What is Propylene Oxide Market Analysis: Price Trend, Trade Data and Polyether Polyol Demand
Analysts Sentiment
Bullish
Neutral
Bearish
What's driving sentiment this week:
Latest published month (2026-07) — Sentiment: Bullish
The most recent published customs observation for HS 291020 is 2026-07 at USD 1,673.97/ton, +3.4% against the previous month and +27.8% against 2025-08.
Reported volume across the fixed 3-economy panel was 528,392 tonnes over the window, 44,033 tonnes a month on average, and the three-month trend is +29.9%.
Next 1–3 Months — Outlook
This page is refreshed from public customs statistics rather than paid price assessments, so the next revision will roll in each newly published month for HS 291020. Direction shown here is a reading of published customs unit values, not a forecast.
Key Market Impact
Customs unit values for this heading are the single most checkable price signal available without a subscription: they combine the product mix actually crossing borders, the average contract level behind those shipments and freight-relevant volume. Treat them as the trade-weighted baseline for the heading, and read the coverage note above before applying them to a single grade.
How About the Price?
Data source: UN Comtrade public trade statistics (https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/M/HS?reporterCode=156,842,699,410,276,528,356,360,764,458,724,40,56,251,380,616,826,124,76,484,792,682,784,704,490,702,643,36,710,818,364,203,348,300,620,372,208,246,752,578,320,508&period=202607&cmdCode=291020&partnerCode=0&flowCode=X&includeDesc=true) | Last updated: 2026-11-06
Price Trajectory, latest 12 months (2025-08 to 2026-07)
The monthly customs export unit value for HS 291020 moved from USD 1,309.50/ton in 2025-08 to USD 1,673.97/ton in 2026-07 (+27.8% across the window). The window high was USD 1,784.66/ton in 2026-05 and the low USD 1,215.80/ton in 2026-02. Three-month averages put the latest quarter +29.9% against the previous one, which is classified here as bullish.
The same panel reported USD 753.6 million of export value on 528,392 tonnes over the twelve months, an average of 44,033 tonnes a month. Values are customs returns for the stated HS heading, so they capture the traded mix of that heading rather than a single quoted grade.
The EU side of the same heading is one month fresher than the panel above: Eurostat Comext records EU27 imports of HS 291020 from outside the EU at USD 1,747.85/ton in 2026-08 (EUR 1,507.66/ton at the ECB monthly reference rate), +24.1% against 2026-07, on 10,430 tonnes; the twelve months to 2026-08 totalled 174,226 tonnes. On the 12 months the two datasets share (2025-08 to 2026-07), three-month blocks that far apart moved +30.7% on the export panel and +10.1% on the EU import side, so the two agree on direction. Import values are recorded on a CIF-type basis by a single bloc, so the level is not comparable with the export panel — the comparison above is directional.
2026-08 is deliberately not in the series: of the 3 economies that make up this page's fixed panel, 2 had filed both value and net weight for this heading when the page was rebuilt on 2026-11-06 (the heading drew 3 filers in total that month); neither 2026-09 nor 2026-10 drew a single filing for this heading. Splicing a partly-filed month onto a fixed panel would move the unit value through composition alone, so the window stays at 2026-07 until the whole panel for 2026-08 has reported.
HS 291020 carries methyloxirane (propylene oxide) only and is separate from the ethylene oxide heading (291010), so the series is product-level; it does not distinguish the chlorohydrin route from HPPO or POSM output, and the polyols and glycol ethers made from PO are classified outside this heading.
Supply-side factors
- Fixed reporting panel of 3 economies: DEU (276), NLD (528), USA (842). The panel is held constant in every month of the window so month-to-month movement is not a composition effect.
- Monthly unit value range over the window: USD 1,215.80 to USD 1,784.66/ton.
- Latest month, 2026-07: USD 1,673.97/ton, +3.4% against the previous month, on 54,647 tonnes.
Demand-side factors
- Propylene oxide demand is dominated by polyether polyols for polyurethane flexible and rigid foam, then by propylene glycol and glycol ethers, so offtake follows furniture, bedding, automotive seating and construction insulation, and the monomer is short-lived in storage because of its reactivity.
- Related market pages on this site: Propylene (the feedstock), Propylene Glycol (the hydration outlet), Polyether Polyol (the largest outlet for PO), Styrene (the co-product of POSM propylene oxide capacity).
Basis: these are customs unit values for the stated HS heading, not quoted spot, contract or assessed prices, and no paid price assessment is used or redistributed on this page. Every figure can be re-checked at the API links listed at the end of this page.
