The global 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (2-EHA) market entered a phase of sharp escalation starting from the first week of March 2026, with China prices rising by more than 53 per cent within a short span. The primary driver behind this movement has been a steep increase in upstream raw material and energy costs, which significantly tightened production economics across key regions, particularly in Asia. Additionally, disruptions in raw material supply routes through the Strait of Hormuz further intensified supply constraints, increasing freight costs and amplifying the upward pressure on 2-EHA prices.

Feedstock and Freight Pressures Drive Surge
At the end of February 2026, brent crude oil prices were recorded at around $67.02 per barrel. However, by mid-March, values surged to nearly $101 per barrel declining trend on March 18, 2026, due to rise in inventory of US, however still reflecting a rapid increase of over 50 per cent. This sudden spike directly impacted petrochemical feedstocks, especially propylene, which is a key input in the oxo-alcohol production chain used to manufacture 2-EHA.

A sharp rise in crude oil values, coupled with a strong surge in feedstock propylene prices, significantly increased production costs for 2-EHA manufacturers, forcing them to push prices upward to preserve margins. Propylene markets showed notable gains across regions, particularly in China, where CFR prices climbed from 840 to 1145 US dollar/MT (+36 per cent), while CFR Southeast Asia rose from 755 to 1075 US dollar/MT (+42 per cent), FOB Japan from 795 to 1095 US dollar/MT (+38 per cent), FOB Korea from 800 to 1115 US dollar/MT (+39 per cent), and FD Europe from 985 to 1297 US dollar/MT (+32 per cent), reflecting widespread upstream cost pressure.

2-EHA Prices in China increased from about $1,280 per metric ton on 2 March 2026 to nearly $1960 per metric ton by 16 March 2026. This represents an increase of over 53 per cent in just two weeks. The rise was not only driven by higher production costs but also supported by tight availability of upstream products, cautious operating rate and disturbed route from middle east.

Freight
Despite supportive announcements aimed at stabilising crude oil markets, including supply-side signals from global energy authorities, the downstream chemical markets including 2-EHA have not yet seen meaningful correction.  This is mainly due to the lag in cost transmission and continued uncertainty in feedstock availability and disturbance in Strait of Hormuz affecting cost for importing countries due to increase in freight with combined effect of surge in war surcharge, emergency bunker surcharge, peak season surcharge and more.