Feb 16, 2026
IndexBox has just published a new report: United Kingdom – Methyloxirane (Propylene Oxide) – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends And Insights.
The UK propylene oxide market is forecast to grow from 2024 to 2035, with volume reaching 13K tons and value reaching $27M, driven by rising demand. In 2024, consumption was 8.1K tons valued at $15M, showing recovery but remaining below 2018’s peak. The UK is heavily import-dependent, sourcing 95% of its 8.2K ton imports from the Netherlands. Exports are minimal at 83 tons, primarily to the Netherlands and Belgium. Import prices averaged $1,866/ton in 2024, while export prices were higher at $2,502/ton, though both show volatile historical trends.
Key Findings
Market forecast to grow to 13K tons in volume and $27M in value by 2035UK consumption in 2024 was 8.1K tons, significantly below the 2018 peak of 17K tonsImports supply nearly all domestic needs, with 95% sourced from the NetherlandsExports are minimal and volatile, totaling only 83 tons in 2024Average import price declined to $1,866/ton in 2024, while export price rose to $2,502/tonMarket Forecast
Driven by rising demand for propylene oxide in the UK, the market is expected to start an upward consumption trend over the next decade. The performance of the market is forecast to increase slightly, with an anticipated CAGR of +4.1% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market volume to 13K tons by the end of 2035.
In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +5.7% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market value to $27M (in nominal wholesale prices) by the end of 2035.
ConsumptionUnited Kingdom’s Consumption of Methyloxirane (Propylene Oxide)
In 2024, approx. 8.1K tons of methyloxirane (propylene oxide) were consumed in the UK; with an increase of 17% compared with 2023. Over the period under review, consumption, however, continues to indicate a pronounced setback. Propylene oxide consumption peaked at 17K tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2024, consumption failed to regain momentum.
The size of the propylene oxide market in the UK rose notably to $15M in 2024, increasing by 13% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers’ margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). Overall, consumption, however, showed a perceptible descent. Over the period under review, the market reached the peak level at $28M in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.
ImportsUnited Kingdom’s Imports of Methyloxirane (Propylene Oxide)
In 2024, the amount of methyloxirane (propylene oxide) imported into the UK soared to 8.2K tons, surging by 18% against the year before. Overall, imports, however, continue to indicate a perceptible reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 24%. Imports peaked at 17K tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2024, imports failed to regain momentum.
In value terms, propylene oxide imports rose notably to $15M in 2024. Over the period under review, imports, however, continue to indicate a perceptible decline. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when imports increased by 31%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $29M in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, imports failed to regain momentum.
Imports By Country
In 2024, the Netherlands (7.8K tons) was the main supplier of propylene oxide to the UK, with a 95% share of total imports. Moreover, propylene oxide imports from the Netherlands exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Belgium (284 tons), more than tenfold.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from the Netherlands stood at +1.3%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Belgium (+71.0% per year) and Germany (-32.1% per year).
In value terms, the Netherlands ($14M) constituted the largest supplier of methyloxirane (propylene oxide) to the UK, comprising 95% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Belgium ($610K), with a 4% share of total imports.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of value from the Netherlands stood at +1.3%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Belgium (+52.2% per year) and Germany (-33.5% per year).
Import Prices By Country
In 2024, the average propylene oxide import price amounted to $1,866 per ton, waning by -4.4% against the previous year. Overall, the import price showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the average import price increased by 23%. The import price peaked at $2,216 per ton in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, import prices remained at a lower figure.
Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major supplying countries. In 2024, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Belgium ($2,152 per ton), while the price for Germany ($1,522 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Netherlands (+0.0%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.
ExportsUnited Kingdom’s Exports of Methyloxirane (Propylene Oxide)
In 2024, exports of methyloxirane (propylene oxide) from the UK soared to 83 tons, rising by 90% compared with the previous year’s figure. Overall, exports, however, continue to indicate a abrupt contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when exports increased by 73,606% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at 187 tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, the exports failed to regain momentum.
In value terms, propylene oxide exports soared to $208K in 2024. Over the period under review, exports, however, recorded a abrupt contraction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2022 when exports increased by 28,216%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $2.6M. From 2023 to 2024, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.
Exports By Country
The Netherlands (60 tons) was the main destination for propylene oxide exports from the UK, accounting for a 72% share of total exports. Moreover, propylene oxide exports to the Netherlands exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Belgium (19 tons), threefold.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to the Netherlands amounted to +65.9%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Belgium (+121.8% per year) and Germany (+47.8% per year).
In value terms, the largest markets for propylene oxide exported from the UK were the Netherlands ($91K), Belgium ($67K) and Germany ($38K), together accounting for 94% of total exports.
