Epoxy Resin Market Outlook 2026: Feedstock Costs Support Prices as Demand Lags

Epoxy resin prices rose sharply in early 2026 as feedstock costs increased, but weak demand and shifting geopolitical risk created an uneven correction by mid-year.

Key Takeaways

• Epoxy resin prices rose roughly 20–25% across the US, Europe and Northeast Asia as benzene, phenol, acetone and epichlorohydrin costs moved higher.
• Concerns about shipping through the Strait of Hormuz briefly helped Asian suppliers implement increases, but underlying demand remained subdued.
• Panic buying, summer supply concerns and existing anti-dumping duties and tariffs supported additional increases through May and June, even though underlying consumption was only modest.

Q1 Brought Broad Price Increases

Epoxy resin prices rose roughly 20–25% across the US, Europe and Northeast Asia as benzene, phenol, acetone and epichlorohydrin costs moved higher. Chinese prices recorded the largest increase, rising about 30% between February and March.

Demand Remained the Weakest Element

Concerns about shipping through the Strait of Hormuz briefly helped Asian suppliers implement increases, but underlying demand remained subdued. Asian and Chinese prices later retreated as buyers returned to hand-to-mouth purchasing.

North America and Europe Stayed Firmer Longer

Panic buying, summer supply concerns and existing anti-dumping duties and tariffs supported additional increases through May and June, even though underlying consumption was only modest.

Sentiment Shifted Twice

Late-June easing in geopolitical risk and softer crude prices encouraged buyers to step back and suppliers to defend market share with discounts. Renewed escalation in July then lifted energy, freight and insurance concerns, slowing the downward momentum in epoxy resin pricing.

H2 Outlook

Feedstock costs continue to limit producer concessions, especially where benzene values remain elevated. The market will be shaped by geopolitical risk, post-summer demand, Asian export competitiveness and whether suppliers reduce operating rates to address persistent weakness.