MT by Q4, a decline of roughly 3.7%. Soft regional feedstock costs and steady but unremarkable demand kept the market under mild pressure through the year.

Glyoxal Prices in China in 2025

Chinese prices fell from about USD 610/MT in Q1 2025 to USD 566/MT by Q4, a decline of roughly 7.2%. Ample coal-based feedstock supply and steady export competition pressured the market lower through most of the year.

How We Can Help

Expert Market Research: Your Source for Real-Time Glyoxal Price Intelligence

Expert Market Research tracks glyoxal prices continuously across every major producing and consuming region. The team traces causation through ethylene glycol and acetaldehyde feedstock economics, energy cost shifts, freight and logistics reliability, and downstream textile, paper, and leather tanning sector demand cycles. Forecasts draw on feedstock cost curves, capacity utilisation, and trade flow data across all reporting regions. Contact Expert Market Research today for glyoxal pricing data, bespoke market analysis, and strategic procurement advisory.