Track Propylene Carbonate Price Index Historical and Forecast

Propylene Carbonate Price Trend and Forecast: Global Market Review, Regional Dynamics, and Strategic Outlook

Executive Summary

The Propylene Carbonate (PC) market experienced a series of dynamic price movements across major regions through 2024 and 2025, shaped by fluctuations in downstream demand, evolving cost structures, and shifting global trade patterns. By September 2025, the market exhibited a divergent regional trend: North America saw weakened pricing under oversupply and muted industrial consumption; the APAC region maintained stable but cautious pricing due to limited export activity and balanced fundamentals; and Europe showed measured price gains, supported by firm demand for battery-grade and high-purity material.

Throughout 2024-2025, factors such as lithium-ion battery sector performance, propylene oxide feedstock trends, freight volatility, and shifts in EV production and energy-storage projects acted as key influencers. Meanwhile, global oversupply, varying procurement behavior, and port congestion in key markets shaped supply-chain efficiency. This PR-style report delivers a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of price trends, quarterly movements, cost dynamics, demand patterns, procurement approaches, and forward-looking expectations. It concludes with insights into how ChemAnalyst empowers buyers with real-time data, price forecasts, and supply-chain intelligence to optimize procurement strategies.

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Introduction

Propylene Carbonate (PC), an essential solvent and electrolyte component widely used in lithium-ion batteries, personal care, pharmaceuticals, coatings, and industrial cleaning formulations, has increasingly become a strategic commodity for global supply chains. As the world transitions toward electrification and renewable energy systems, the material's price, demand curve, and availability have become closely tied to EV production, energy-storage system (ESS) deployment, upstream feedstock volatility, and macroeconomic shifts.

From Q4 2024 to Q3 2025, the market saw sharp contrasts across regions. North America's dependence on Asian imports and conservative downstream demand resulted in subdued pricing. APAC markets experienced stable-to-soft conditions, balancing upstream fluctuations with moderated procurement. Europe demonstrated stronger resilience, driven by high-purity application demand and tight supply for battery-grade solvent.

This article evaluates the global and regional price landscape, exploring the drivers behind each movement and presenting an in-depth forecast for future quarters.

Global Price Overview

Across the global market, Propylene Carbonate prices in 2024-2025 were shaped primarily by:

Oversupply in the global electrolyte market, especially during late 2024 and early 2025
Feedstock propylene oxide cost fluctuations, including maintenance outages in East Asia
Cautious procurement behavior, particularly among battery and electrolyte manufacturers
Volatile freight rates and evolving trade policies
Shifting EV demand cycles and policy-driven consumption across different regions
High inventory levels at both coastal terminals and domestic warehouses in key producing nations
Globally, the market in 2025 entered a phase of price normalization after a year of volatility. The expansion of battery production in Asia, restructuring of EV incentives in the U.S., and evolving adoption of LFP vs NMC battery chemistries in Europe significantly shaped the downstream landscape.

By Q3 2025, regional disparities became more pronounced:

North America-weak industrial demand and competitive Asian imports depressed prices.
APAC-balanced fundamentals kept prices rangebound despite slight upstream cost pressures.
Europe-tight supply of high-purity grades supported firming prices.

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Regional Analysis

North America Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Performance (Ending September 2025)

In North America, the Propylene Carbonate market continued to soften throughout Q3 2025, reflecting subdued industrial consumption and ample supply.

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Key developments included:

Spot prices declined due to weak demand from industrial solvents and textile dyeing applications.
The Propylene Carbonate Price Index moved downward, primarily affected by oversupply and restrained procurement from coatings and cleaning product manufacturers.
Demand was mixed-while lithium-ion battery and personal care segments held steady, downstream industrial solvents registered a clear slowdown.
Production cost trends remained relatively stable thanks to secure propylene oxide feedstock availability, though rising freight and compliance costs added mild pressure.
Elevated inventories, weak spot demand, and competitive Asian offers led to price corrections.

Why Prices Declined in September 2025 (North America)?

Soft demand from textile dyeing, solvents, and degreasing applications
High inventory levels discouraging fresh procurement
Competitive pricing from Asian exporters forcing domestic sellers to adjust downward

Q2 2025 Review (Ending June 2025)

The market in North America during Q2 2025 was stable but lacked momentum.

Key factors:

Flat pricing in July 2025 due to consistent supply availability
Limited domestic production meant pricing largely reflected landed Asian import values
Growth in EV batteries and ESS deployment remained moderate
Freight volatility discouraged long-term bookings
Buyers increasingly adopted hand-to-mouth procurement strategies

Q1 2025 Review (Ending March 2025)

North America saw a gradual decline in prices due to:

Heavy reliance on Chinese imports
Conservative buying from electrolyte and battery manufacturers
Persistent global oversupply
Weak sentiment despite a temporary rise in EV sales (20% YoY in February)
Policy uncertainty surrounding EV tax credits

Q4 2024 Review

The quarter began with stability but ended on a bearish note:

Oversupply in electrolytes weighed on PC prices
EV demand grew but did not offset market softness
Buyer caution intensified due to regulatory uncertainty and inventory overhang

Asia-Pacific (APAC) Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Performance (Ending September 2025)

The APAC market-particularly China-experienced stable yet cautious price behavior in September 2025.