Need the supplier landscape, contract structure or a delivered-cost build-up behind this heading? Request a sample report or a custom cut.
Substitutes & Alternatives
| Substitute / Alternative | Replacement Scenario / How It Substitutes |
|---|---|
| Ethylene Oxide (EO) | In polyether polyol synthesis, ethylene oxide can partially or fully replace propylene oxide to produce polyethylene glycols (PEGs) or EO-capped polyols. EO-based polyols yield polyurethanes with different hydrophilicity and mechanical properties. Substitution requires reformulation of the polyol recipe and adjustment of catalyst systems; not a drop-in replacement but widely practiced in flexible foam and surfactant applications. |
| Glycerol (from biodiesel co-production) | Glycerol can substitute propylene glycol (a key PO derivative) in certain applications such as antifreeze formulations, cosmetics, and food-grade humectants. Since glycerol is a direct functional analog to propylene glycol in many non-critical uses, this substitution reduces demand for PO-derived propylene glycol. It is largely a drop-in replacement at the downstream level, not at the PO synthesis stage. |
| Butylene Oxide (1,2-Epoxybutane) | Butylene oxide can replace propylene oxide in the synthesis of polyether polyols and lubricant additives where longer alkyl chain length is acceptable or desirable. It provides higher hydrophobicity and different viscosity profiles. Substitution requires reformulation and is used in specialty lubricant and surfactant applications rather than bulk polyurethane foam. |
| Epichlorohydrin | In epoxy resin synthesis, epichlorohydrin is the standard epoxide used with bisphenol A. For certain flexible epoxy or reactive diluent applications where propylene oxide-derived glycidyl ethers are used, epichlorohydrin-based analogs can substitute, though they introduce chlorine into the product and require different handling protocols. |
| Propylene Glycol (PG, bio-based) | Bio-based propylene glycol produced directly from glycerol hydrogenolysis or from lactic acid can substitute PO-derived propylene glycol in downstream markets such as antifreeze, de-icing fluids, cosmetics, and food additives, effectively bypassing PO entirely in those value chains. This is a downstream substitution that reduces net PO demand rather than replacing PO in synthesis. |
| Styrene Oxide | In specialty chemical and pharmaceutical intermediate applications where propylene oxide is used as a chiral epoxide building block or reactive diluent, styrene oxide can serve as an alternative epoxide reactant. Substitution is application-specific and requires evaluation of reactivity and toxicity profiles; not applicable to bulk polyol or glycol markets. |
| Trimethylolpropane (TMP) / Polyester Polyols | In polyurethane formulations, polyester polyols (derived from diacids and diols, not from PO) can replace polyether polyols as the polyol component. This substitutes PO indirectly by using an entirely different polyol chemistry. Polyester polyols offer better solvent resistance and are preferred in coatings and adhesives, but require reformulation of the polyurethane system and are generally more expensive. |
Related PetroApex Market Pages
- Propylene
- Propylene Glycol
- Polyether Polyol
- Ethylene Oxide
- Styrene — the co-product of POSM propylene oxide capacity.
Regulatory Status
| Region | Regulation / Policy Name | Issuing Authority | Year (enacted or latest revision) | Key Requirement / Threshold | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU | REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 | ECHA | 2006 (amended) | Subject to restrictions of Annex XVII (manufacture, placing on market and use of certain dangerous substances); listed as SVHC for authorisation; harmonised CLP classification: Flam. Liq. 1, Carc. 1B, Muta. 1B, Acute Tox. 3 (inhalation), Acute Tox. 4 (oral), Eye Irrit. 2 | https://balchem.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/10235gb_CLP_134_ATP8_0102_propyleenoxide_balchem.pdf; https://echemportal.org/echemportal/substance-search?query_term=75-56-9 |
| EU | REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 | ECHA | 2006 (amended) | Registration required for ≥1 tonne/year; Candidate List of SVHC for authorisation (Article 59); not listed in Annex XIV authorisation list | https://health.ec.europa.eu/other-pages/health-sc-basic-page/opinion-results-risk-assessment-0_en; https://chem.echa.europa.eu/obligation-lists/candidateList |
| EU | CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (harmonised classification) | ECHA | 2008 (harmonised) | Harmonised CLP classification: Flam. Liq. 1; Carc. 1B; Muta. 1B; Acute Tox. 3; H331; H311; H302; Eye Irrit. 2; STOT SE 3; H335 | https://balchem.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/10235gb_CLP_134_ATP8_0102_propyleenoxide_balchem.pdf |
