The prices of all major chemicals, such as thermoset resins, thermoplastic resin, and packaging materials, decreased in Q1 2026 as compared to Q1 of 2025. In Q1 2026, prices of thermoset resins, thermoplastic resin, and packaging materials decreased by 3.3%, 4.3%, and 2.5% respectively as compared to Q1 2025. The decline in prices for thermoset resins, thermoplastic resins, and packaging materials in Q1 2026 is driven primarily by substantial global oversupply and weak demand. Prices of paints & coatings and adhesives & sealants increased by 2.7% and 2.9% respectively in Q1 2026 vs. Q1 2025. Prices of paints, coatings, adhesives, and sealants increased significantly in Q1 2026, primarily driven by surging raw material costs linked to volatile and high crude oil prices. In the forecast period, prices of all chemicals are expected to follow the same price trend as Q1 2026. The figure below shows changes in prices of various chemicals in Q1 2026 and forecast for Q2 2026.
Source: Lucintel
Figure: Year-over-Year (YoY) Price Change for Various Chemicals in Q1 2026 and Q2 2026 (e)
