Monoethylene glycol (MEG) prices in the United States remained flat last week, with market sentiment subdued despite the restart of a major production facility in Louisiana.
An industry source told that, “US MEG prices remained stable as offers stayed the same after a major producer returned to the market. Spot offers were noted to be lower than Asia’s levels, but no transactions were finalized during the week. Contrary to hopes for greater discounts following the resumption of the facility, prices stayed steady, with the producer reportedly sold out until September and not providing additional spot volumes.”
Market players observed that ongoing US tariffs on exports to China continued to weigh on trade flows, forcing sellers to explore alternative markets such as the Mediterranean. However, increased shipments to Europe appeared unlikely, given antidumping duties on US-origin MEG and the producer’s conservative sales strategy. As a result, liquidity in the US market remained thin, with prices locked in a narrow range.
On Friday, MEG prices were assessed at 20.50–21.00 cents per pound FD US Gulf, unchanged from the prior week.
In contrast, Asian prices showed modest gains. CFR China MEG rose USD 10/mt to USD 535–545/mt, supported by a slight improvement in demand and declining inventories. CFR Southeast Asia also firmed, rising USD 5/mt to USD 540–545/mt. Still, traders noted that downstream polyester manufacturers were running at reduced operating rates due to seasonal weakness, which limited the extent of the recovery.
The divergence highlights a market where US MEG values remain constrained by trade barriers and limited export avenues, while Asia finds slight support from inventory drawdowns, though demand fundamentals remain fragile.