| US | TSCA Section 4(a) Testing Requirements | US EPA | 1985 | Manufacturers and processors required to test for developmental toxicity | https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/federal-register-notice-propylene-oxide-testing |
| US | EPCRA Section 302/304/313 (EHS chemicals) | US EPA | 1986 | EHS: TPQ 10,000 lbs; RQ 100 lbs; TRI reporting required | https://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/chemical/5159 |
| US | NESHAP for HAPs (40 CFR 61) | US EPA | 1990 | Listed as HAP; stationary source emissions controls apply (no specific PO emission threshold specified) | https://balchem.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SDS_ARC_Propylene-Oxide-ARC.pdf |
| US | OSHA PEL (Table Z-1) | OSHA | 1971 (current) | 8-hour TWA: 100 ppm (240 mg/m³); STEL: 200 ppm | http://www.osha.gov/chemicaldata/590; https://www.osha.gov/annotated-pels/table-z-1 |
| US | DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations | DOT (via 49 CFR) | 1970s (current) | UN 1280; Class 3; Packing Group I; Hazard Class 3; Flammable Liquid | https://www.lyondellbasell.com/globalassets/lyb/our-solutions/products/documents/chemicals-technical-literature/guidelines-for-the-distribution-of-propylene-oxide.pdf; https://balchem.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/10235gb_CLP_134_ATP8_0102_propyleenoxide_balchem.pdf |
| US | EPA HAP Emissions Standards | US EPA | 1990 (NESHAP) | Highly flammable handling: listed as HAP with emission controls required for stationary sources | https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/classic/toxics/tac/factshts1997/propylox.pdf |
| China | National Development and Reform Commission Catalogue | National Development and Reform Commission | 2023 (amended) | Ban on new chlorohydrin-based PO production (older plants closures encouraged due to environmental controls) | National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC)Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) |
| China | MEE Environmental Compliance (NDRC/Restructuring Guidance) | Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) | 2015 (ongoing) | Prohibition on construction of new chlorohydrin plants since 2015; closures of older PO plants due to wastewater/emissions crackdowns | Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) |
| Global | IMDG Code | IMO (adopted regionally) | 2000s (current) | UN 1280; Class 3; Packing Group I; no marine pollutant mark | https://balchem.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/10235gb_CLP_134_ATP8_0102_propyleenoxide_balchem.pdf |
| Global | GHS Classification | UN (adopted) | 2005 (CLP alignment) | Flam. Liq. 1; Acute Tox. 3/4; Carc. 1B; Muta. 1B; Eye Irrit. 2; STOT SE 3 | https://balchem.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/10235gb_CLP_134_ATP8_0102_propyleenoxide_balchem.pdf |
Key Influence Events
Propylene oxide (PO), also known as 1,2-epoxypropane or methyloxirane, is a colorless, volatile, flammable liquid with a molecular formula of C3H6O and a molecular weight of 58.08 g/mol. It is a highly reactive three-membered cyclic ether (epoxide) produced industrially from propylene. Propylene oxide is one of the most important propylene derivatives, serving primarily as a chemical intermediate for the manufacture of polyether polyols (used in polyurethane foams), propylene glycols, propylene glycol ethers, and isopropanolamines. It has a boiling point of 34.2°C and is miscible with most organic solvents. Due to its high reactivity and low boiling point, it is handled and stored under pressure or refrigeration.
Top Countries Production Capacity
Production Process of Propylene Oxide Market Analysis: Price Trend, Trade Data and Polyether Polyol Demand
Propylene oxide (PO), also known as 1,2-epoxypropane or methyloxirane, is a colorless, volatile, flammable liquid with a molecular formula of C3H6O and a molecular weight of 58.08 g/mol. It is a highly reactive three-membered cyclic ether (epoxide) produced industrially from propylene. Propylene oxide is one of the most important propylene derivatives, serving primarily as a chemical intermediate for the manufacture of polyether polyols (used in polyurethane foams), propylene glycols, propylene glycol ethers, and isopropanolamines. It has a boiling point of 34.2°C and is miscible with most organic solvents. Due to its high reactivity and low boiling point, it is handled and stored under pressure or refrigeration.
Specs & Grades
| Property | Typical Value / Range | Unit | Grade / Note |
|---|
Data Sources
Price and volume figures are derived from the directly verified public sources below. The customs unit values are USD/ton and are not subscription price assessments. Grade-level specifications are not restated here: confirm them with the supplier. Every monthly endpoint used for the series on this page is listed below, together with the EU cross-check, the exchange rate used to express it in dollars and the HS classification reference.
