Introduction
The global Polypropylene Glycol (PPG) market showed a positive performance during the first quarter of 2026. After experiencing varying market conditions in previous quarters, the industry entered the new year with stronger demand and improving business activity across several important sectors. As a result, prices increased in many regions, supported by better consumption levels, healthy procurement activity, and stable raw material availability.
Polypropylene Glycol is widely used in industries such as construction, automotive manufacturing, personal care products, coatings, lubricants, plastics, and polyurethane production. Because of its broad range of applications, demand for PPG often reflects the overall health of industrial and manufacturing activities around the world.
During Q1 2026, prices increased by approximately 2% to 8% across major global markets. The upward movement reflected growing confidence among buyers and suppliers as market conditions gradually improved.
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Stronger Industrial Demand Supported the Market
One of the main reasons behind the positive market performance was stronger industrial demand.
Construction Sector Improved
The construction industry remained an important source of demand for PPG during the quarter. As infrastructure projects and commercial construction activities expanded in several countries, manufacturers increased their purchases of materials used in insulation, coatings, adhesives, and other applications.
This steady demand helped create a more supportive environment for PPG suppliers.
Automotive Industry Contributed to Growth
The automotive sector also played a major role in supporting market growth. Vehicle production improved in many regions as manufacturers responded to stronger consumer demand and better supply chain conditions.
Since PPG is used in various automotive applications, including polyurethane-based components, rising vehicle production contributed to higher consumption levels.
Personal Care and Consumer Industries Remained Active
Demand from personal care products and consumer goods industries also remained healthy. Manufacturers continued purchasing raw materials to support production of various everyday products, helping maintain stable demand throughout the quarter.
South Korea Led the Market Recovery
South Korea remained one of the most important exporting countries for Polypropylene Glycol during Q1 2026.
Export Activity Increased
Export demand improved significantly during the quarter as international buyers returned to the market. Many companies increased purchases to secure future supply volumes and avoid potential shortages.
This improvement in procurement activity helped strengthen prices and market sentiment.
Demand from Polyurethane Producers Grew
Polyurethane manufacturers in different regions increased their purchasing activity as production levels improved. This directly supported demand for PPG and helped create upward pressure on prices.
Feedstock Costs Added Support
The market also benefited from gradually firming feedstock costs. Stable availability of propylene oxide helped maintain production, while rising demand ensured that supply remained relatively tight.
As a result, producers were able to maintain stronger pricing throughout the quarter.
Importing Countries Experienced Price Increases
Several major importing regions also recorded higher prices during Q1 2026.
India Saw Healthy Demand
India experienced stronger demand from coatings, plastics, lubricants, and manufacturing industries. Improved industrial activity encouraged buyers to increase procurement volumes, helping support higher prices.
The country's growing manufacturing sector continued to generate steady demand for chemical products and specialty materials.
Australia Recorded Positive Market Sentiment
Australia also witnessed price increases during the quarter. Industrial demand remained healthy, while stronger purchasing activity contributed to improved market conditions.
Buyers became more active as confidence in future business activity strengthened.
Germany Benefited from Industrial Recovery
Germany's industrial sector showed signs of recovery, particularly in manufacturing and specialty chemical applications. This supported demand for PPG and contributed to firmer pricing throughout the quarter.
Supply Conditions Remained Supportive
Another factor supporting the market was relatively balanced supply conditions.
Demand Grew Faster Than Production
Although producers maintained regular operating rates, demand growth in several regions began to outpace available supply. This created tighter market conditions and supported higher prices.
Procurement Strategies Changed
Many buyers adopted more proactive purchasing strategies during the quarter. Instead of waiting until inventories became low, companies started securing material earlier to avoid future supply risks.
This behavior further strengthened market demand.
March Witnessed Strong Price Momentum
The final month of the quarter brought even stronger price increases.
Geopolitical Concerns Impacted Supply Chains
During March 2026, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East created uncertainty across global commodity and logistics markets. Supply chain concerns increased as transportation routes faced disruptions and freight costs moved higher.
These developments affected the movement of raw materials and finished products, creating additional pressure on market prices.
Freight Costs Increased
Higher shipping expenses became an important factor supporting prices. Importers faced rising transportation costs, which increased the overall cost of procurement.
South Korea Recorded Sharp Monthly Gains
South Korea experienced particularly strong price growth in March. Buyers accelerated purchases to secure supply, while logistical challenges and tighter raw material availability added further upward pressure.
This combination of factors resulted in significant monthly price increases.
PPG Price Chart Reflected Strong Recovery
Throughout the quarter, the PPG Price Chart showed a clear improvement in market conditions. Prices moved steadily higher across many regions as demand recovered and supply conditions tightened. The chart highlighted the gradual strengthening of the market from January through March.
PPG Price Index Indicated Positive Market Sentiment
The PPG Price Index also reflected the healthier market environment observed during Q1 2026. Rising industrial demand, improving procurement activity, and balanced supply conditions contributed to the positive trend seen across major global markets.
The index demonstrated growing confidence among both buyers and suppliers as the quarter progressed.
Outlook for the Future
Looking ahead, several factors will continue influencing the PPG market. Demand from construction, automotive, coatings, and personal care sectors is expected to remain important. Feedstock availability, transportation costs, and geopolitical developments will also play significant roles in determining future price movements.
If industrial activity continues to improve and supply conditions remain tight, the market could maintain its positive momentum in the coming months.
Conclusion
The global Polypropylene Glycol market experienced a strong recovery during Q1 2026. Improved demand from construction, automotive, personal care, and industrial sectors helped support higher prices across major regions. South Korea led the market with stronger exports and increased procurement activity, while importing countries such as India, Australia, and Germany also witnessed positive pricing trends.
Combined with stable feedstock availability, stronger industrial consumption, and logistical challenges during March, these factors created a favorable environment for the market. Overall, Q1 2026 marked a period of recovery and renewed confidence for the global PPG industry.
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