Belgium, with a CAGR of +102.8%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, in terms of the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
Export Prices By Country
In 2024, the average propylene oxide export price amounted to $2,502 per ton, surging by 30% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, showed a abrupt slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2022 an increase of 27,236% against the previous year. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $2,462,661 per ton. From 2023 to 2024, the average export prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.
Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($12,424 per ton), while the average price for exports to the Netherlands ($1,532 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to China (+16.3%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.
Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform
This report provides a comprehensive view of the propylene oxide industry in the United Kingdom, tracking demand, supply, and trade flows across the national value chain. It explains how demand across key channels and end-use segments shapes consumption patterns, while also mapping the role of input availability, production efficiency, and regulatory standards on supply.
Beyond headline metrics, the study benchmarks prices, margins, and trade routes so you can see where value is created and how it moves between domestic suppliers and international partners. The analysis is designed to support strategic planning, market entry, portfolio prioritization, and risk management in the propylene oxide landscape in the United Kingdom.
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Key findings
Domestic demand is shaped by both household and industrial usage, with trade flows linking local supply to imports and exports.
Pricing dynamics reflect unit values, freight costs, exchange rates, and regulatory shifts that affect sourcing decisions.
Supply depends on input availability and production efficiency, creating a distinct national cost curve.
Market concentration varies by segment, creating different competitive landscapes and entry barriers.
The 2035 outlook highlights where capacity investment and demand growth are most aligned within the country.
Report scope
The report combines market sizing with trade intelligence and price analytics for the United Kingdom. It covers both historical performance and the forward outlook to 2035, allowing you to compare cycles, structural shifts, and policy impacts.
Market size and growth in value and volume terms
Consumption structure by end-use segments
Production capacity, output, and cost dynamics
Trade flows, exporters, importers, and balances
Price benchmarks, unit values, and margin signals
Competitive context and market entry conditions
Product coverageProdcom 20146375 – Methyloxirane (propylene oxide)Country coverageCountry profile and benchmarks
This report provides a consistent view of market size, trade balance, prices, and per-capita indicators for the United Kingdom. The profile highlights demand structure and trade position, enabling benchmarking against regional and global peers.
Methodology
The analysis is built on a multi-source framework that combines official statistics, trade records, company disclosures, and expert validation. Data are standardized, reconciled, and cross-checked to ensure consistency across time series.
International trade data (exports, imports, and mirror statistics)
National production and consumption statistics
Company-level information from financial filings and public releases
Price series and unit value benchmarks
Analyst review, outlier checks, and time-series validation
All data are normalized to a common product definition and mapped to a consistent set of codes. This ensures that comparisons across time are aligned and actionable.
Forecasts to 2035
The forecast horizon extends to 2035 and is based on a structured model that links propylene oxide demand and supply to macroeconomic indicators, trade patterns, and sector-specific drivers. The model captures both cyclical and structural factors and reflects known policy and technology shifts in the United Kingdom.
Historical baseline: 2012-2025
Forecast horizon: 2026-2035
Scenario-based sensitivity to income growth, substitution, and regulation
Capacity and investment outlook for major producing companies
Each projection is built from national historical patterns and the broader regional context, allowing the report to show where growth is concentrated and where risks are elevated.
Price analysis and trade dynamics
Prices are analyzed in detail, including export and import unit values, regional spreads, and changes in trade costs. The report highlights how seasonality, freight rates, exchange rates, and supply disruptions influence pricing and margins.
Price benchmarks by country and sub-region
Export and import unit value trends
Seasonality and calendar effects in trade flows
Price outlook to 2035 under baseline assumptions
Profiles of market participants
Key producers, exporters, and distributors are profiled with a focus on their operational scale, geographic footprint, product mix, and market positioning. This helps identify competitive pressure points, partnership opportunities, and routes to differentiation.
Business focus and production capabilities
Geographic reach and distribution networks
Cost structure and pricing strategy indicators
Compliance, certification, and sustainability context
How to use this report
Quantify domestic demand and identify the most attractive segments
Evaluate export opportunities and prioritize target destinations
Track price dynamics and protect margins
Benchmark performance against leading competitors
Build evidence-based forecasts for investment decisions
This report is designed for manufacturers, distributors, importers, wholesalers, investors, and advisors who need a clear, data-driven picture of propylene oxide dynamics in the United Kingdom.
FAQ
What is included in the propylene oxide market in the United Kingdom?
The market size aggregates consumption and trade data, presented in both value and volume terms.
How are the forecasts to 2035 built?
The projections combine historical trends with macroeconomic indicators, trade dynamics, and sector-specific drivers.
Does the report cover prices and margins?
Yes, it includes export and import unit values, regional spreads, and a pricing outlook to 2035.
Which benchmarks are included?
The report benchmarks market size, trade balance, prices, and per-capita indicators for the United Kingdom.
Can this report support market entry decisions?
Yes, it highlights demand hotspots, trade routes, pricing trends, and competitive context.