- https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/M/HS?reporterCode=156,842,699,410,276,528,356,360,764,458,724,40,56,251,380,616,826,124,76,484,792,682,784,704,490,702,643,36,710,818,364,203,348,300,620,372,208,246,752,578,320,508&period=202508&cmdCode=291020&partnerCode=0&flowCode=X&includeDesc=true
- https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/M/HS?reporterCode=156,842,699,410,276,528,356,360,764,458,724,40,56,251,380,616,826,124,76,484,792,682,784,704,490,702,643,36,710,818,364,203,348,300,620,372,208,246,752,578,320,508&period=202509&cmdCode=291020&partnerCode=0&flowCode=X&includeDesc=true
- https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/M/HS?reporterCode=156,842,699,410,276,528,356,360,764,458,724,40,56,251,380,616,826,124,76,484,792,682,784,704,490,702,643,36,710,818,364,203,348,300,620,372,208,246,752,578,320,508&period=202510&cmdCode=291020&partnerCode=0&flowCode=X&includeDesc=true
- https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/M/HS?reporterCode=156,842,699,410,276,528,356,360,764,458,724,40,56,251,380,616,826,124,76,484,792,682,784,704,490,702,643,36,710,818,364,203,348,300,620,372,208,246,752,578,320,508&period=202511&cmdCode=291020&partnerCode=0&flowCode=X&includeDesc=true
- https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/M/HS?reporterCode=156,842,699,410,276,528,356,360,764,458,724,40,56,251,380,616,826,124,76,484,792,682,784,704,490,702,643,36,710,818,364,203,348,300,620,372,208,246,752,578,320,508&period=202512&cmdCode=291020&partnerCode=0&flowCode=X&includeDesc=true
- https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/M/HS?reporterCode=156,842,699,410,276,528,356,360,764,458,724,40,56,251,380,616,826,124,76,484,792,682,784,704,490,702,643,36,710,818,364,203,348,300,620,372,208,246,752,578,320,508&period=202601&cmdCode=291020&partnerCode=0&flowCode=X&includeDesc=true
- https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/M/HS?reporterCode=156,842,699,410,276,528,356,360,764,458,724,40,56,251,380,616,826,124,76,484,792,682,784,704,490,702,643,36,710,818,364,203,348,300,620,372,208,246,752,578,320,508&period=202602&cmdCode=291020&partnerCode=0&flowCode=X&includeDesc=true
- https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/M/HS?reporterCode=156,842,699,410,276,528,356,360,764,458,724,40,56,251,380,616,826,124,76,484,792,682,784,704,490,702,643,36,710,818,364,203,348,300,620,372,208,246,752,578,320,508&period=202603&cmdCode=291020&partnerCode=0&flowCode=X&includeDesc=true
- https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/M/HS?reporterCode=156,842,699,410,276,528,356,360,764,458,724,40,56,251,380,616,826,124,76,484,792,682,784,704,490,702,643,36,710,818,364,203,348,300,620,372,208,246,752,578,320,508&period=202604&cmdCode=291020&partnerCode=0&flowCode=X&includeDesc=true
- https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/M/HS?reporterCode=156,842,699,410,276,528,356,360,764,458,724,40,56,251,380,616,826,124,76,484,792,682,784,704,490,702,643,36,710,818,364,203,348,300,620,372,208,246,752,578,320,508&period=202605&cmdCode=291020&partnerCode=0&flowCode=X&includeDesc=true
- https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/M/HS?reporterCode=156,842,699,410,276,528,356,360,764,458,724,40,56,251,380,616,826,124,76,484,792,682,784,704,490,702,643,36,710,818,364,203,348,300,620,372,208,246,752,578,320,508&period=202606&cmdCode=291020&partnerCode=0&flowCode=X&includeDesc=true
- https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/M/HS?reporterCode=156,842,699,410,276,528,356,360,764,458,724,40,56,251,380,616,826,124,76,484,792,682,784,704,490,702,643,36,710,818,364,203,348,300,620,372,208,246,752,578,320,508&period=202607&cmdCode=291020&partnerCode=0&flowCode=X&includeDesc=true
- https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/api/comext/dissemination/statistics/1.0/data/DS-045409?format=JSON&freq=M&reporter=EU27_2020&partner=EXT_EU27_2020&flow=1&indicators=VALUE_IN_EUROS&indicators=QUANTITY_IN_100KG&product=291020&sinceTimePeriod=2025-08
- https://data-api.ecb.europa.eu/service/data/EXR/M.USD.EUR.SP00.A?format=csvdata&startPeriod=2025-08&endPeriod=2026-10
- https://comtradeapi.un.org/files/v1/app/reference/HS.json
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