Europe Plasticizers Market: DINP and DIDP Strengthen in August

European plasticizer prices moved in different directions during August, with DINP and DIDP becoming firmer amid higher costs and tighter supply, in line with earlier expectations. DOTP, meanwhile, remained largely stable compared with July.

On the feedstock side, the August orthoxylene contract was settled at a rollover, while the latest propylene settlement increased by €55/ton from July.

DINP and DIDP Rise on Supply Tightness

August price ranges were reported at €1520-1730/ton for DINP and DIDP and €1360-1470/ton for DOTP, all on an FD basis, 60 days.

BASF and Evonik’s force majeure declarations, combined with continued logistics problems caused by low Rhine water levels, supported higher DINP and DIDP prices. A West European producer initially sought a €200/ton increase but later reduced its target after buyers considered the initial hike difficult to accept. Another regional producer attempted a three-digit increase for DIDP early in the month but faced resistance from buyers.

Other suppliers generally implemented increases of €60-90/ton from July levels. Market participants expect supply tightness to continue into September, as Rhine water levels could take several weeks to recover significantly. BASF is also expected to carry out scheduled maintenance during September. These conditions could encourage more buyers to shift from DINP toward DOTP where possible.

DOTP Prices Remain Mostly Stable

DOTP followed a different trend in August, with the market largely unaffected by the supply constraints impacting DINP and DIDP. Prices were mostly stable, with only minor adjustments reported.

Sellers generally avoided aggressive pricing as many buyers had already secured some volumes ahead of the summer holiday period. At the same time, regional producers faced increased production costs. A trader also expects South Korean DOTP offers to rise as higher feedstock costs continue to support Asian markets.

Summer Holidays Keep Demand Subdued

Buying activity remained limited during August due to the seasonal summer slowdown, particularly in Southern Europe, where many converters were away for several weeks. Despite tight DINP and DIDP availability, the subdued demand environment prevented significant panic buying.

Looking ahead to September, some restocking could provide support to demand. However, buyers may increasingly switch to DOTP where available because of its better supply position and lower pricing.

In the import market, Turkish DOTP was traded at €1400/ton DAP, while US DOTP changed hands at €1390/ton DDP. Chinese DOTP was offered to a buyer at €1270/ton DDP for October delivery. South Korean DOTP was quoted at €1400-1470/ton FD and €1390/ton DDP.

DINP and DIDP Expected to Stay Firm

DINP and DIDP prices are expected to remain firm in September as regional supply constraints continue. Logistics disruptions linked to low Rhine water levels could provide additional upward pressure.

Some market participants anticipate increases similar to those seen in August, while a distributor of a West European producer indicated initial DINP selling ideas involving a €150/ton increase.

For DOTP, a shift toward higher prices cannot be ruled out as costs rise, although any sustained increase will depend largely on demand. The September propylene contract is meanwhile expected to settle around rollover to small changes.

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