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.
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.
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.
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.
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.