Polyoxymethylene (POM) prices are trending upward across key global markets as April 2025 begins, driven by firm demand from the automotive and electronics sectors, tight supply from Asian producers, and persistent pressure on raw material costs. The engineering plastic, widely used for its stiffness, dimensional stability, and wear resistance, is witnessing renewed pricing momentum after a relatively quiet start to the year.

In China, domestic POM prices rose by nearly 4% compared to March, with current spot levels hovering between $1,900 and $2,050 per metric ton FOB. The surge stems from increased prices of formaldehyde and methanol—the key feedstocks required for POM production. Additionally, some regional producers have cut operating rates due to narrow margins and routine maintenance shutdowns.

“POM supply in East China is tighter than expected due to planned turnarounds at two major plants,” said a Hangzhou-based trader. “Import offers have slowed down as Korean producers are prioritizing long-term contracts over spot volumes.”

The automotive sector continues to drive demand, especially for POM grades used in fuel system components, gears, and precision electrical parts. With China's vehicle production recovering month-over-month, consumption of Polyoxymethylene (POM) has maintained a healthy pace, pushing prices upward.

India has seen a similar price rally. POM prices increased by INR 8-10 per kilogram over the past two weeks. Domestic demand remains robust, especially from end-users in automotive, textile machinery, and home appliance segments. Import availability from Taiwan and South Korea has tightened slightly due to delayed shipments and port congestion.

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“Local converters are actively securing supplies in anticipation of further price hikes,” said a Delhi-based distributor. “There’s consistent demand for both natural and black POM grades across injection molding units.”

European markets have responded to tight global supply and rising upstream costs. POM prices for general-purpose molding grades reached €2,500 to €2,750 per metric ton FCA. Buyers across Germany, Italy, and Poland reported higher bids from importers, particularly for medium-to-high viscosity grades. The increase is partly driven by a reduction in exports from Asian producers and regional logistics bottlenecks.

“In the past, we could secure extra volumes easily,” said a Polish plastics converter. “Now, it’s a challenge to get delivery dates confirmed without a price jump.”

North American buyers also face firm Polyoxymethylene (POM) prices. In the United States and Canada, market rates are averaging between $2,400 and $2,650 per metric ton. Local producers are operating steadily, but feedstock formaldehyde prices have crept upward, tightening margins. Automotive and industrial customers remain active, pushing compounders to prioritize existing contracts over spot inquiries.

Latin America’s markets, particularly Brazil and Mexico, are seeing higher prices due to currency fluctuations and elevated freight costs. Importers are passing on the increased cost of Asian-origin material, while domestic supply remains limited. Demand from automotive wiring, water pump components, and consumer electronics remains solid.

In the Middle East and Africa, POM prices held firm due to steady imports and stable demand from downstream processors. UAE-based importers reported levels close to $2,700 per metric ton, with African buyers facing premiums due to inland logistics constraints.

On the upstream side, formaldehyde prices have climbed steadily in Asia and Europe due to feedstock methanol’s upward momentum. Methanol has been subject to both higher crude oil benchmarks and limited availability in key markets. These upstream developments are likely to sustain Polyoxymethylene (POM) price pressure in the near term.

Analysts expect POM prices to stay on a bullish path for the next quarter. With no major capacity expansions on the horizon and demand rising from high-precision molding industries, the supply-demand balance remains tight. In addition, geopolitical tensions affecting chemical trade routes continue to disrupt consistent deliveries.

“Even with stable demand, the real story is upstream tightness and supply chain issues,” said a Singapore-based market analyst. “If formaldehyde and methanol costs stay high, we could see Polyoxymethylene (POM) prices rise another 3-5% by early summer.”

To sum up, POM prices are advancing across regions, supported by feedstock pressure, constrained availability, and steady demand from key industrial sectors. Buyers may need to navigate tight supply chains and factor in potential price increases in their sourcing strategies through the second quarter of 2025.

ChemAnalyst

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