The global dimethyl carbonate price trend exhibited moderate downward movement through the final quarter of 2024, reflecting a market influenced by shifting supply–demand dynamics, fluctuating production rates, and cautious downstream purchasing behavior. China, being one of the largest producers and exporters of DMC, continued to set the tone for global pricing as spot market levels softened month after month.In October 2024, dimethyl carbonate prices in the China spot market stood at 542 USD/TON, reflecting a 7% year-on-year decline from 582 USD/TON in October 2023. The decrease stemmed from regional oversupply, steady production output, and weaker-than-expected consumption from battery materials, coatings, agrochemicals, and polycarbonate industries. Although some segments such as electric vehicle battery electrolytes showed stable inquiry levels, they were insufficient to counterbalance the broader softness in demand.
Industry analysts noted that while modest gains appeared during brief trading periods, prices remained overall subdued due to changing supply conditions across Asia.
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The downward pattern continued into November 2024, with prices slipping to 539 USD/TON, a 6% YoY decline compared to 575 USD/TON in November 2023. Market players indicated reduced procurement activities as buyers waited for clearer signals on year-end pricing. Production plants operated at consistent, but not aggressive, rates to avoid further stock accumulation. Weak sentiment in the construction and plastics sectors, key users of downstream polycarbonates, added pressure on the market.
By December 2024, dimethyl carbonate prices fell slightly again to 537 USD/TON, marking another 7% YoY drop from 580 USD/TON in December 2023. Despite the decrease being marginal compared to earlier months, it reinforced the trend of subdued market fundamentals. Export volumes from China remained stable but lacked significant momentum, as international buyers adopted a cautious stance amid broader global economic uncertainties.
According to Expert Market Research, dimethyl carbonate prices in 2025 are expected to experience modest improvement, largely supported by steady demand from the lithium-ion battery sector and enhanced production planning strategies among manufacturers. However, gains are projected to remain limited as regional supply imbalances and competitive pricing across Asia continue to temper the upward movement.
Industry observers suggest that the medium-term outlook will hinge on downstream innovation—particularly in batteries and green solvents—along with raw material cost trends and policy-driven demand in environmental and industrial applications. While the worst of the price declines may be behind the industry, the overall market sentiment remains cautious entering 2025.
Market participants will closely monitor inventory adjustments, export behavior, and procurement cycles to gauge whether the dimethyl carbonate market can sustain a meaningful rebound or remain range-bound in the coming year.