News Release: July 29, 2025
Glycerol Ethoxylate Price, Production, Latest News and Developments in 2025
Glycerol Ethoxylate price trend and production News
Glycerol Ethoxylate Price Trend in Past Five Years and Factors Impacting Price Movements
Over the past five years, the glycerol ethoxylate market has witnessed considerable price fluctuations influenced by various macroeconomic, geopolitical, and industrial factors. In 2020, the average glycerol ethoxylate price was around $1,700/MT. This relatively low price point was largely driven by decreased demand during the COVID-19 pandemic, as production across key sectors such as personal care, cleaning agents, and lubricants slowed significantly.
In 2021, the market started to recover. A gradual revival in demand from end-use industries such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and oilfield chemicals pushed the average price up to around $2,050/MT. However, global supply chains were still under pressure, and raw material shortages, especially ethylene oxide, contributed to the rising costs. The growing demand for sustainable and biodegradable surfactants further intensified the demand for glycerol ethoxylate, which reflected in its price.
In 2022, prices peaked at approximately $2,450/MT in Q3 due to an energy crisis in Europe and ongoing logistic disruptions in Asia. Elevated energy prices and limited ethylene oxide availability continued to exert upward pressure. At the same time, a surge in crude oil prices impacted feedstock costs, feeding into the glycerol ethoxylate price trend.
By early 2023, a slight correction was observed in prices. As supply chains normalized and inventories stabilized, the average price dipped to about $2,200/MT. However, regional disruptions in the Middle East and inflationary pressures in the US kept prices from falling further.
In 2024, the glycerol ethoxylate price trend showed moderate stability, averaging $2,180/MT. This steadiness was attributed to balanced supply-demand equations, improved production efficiency, and strategic stockpiling by major manufacturers. Additionally, regulatory shifts encouraging the use of green chemicals spurred consistent demand growth.
Now in 2025, the glycerol ethoxylate price news reflects a mixed trend influenced by regional differences in production capacity, raw material availability, and trade flows. Although production facilities in North America and Europe have increased output capacities, raw material volatility and freight rate increases are pushing costs upward. As of mid-2025, prices hover around $2,320/MT. Market participants are closely watching the Asian market, where a growing domestic demand for glycerol ethoxylate, especially in India and Southeast Asia, may lead to price surges.
The primary factors influencing glycerol ethoxylate price news today include:
- Ethylene oxide price volatility
- Global energy costs
- Trade restrictions and tariffs
- Demand from cosmetic and surfactant industries
- Supply chain fluidity and shipping container availability
These factors continue to shape the overall glycerol ethoxylate price trend and are expected to influence market behavior into the next quarters of 2025.
Glycerol Ethoxylate Price Trend Quarterly Update in $/MT (Estimated Quarterly Prices)
- Q1 2024: $2,160/MT
- Q2 2024: $2,180/MT
- Q3 2024: $2,190/MT
- Q4 2024: $2,210/MT
- Q1 2025: $2,250/MT
- Q2 2025: $2,320/MT (current)
- Q3 2025 (forecasted): $2,360/MT
- Q4 2025 (forecasted): $2,410/MT
These quarterly updates underline a slow but steady increase, driven by rising glycerol ethoxylate sales volume and regional production bottlenecks in Asia.
Global Glycerol Ethoxylate Import-Export Business Overview
The international trade scenario of glycerol ethoxylate has grown dynamically over the years. The global glycerol ethoxylate sales volume has expanded significantly, driven by rising applications in surfactants, emulsifiers, lubricants, and dispersing agents. This surge has reshaped both importing and exporting trends across continents.
North America has historically remained a net exporter of glycerol ethoxylate. The United States, benefiting from an established petrochemical infrastructure and ready access to ethylene oxide, remains one of the leading exporters. Major American producers ship bulk volumes to Latin America, Europe, and Asia. In 2024, the US exported over 45,000 metric tons, and that number is expected to reach 50,000 metric tons by the end of 2025.
Europe, particularly countries like Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, also maintain a strong export profile. However, due to increasing domestic demand from personal care and industrial cleaning product manufacturers, exports have been plateauing. Imports into Europe, particularly from Asia, have slightly increased to maintain downstream production targets.
