Glycol Ethers

A large proportion of glycol ethers goes into the paints and coatings industry, though other uses include inks, cleaning products, plasticisers, brake fluids, pharmaceuticals, cosmetic and personal care products.

A glycol ether is a liquid substance which is derived from organic chemistry. Its properties, which include being soluble in water, lead it to be used as a solvent in a variety of domestic and industrial applications. This report covers two of the E series glycol ethers, which are downstream products of ethylene. They are flammable.

Tests on animals have shown effects on blood and blood producing tissues. However, handling precautions mean it is unlikely that humans will be exposed to such dangerous levels.

 

ICIS pricing quotes glycol ethers in Europe, the US Gulf and Asia Pacific.

 

Frequency:

Published weekly on Fridays in Europe and the US Gulf, and Thursdays in Asia Pacific.

Glycol Ethers (Europe)

Weekly Price Assessments:

Butyl Mono Glycol Ether (BG) Spot Prices

• FD NWE (EUR/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)

Butyl Di Glycol Ether (BDG) Spot Prices

• FD NWE (EUR/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)

Feedstock Prices

• N-BUTANOL (SPOT) FD NWE (EUR/MT)
• ETHYLENE OXIDE (MONTHLY CONTRACT) FD NWE (EUR/MT)

 

Glycol Ethers (US Gulf)

Weekly Price Assessments:

Glycol Ethers Contract Prices (Delivered)

• EB (ethylene glycol monobutyl ether) DEL CONSUMER (US CTS/LB & conversion to USD/MT)
• DB (diethylene glycol monobutyl ether) DEL CONSUMER (US CTS/LB & conversion to USD/MT)
• PM (propylene glycol methyl ether) DEL CONSUMER (US CTS/LB & conversion to USD/MT)
• PMA (propylene glycol methyl ether acetate) DEL CONSUMER (US CTS/LB & conversion to USD/MT)

Glycol Ethers Spot Prices (FOB)

• EB (ethylene glycol monobutyl ether) FOB USG (US CTS/LB & conversion to USD/MT)
• DB (diethylene glycol monobutyl ether) FOB USG (US CTS/LB & conversion to USD/MT)
• PM (propylene glycol methyl ether) FOB USG (US CTS/LB & conversion to USD/MT)
• PMA (propylene glycol methyl ether acetate) FOB USG (US CTS/LB & conversion to USD/MT)

Feedstock Prices

• N-BUTANOL (CONTRACT) (USD/MT)
• ETHYLENE OXIDE (CONTRACT) (USD/MT)
• C-GRADE PROPYLENE (CONTRACT) (USD/MT)

 

Glycol Ethers (Asia)

Weekly Price Assessments:

Butyl Mono Glycol Ether (BG) Spot Prices

• CFR China (USD/MT)
• CFR SE Asia (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 and Houston and up to the close of business on Thursdays at 1800 in Singapore.

Specifications: In Europe, the butyl mono glycol ether quote covers product of minimum 99% purity, maximum water content of 0.2% weight and maximum acidity (as acetic acid) by weight 0.01%.  The butyl di glycol ether quote covers product of minimum purity 97%, maximum water content 0.1% weight  and maximum acidity (as acetic acid) by weight 0.01%. In the US, EB and DB quotes cover product of minimum 99% purity, maximum water content of 0.1% weight and maximum acidity (as acetic acid) by weight 0.01%. 

Timing: Cargoes loading or delivered four-six weeks forward from the date of publication.

Terms: 30-60 days after b/l date. In the US, credit terms are typically 30-45 days. In Asia credit terms vary between LC 30-90 days from B/L date.

 

Standard cargo size: Assessments in Europe typically reflect business on a truck basis (approximately 20-25 tonnes) to medium-sized spot purchasers. In the US, truck (46,000 lb), railcar (190,000 lb) and drum (560 lb) amounts for spot price assessments are used. In Asia, cargo sizes vary from 200-300 tonnes in SE Asia and from 500-1000 tonnes in China.

Assessment Basis: In Europe, the report offers details of price trends within the week in both euros and British pounds when relevant. Prices given refer to spot business concluded in the previous week and refer to delivered material in the northwest Europe region. Indications of prices in southern Europe are given if considered relevant. Producers’ target figures are also provided.

The contract prices published in the glycol ethers (US Gulf) report for EB, DB, PM and PMA represent contract, delivered-basis prices paid by consumers and distributors. EB, DB, PM and PMA spot prices represent levels paid by consumers and distributors on an FOB US Gulf basis. Information is gathered throughout the week from suppliers, consumers, distributors and other market players. In addition, more emphasis is placed on list price movements that may occur towards the end of the week. Certain prices may be excluded from the range if they have been negotiated in unusual circumstances or if special conditions are thought to apply. In the absence of business, the price spread can also move based on the majority of market sentiment. The contract prices in the ICIS pricing range may not represent the final settled price for that month. Price changes are calculated against the previous monthly contract prices quoted. All prices in the range are pre-discounts.

The reports offer 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. Regular updates on plant performance or shutdowns and planned increased capacity is also included.

In Asia, the report covers spot price discussions between producers and distributors – in terms of fixtures, buying and selling ideas. Commentary is also included about the domestic prices in China. China has no domestic producers of BG so the domestic prices are usually for imported cargoes being sold by distributors. In Asia, suppliers include those in the region as well as from European sources.