Epoxy Resin Price Trends: Q1–Q2 2026 Market Update

The composite materials industry entered 2026 watching epoxy resin prices closely after a turbulent 2025. Bisphenol A (BPA) feedstock volatility, shifting wind energy capacity buildouts, and recalibrated Chinese export flows have all reshaped the pricing landscape. Here is what procurement teams need to know heading into the second half of 2026.

Q1 2026: Stabilization After 2025 Declines

Liquid epoxy resin (DGEBA, EEW 184–190) prices in China stabilized in the USD 2,150–2,400/MT range during Q1 2026, recovering from the Q4 2025 trough of USD 2,000–2,150/MT. International CIF prices tracked USD 2,650–2,950/MT for standard grades.

Key Q1 drivers:

• BPA feedstock: Asian BPA contract prices held flat at USD 1,250–1,350/MT as new Sinopec capacity offset demand growth.
• ECH availability: Epichlorohydrin remained well-supplied, capping resin cost-push.
• Inventory: Most large producers (Sanmu, Hexion, Olin) reported Q1 inventory days at 25–30, near five-year averages.

Solid epoxy grades and specialty multifunctional resins (TGDDM, TGMDA for aerospace) saw firmer pricing, supported by tight aerospace prepreg orderbooks.

Q2 2026: Upward Pressure Building

Q2 brought a clear inflection. By April, Chinese liquid epoxy spot prices climbed to USD 2,300–2,550/MT on three converging factors:

1. Wind energy demand: Vestas, Goldwind, and Mingyang Q2 blade orders ran 18–22% above Q1, lifting pull on infusion-grade epoxies.
2. BPA tightening: Unplanned outages at two Korean BPA plants in March pushed regional contracts up 8–12%.
3. Marine pre-season: European boatbuilders' annual restocking added 5–8% incremental Q2 demand for laminating epoxies.

Vinyl ester resins followed a similar trajectory but with a 2–3 week lag, while UPR remained under separate pressure from MA (maleic anhydride) and PG dynamics.

Outlook and Procurement Recommendations

For H2 2026, we expect continued moderate firmness in epoxy pricing, with liquid resin likely trading in the USD 2,400–2,650/MT range through Q3 before potential softening in Q4 as new Chinese capacity (Nantong Xingchen, Jiangsu Sanmu expansions) commissions.

Procurement priorities:

• Lock Q3 wind energy infusion volumes now if not already covered
• Build 30–45 day buffer stock on aerospace specialty grades
• Watch BPA Asian contract settlements in late June for early Q3 signals
• Diversify supplier base — Chinese tier-2 producers offer 8–12% discount vs Western majors with comparable specs

Resinspot tracks epoxy and feedstock prices monthly across our global supplier network, with low MOQ flexibility for buyers who need to hedge against volatility. Contact Resinspot today for current quotes, technical drop-in equivalents to Hexion, Huntsman, or Olin grades, and sample shipments to validate replacements before bulk commitment.