Asia-Pacific stands as the most complex region for glycerol ethoxylate trade. China, despite being a top producer, imports glycerol ethoxylate from the US and Europe for specialty grades that are used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. At the same time, China has become a growing exporter of low-cost glycerol ethoxylate to emerging markets such as Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. In 2025, China’s export volume is projected to surpass 60,000 metric tons, reflecting the country’s intent to dominate both domestic and global markets.
India is another emerging market with strong import needs. Due to limited ethylene oxide production and less vertical integration, India continues to import over 25,000 metric tons annually, primarily from Southeast Asia and the Middle East. However, investments in local glycerol ethoxylate production facilities may reduce this dependency in the coming years.
The Middle East plays a dual role in this market. As a supplier of feedstock (ethylene oxide), countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are starting to develop glycerol ethoxylate production units to move up the value chain. Export volumes remain moderate but are set to rise with the commissioning of new petrochemical complexes in 2025 and beyond.
Latin America, particularly Brazil and Argentina, remain reliant on imports. Most of the demand comes from agrochemicals and lubricants industries. Brazilian importers are increasingly sourcing from China and the US due to competitive pricing and stable supply lines.
The glycerol ethoxylate import-export scenario is also impacted by trade tariffs and logistic barriers. In 2023 and 2024, stricter environmental compliance norms in Europe and the US disrupted the import of lower-quality ethoxylates. This led to a brief reshuffle in global trade patterns, favoring exporters with more sustainable production credentials.
Notably, in 2025, the glycerol ethoxylate news highlighted a significant shift in sourcing by South Korean and Japanese manufacturers. Amid tightening local environmental laws, both countries have increased imports from certified green producers in the US and Europe. This shift is expected to increase the glycerol ethoxylate price news across Asia due to higher quality and certification demands.
Supply chain efficiency has become a key factor influencing glycerol ethoxylate production and global movement. Freight availability, container shortages, and port congestions have previously delayed shipments, affecting importers’ procurement strategies. In 2025, these logistics challenges have partially eased, thanks to better route diversification and digital tracking mechanisms.
Looking ahead, global glycerol ethoxylate sales volume is projected to continue expanding at a steady rate. International trade will likely be shaped by:
- Growth in green chemical demand
- Strategic alliances between manufacturers and distributors
- Investments in production upgrades across Southeast Asia and Middle East
- Tariff reforms and environmental standardization initiatives
As demand intensifies in cosmetics, personal care, and oil & gas industries, both imports and exports are likely to increase in volume and value. Competitive pricing strategies, particularly in Asia-Pacific, are anticipated to influence global glycerol ethoxylate price news significantly over the next year.
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Glycerol Ethoxylate Production Trends by Geography
The production landscape of glycerol ethoxylate has undergone substantial transformation over the last few years, marked by rising demand, capacity expansions, and strategic regional investments. Key geographies involved in its production include North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East, each contributing uniquely to the global supply chain. The push toward sustainable chemicals, shifting raw material sourcing strategies, and changing regulatory environments have deeply influenced regional production trends.
North America
North America remains a dominant region in glycerol ethoxylate production, with the United States leading due to its integrated petrochemical infrastructure. The abundance of raw materials like ethylene oxide, along with advanced refining and synthesis capabilities, makes the U.S. a key exporter as well as a self-sufficient producer. Several chemical giants operate large-scale facilities catering to both domestic and export markets. In recent years, U.S. producers have focused on developing eco-friendly formulations of glycerol ethoxylate to meet demand from personal care and cosmetic industries. The region also benefits from technological advancements and automation, ensuring cost-effective production with high-quality yields.
Europe
Europe’s production base is substantial but more focused on high-purity, specialized grades of glycerol ethoxylate used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations. Countries like Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands host major chemical hubs where glycerol ethoxylate is produced under strict environmental and safety standards. The European market is influenced heavily by regulatory policies that encourage sustainable and green chemistry practices. This has led to investments in bio-based ethylene oxide and low-emission production technologies. European manufacturers also prioritize certifications and environmental compliance, which enhances their product acceptability in global markets.
Asia-Pacific
Asia-Pacific has become the fastest-growing region in terms of glycerol ethoxylate production. China leads the way with massive chemical production zones and a strong supply of feedstock chemicals. While much of the output caters to domestic needs, especially in the textile, personal care, and detergent sectors, a significant volume is also exported to neighboring countries. The Chinese government’s support for chemical industrial parks and export-driven manufacturing has boosted glycerol ethoxylate capacity across several provinces.
