The price of ethylene glycol loosened last week. According to the data from SunSirs, as of June 6, the average price of domestic oil-based ethylene glycol was 4498.33 RMB/ton, down 0.52% from the average price of ethylene glycol of 4521.67 RMB/ton on June 1.

In terms of imported ethylene glycol, the center of gravity of the port ethylene glycol spot contract on June 6, 2025 moved down, with a transaction range of 4375-4440 RMB/ton, and a weak and stable basis. The intraday basis range of the spot contract next week is 117-130. In the morning trading of the day, the daily trading range of the spot contract next week is +125 to +130; after the closing, the basis of the contract next week is quoted at +118 to +120, the basis of the contract in June is quoted at +118 to +120, and the basis of the contract in July is quoted at +100 to +105.

Domestic coal-based polyester-grade ethylene glycol spot (bulk water, tax-inclusive, self-pickup) whole-car pickup price is 4,000-4,120 RMB/ton.

As for foreign ethylene glycol, as of June 2, the CIF price of ethylene glycol in China was US$524/ton, and the CIF price of ethylene glycol in Southeast Asia was US$530/ton.

Port inventory was significantly reduced in May, and prices rebounded slightly last week

Port ethylene glycol inventory accumulated significantly from January to mid-February, and port inventory fluctuated sideways from March to April. In May 2025, ethylene glycol in the main ports of East China was significantly reduced, and ethylene glycol port inventory rebounded slightly this week.

As of June 5, the total inventory of ethylene glycol in the main ports of East China was 590,800 tons, an increase of 30,500 tons from the total inventory of 560,300 tons on June 3, and a decrease of 110,100 tons from the total inventory of 700,900 tons on April 28; a decrease of 107,000 tons from the total inventory of 697,800 tons on April 3; and a decrease of 81,100 tons from the total inventory of 671,900 tons on March 31.

Fundamental Overview

Last week, affected by the news of the obstruction of ethane exports from the United States, the ethylene glycol market rose, and the overall market sentiment was generally positive. From the supply and demand perspective, domestic equipment maintenance and restart are carried out in parallel, and the operating rate remains around 60% in the short term. Social inventory is expected to continue the trend of destocking. Polyester load is currently around 91%, and the weak terminal demand is expected to remain unchanged, suppressing the upward trend of ethylene glycol prices.

Expected changes in recent equipment: Henan Yongcheng 1-2# and Tianjin Zhongsha have restart plans at the weekend. Pay attention to the restart progress of a large equipment in Northeast China in mid-June.

Market outlook

After the warehouse receipts have been cancelled and outflowed, the spot goods that can be circulated in the market have alleviated the tight spot situation. The recent market mainly trades the weak downstream demand expectations and the reality of low inventory. Pay attention to the production and sales of polyester and the restart progress of large ethylene glycol equipment in the future. It is expected that there is a high probability of sideways fluctuations in the short term.

If you have any enquiries or purchasing needs, please feel free to contact SunSirs with support@sunsirs.com.