Propylene Glycol Price Trend and Forecast: Top 10 Leading Trading Countries and Regions - Latest Edition [2026]

The Expert Market Research pricing report on Propylene Glycol provides insights into the top 10 leading trading countries and regions.

Propylene glycol prices showed high regional volatility influenced by fluctuating demand, economic conditions, and logistical challenges. The first half of 2024 was marked by consistent price declines across major regions due to weak demand and oversupply. In Q1 2025, propylene glycol prices trends moved upward steadily in major regions, driven by robust demand from major industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and manufacturing. Tight supply conditions and prudent procurement efforts led to incremental price appreciation. Irrespective of some economic and geopolitical volatility, the market was stable with steady consumption patterns driving positive momentum.

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Propylene glycol is extensively used in many industries. In food, it's used as a solvent, emulsifier, and moisture retainer, improving texture and shelf life in applications such as baked goods and dressings. In pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, it's used as a humectant and solvent to assist drug delivery and hydration of the skin. Industrially, it's used in antifreeze formulations, deicing compositions, and as an ingredient in resins and plastics.

Propylene Glycol Price Forecast

In 2024, the international propylene glycol market witnessed a steady drop in prices, mainly on account of muted demand from major sectors, comfortable availability, and weakened feedstock markets. For instance, in May 2024, prices maintained their declining trend, following cautious buying actions and weakening in raw material markets. Broader macroeconomic factors affecting propylene glycol price forecast suggests that seasonal factors, like lower demand for antifreeze in summer months, also played a pivotal role in driving down prices. Propylene glycol prices are predicted to be regionally variable with variations due to fluctuation of seasonal demand, economic conditions, and supply and demand dynamics.

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Global Trade and Supply Chain Implications

Propylene glycol has been considerably impacted by a combination of factors, which have resulted in sharp price swings and supply issues. In 2024, a price surge was observed globally, which was driven by heightened demand from end-user industries such as cosmetics, automotive, and pharmaceuticals, coupled with tight supply conditions. This trend was further exacerbated by increased procurement activities ahead of anticipated price hikes during peak winter demand.

China's strong manufacturing activity, driven by increases in new orders and a rebound in export demand, was a key factor in tightening worldwide supply and driving up prices. In the United States, seasonal demand for antifreeze and deicing uses, as well as fears of possible labour strikes, caused orders to be placed ahead of schedule, putting more strain on supply chains. Europe also experienced the same challenges with high demand from the personal care, cosmetic, and food additive industries, topped by decreased rates of production and inflation pressures. Moreover, geopolitical tensions, such as the Houthi attacks on Red Sea corridor ships, interrupted international shipping lines, adding to higher freight prices and are another factor affecting propylene glycol prices. These trends highlight the complex relationship between global trade, supply chain vulnerability, and market forces in the propylene glycol market outlook.

Feedstock Analysis

Propylene glycol is produced from propylene oxide, which is its principal feedstock. Supply and price of propylene oxide are substantially determined by upstream petrochemical market forces, especially the supply and price of crude oil and natural gas that form the raw material propylene. Crude oil price fluctuations and refinery production directly affect propylene cost and availability, thus influencing propylene oxide manufacture and, in turn, propylene glycol prices. The growth in interest in bio-based propylene glycol from glycerol also contributes to the diversification of feedstock sources and could lower dependence on petrochemical supply chains in the long term. The overall feedstock situation for propylene glycol is still exposed to global energy markets and refining economics.

Demand and Supply Outlook for Propylene Glycol

As of early 2025, propylene glycol price trends exhibit varied regional patterns influenced by changing market dynamics, economic sentiment, and feedstock conditions. The United States had relatively stable prices but is trending slightly higher due to tentative purchases and inflation-related uncertainty. Conversely, prices in China have declined due to softened demand in major end-use markets such as cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals, as purchasing units delayed purchases in hopes of lower prices ahead. Europe has meanwhile observed a modest price rise in Germany that resulted from seasonal strengthening of industrial production and firm downstream demand. In the future, international prices will vacillate within a confined band driven by forces including crude oil trends, seasonal consumption patterns, continuous interest in bio-based substitutes, and possible geopolitical or logistical disturbances to global trade channels.

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