India is emerging as another significant player in glycerol ethoxylate production. Driven by high domestic demand, investments in chemical infrastructure, and a focus on reducing import dependency, Indian companies are scaling up production volumes. The government’s production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes and relaxed environmental norms in certain industrial corridors have further fueled growth. Southeast Asian nations such as Thailand and Indonesia are also entering the space with new facilities under construction.
Middle East
The Middle East, particularly countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, is transitioning from being a raw material supplier to a value-added chemicals producer. With easy access to ethylene oxide and strong energy integration, regional producers have started to manufacture glycerol ethoxylate to capture higher margins. The focus is currently on supplying nearby African and Asian markets. Expansion projects in petrochemical clusters are likely to increase regional production significantly by 2026.
Latin America
Although Latin America’s glycerol ethoxylate production is limited, countries like Brazil and Argentina are gradually developing small-scale facilities to meet domestic demand. Most production in this region focuses on agricultural formulations, lubricants, and surfactants. The lack of raw material integration and relatively high production costs limit scalability, making imports more viable for now.
Africa
Africa remains largely a consumption-driven region with minimal domestic production of glycerol ethoxylate. However, the growing demand in industries like agriculture, textiles, and cleaning products has opened up investment opportunities for future manufacturing facilities, particularly in South Africa and Egypt.
Conclusion
Globally, glycerol ethoxylate production trends are characterized by regional specialization and growing interest in environmentally responsible manufacturing. North America and Europe emphasize high-end applications and regulatory compliance. Asia-Pacific, particularly China and India, focuses on bulk production and competitive pricing. The Middle East is building its manufacturing base rapidly, while Latin America and Africa show potential for future development. This dynamic and evolving geography of glycerol ethoxylate production ensures that supply chains remain diverse and responsive to market demands.
Glycerol Ethoxylate Market Segmentation
Market Segments:
- By Grade
- By Application
- By End-Use Industry
- By Region
1. By Grade
- Low Ethoxylation Glycerol Ethoxylate
- Medium Ethoxylation Glycerol Ethoxylate
- High Ethoxylation Glycerol Ethoxylate
Low ethoxylation grades are commonly used in industrial lubricants and agrochemical formulations. Medium grades are utilized in household detergents and industrial cleaners. High ethoxylation grades are preferred for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and high-performance emulsifiers. The demand for high ethoxylation glycerol ethoxylate is growing due to increasing usage in skin-care and pharmaceutical excipients.
2. By Application
- Emulsifiers
- Surfactants
- Lubricants
- Dispersants
- Humectants
Surfactants constitute the largest application segment, driven by rapid growth in detergent and personal care product manufacturing. Emulsifiers are the second-largest category, heavily used in cosmetics, paints, and industrial processing. Lubricant applications are expanding, especially in automotive and heavy machinery sectors, where biodegradable formulations are gaining preference. Dispersants and humectants are niche but essential applications contributing to overall glycerol ethoxylate sales volume.
3. By End-Use Industry
- Personal Care & Cosmetics
- Pharmaceuticals
- Agrochemicals
- Oil & Gas
- Textile
- Paints & Coatings
- Industrial Cleaning
The personal care and cosmetics segment remains the dominant end-use industry. Glycerol ethoxylate is favored for its mildness and compatibility with skin-friendly formulations. The pharmaceutical industry is another fast-growing segment, using glycerol ethoxylate in drug delivery and as solubilizing agents. Agrochemicals leverage its wetting and dispersing properties, while the oil & gas industry uses it in drilling fluid formulations. The textile sector utilizes it in fabric softening and wetting agents. Industrial cleaning remains a steady contributor to demand due to increased hygiene awareness globally.
4. By Region
- North America
- Europe
- Asia-Pacific
- Latin America
- Middle East & Africa
Asia-Pacific leads in consumption due to the presence of large detergent and textile industries, particularly in China and India. North America and Europe are mature markets with high-value consumption driven by cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Latin America is steadily growing, while the Middle East and Africa are expected to witness increased demand due to infrastructural and industrial growth.