The Propylene Carbonate Price Index fell by 3.98% QoQ
Average prices hovered around USD 941.67/MT
Minimal transaction volumes due to subdued exports and modest domestic restocking
Stable propylene oxide costs supported margin stability
Port congestion at Qingdao adjusted short-term supply tightness
Why Prices Shifted in September 2025 (APAC)?

Slight upstream propylene oxide cost increases
Controlled supply from producers operating near full rates
Balanced baseline demand from EV and ESS sectors
Weak export inquiries and restrained domestic buying
Q2 2025 Review (Ending June 2025)

Highlights included:

4.3% quarter-on-quarter decline in China
Weaker export demand from South Korea, India, and the U.S.
Lithium-salt price declines discouraged electrolyte restocking
Feedstock volatility persisted due to planned propylene oxide plant maintenance
Inventories rose modestly at coastal terminals

Q1 2025 Review

Q1 in China was influenced by:

Upward price pressure from propylene oxide maintenance outages
Reduced operational capacity during Chinese New Year
Post-holiday sluggish demand from electrolyte producers
Conservative just-in-time procurement practices
Gradual recovery in March as supply chains normalized

Q4 2024 Review

The APAC PC market exhibited strong early-quarter momentum:

Pre-holiday stocking and healthy EV demand supported Q4 pricing
Upstream maintenance in East China tightened supply temporarily
Year-end destocking stabilized prices in December
Record-breaking EV sales throughout China sustained long-term optimism

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Europe Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Performance (Ending September 2025)

Europe diverged from global trends in Q3 2025, experiencing modest price increases.

Key drivers:

Firm demand from lithium-ion battery manufacturers
Tight supply for high-purity and battery-grade PC
Stable downstream demand from pharmaceuticals, coatings, and personal care
Marginal cost increases from sustainability and transportation compliance
Why Prices Increased in September 2025 (Europe)?

Limited supply of high-purity PC
Strong procurement from energy storage and pharmaceutical sectors
Rising logistics and sustainability compliance costs

Q2 2025 Review (Ending June 2025)

The European market remained rangebound:

Buyers limited orders to operational requirements
Imports from Asia flowed steadily, benefiting from low Chinese offers
Battery industry activity remained uneven due to EV regulatory headwinds
Slow coatings sector activity in summer reduced solvent demand

Q1 2025 Review

Q1 2025 in Europe was characterized by:

Reduced downstream activity
Weak demand from battery and electrolyte producers
Oversupply of lithium compounds influencing procurement schedules
Increased use of LFP battery technologies altering sourcing patterns

Q4 2024 Review

The market showed a mixed performance:

Early-quarter price declines driven by cheaper Asian imports and lower freight rates
Gradual mid-quarter rise due to feedstock cost increases
Late-quarter strengthening as higher-priced Chinese imports arrived
Demand remained muted despite tighter supply

Production and Cost Structure Insights

Across regions, Propylene Carbonate cost trends were influenced by:

Propylene oxide prices, the primary feedstock
Maintenance shutdowns in East Asia affecting short-term supply
Energy cost variability in Europe
Logistics and freight costs, particularly between Asia and North America
Sustainability compliance shaping European production economics
Producers maintained moderate-to-high operating rates worldwide, with Chinese producers generally operating near full capacity due to reliable feedstock availability.

Procurement Outlook

Global procurement sentiment is expected to remain cautious through upcoming quarters due to:

Persistent oversupply in several regions
Slow but steady growth in battery and ESS sectors
Just-in-time inventory strategies adopted by downstream players
Uncertainty around trade policies and freight rate volatility
Gradual EV market stabilization across Europe and North America
However, demand for high-purity PC, particularly battery-grade material, is likely to keep Europe on a relatively firm trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why did Propylene Carbonate prices decrease in North America in September 2025?
Due to oversupply, reduced demand from industrial applications, high inventories, and competitive Asian import offers.

What factors supported price stability in the APAC market in Q3 2025?
Steady EV and ESS demand, mild feedstock cost increases, and controlled production rates helped maintain balance.

Why did European Propylene Carbonate prices rise in Q3 2025?
Strong battery and pharmaceutical demand, tight supply of high-purity grades, and increased logistical expenses.

How did upstream propylene oxide trends influence global PC pricing?
Maintenance outages and feedstock cost fluctuations directly affected production costs, especially in APAC.

What role did EV production play in shaping Propylene Carbonate demand?
EV production strongly influenced battery electrolyte demand, particularly in China and Europe.

What procurement strategies are downstream buyers currently using?
Most buyers have shifted to just-in-time strategies to avoid exposure to volatile prices and freight costs.

How ChemAnalyst Supports Buyers with Real-Time Market Intelligence

ChemAnalyst empowers procurement teams and market participants with real-time data, deeply researched price forecasts, and reliable supply chain intelligence. With coverage of over 450+ chemicals and commodities, the platform provides:

Live price tracking and weekly updates
In-depth analysis of supply-demand balance, cost trends, and production outages
Price forecasts powered by economic modeling and industry insights
Alerts on plant shutdowns, feedstock disruptions, and logistics bottlenecks
Access to expert analysts across Houston, Cologne, New Delhi, and major global ports
By providing actionable intelligence, ChemAnalyst helps buyers:

Optimize procurement timing
Reduce exposure to market volatility
Identify cost-saving opportunities
Strengthen risk management across the supply chain
With ChemAnalyst's global network and expert-driven outlooks, procurement teams can make confident, informed decisions in an increasingly complex and competitive Propylene Carbonate market.

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