Propylene Glycol Ethers Methodology
Propylene glycol ethers are widely used in the surface coatings industry, as solvents, and for the regulation of flow and coalescence.
Methoxy propanol or methanol based monopropylene glycol monomethyl ether (PM), a clear liquid with ether-like odour, is used in the pharmaceutical industry as an extractant, in cosmetics adhesives, printing inks, agrochemical formulations and industrial/household cleaners. It is also used in felt pens and stamp pad ink, in leather finishes, wood stains and furniture polishes.
Methoxy propanol Acetate or propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (PMA) is a clear liquid with an aromatic, fruity odour. It is used in wood stains, printing inks, adhesives, cleaners, polishes and other household products.
PM and PMA are combustible and may be irritating to eyes and the respiratory system.
ICIS pricing quotes Propylene Glycol Ethers in Europe and Asia. (For US coverage please see also the Glycol Ethers entry.)
Frequency:
- Published weekly on Friday.
- In Asia, published weekly on Thursdays.
Propylene Glycol Ether (EUROPE)
Weekly Price Assessments:
PM Spot Prices
- PM FD NWE (EUR/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)
PMA Spot Prices
- PMA FD NWE (EUR/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)
Feedstock Prices
- METHANOL Quarterly Contract FOB RDAM (EUR/MT & conversion to US CTS/GAL)
- PROPYLENE OXIDE FD NWE (MISC) (EUR/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)
- ACETIC ACID Quarterly Contract FD NWE (EUR/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)
Propylene Glycol Ether (Asia)
Weekly Price Assessments
PM Spot Prices
- PM CFR China (USD/MT)
- PM CFR SE Asia (USD/MT)
PMA Spot Prices
- PMA CFR China (USD/MT)
- PMA CFR SE Asia (USD/MT)
Glycol Ethers (US Gulf)
Weekly Price Assessments
PM Spot Prices
- PM DEL CONSUMER (US CTS/LB & conversion to USD/MT)
PMA Spot Prices
- PMA DEL CONSUMER (US CTS/LB and conversion to USD/MT)
General Information:
Assessment window:
Price assessments are based on information supplied by market participants through the week up to close of business on Fridays at 1800 hours in London.
Asian price assessments are based on information supplied by market participants through the week up to close of business on Thursdays at 1800 hours in Singapore.
Specification:
The methoxy propanol (PM) quote covers minimum purity 99.5% max water wt 0.10% and acidity (as acetic acid) wt 0.01% maximum. Methoxy propanol acetate (PMA) covers purity 98-99.5% (depending on isomer split), maximum water wt 0.05% and acidity (as acetic acid) wt 0.02% maximum.
Timing:
Cargoes loading or delivered four-six weeks forward from the date of publication.
Terms:
30-60 days after bill of lading date.
Standard cargo size:
Assessments in Europe typically reflect business on a truck basis (approximately 20-25 tonnes) to medium-sized spot purchasers.
In Asia, assessments reflect business fixed on iso-tank basis.
Assessment basis:
Spot prices are reported for the methanol based PM and PMA specifications. Prices given refer to spot business concluded in the previous week only and refer to delivered material in the northwest European region. Indications of prices in southern Europe and the UK are given if considered relevant. Producers’ target figures are also provided. If product is being exported to the US/Asia and this is having an effect on the northwest European market, relevant details of trades are provided.
In Asia, the assessments are based on import deals into SE Asia and China on drummed container basis. However, increasingly there are also exports seen from China and such information is also mentioned in the commentary. Chinese domestic market prices are also mentioned in the commentary.
The report offers market commentary that includes details of traced transactions, news on the supply/demand balance, export/import information, contract price negotiations and general sentiment for price direction. Where applicable there is product information, comments on up and downstream market developments and general market intelligence.