MA Price Trend Shows Widespread Softness Across Global Markets in Q3 2025

The MA Price Trend during the third quarter of 2025 reflected a market that was under noticeable pressure across most global regions. Maleic Anhydride (MA) is an important chemical used mainly in the production of unsaturated polyester resins, coatings, additives, and various chemical intermediates. These end products are closely linked to industries such as construction, automotive, and consumer goods. When activity in these sectors slows, the impact is quickly felt in the MA market.

In Q3 2025, the global MA market experienced a broad downward movement in prices. Demand weakened in many regions, inventories remained high, and buyers adopted a cautious approach to purchasing. While a few markets showed small signs of improvement, the overall tone of the quarter remained soft and careful.

Global Overview of the MA Market

On a global level, the MA Price Trend moved lower as demand from key downstream industries declined. Producers faced reduced orders from unsaturated polyester resin manufacturers and other chemical users. At the same time, supply remained steady, creating an imbalance that put pressure on prices.

Many buyers chose to delay purchases or limit buying volumes, preferring to work through existing inventories. This cautious behavior further slowed market activity and reinforced the downward price movement. Competitive import offers also added to the pressure, as buyers had multiple sourcing options at lower prices.

Overall, the MA market in Q3 2025 was characterized by oversupply, weak demand, and limited pricing support.

Asia: Soft Demand and Steady Supply

Asia was one of the key regions contributing to the downward MA Price Trend. Markets across South Asia, East Asia, and Southeast Asia all experienced softness during the quarter. Supply remained steady, but downstream demand failed to show strong recovery.

Unsaturated polyester resin producers operated at reduced rates, reflecting slower activity in construction and manufacturing. This limited their need for Maleic Anhydride, resulting in lower procurement volumes. Buyers in the region focused on immediate requirements and avoided building new inventories.

Import competition also played a role. With multiple suppliers offering material, buyers were able to negotiate more aggressively. This competition kept prices under pressure and prevented any meaningful recovery during the quarter.

East Asia: Cautious Buying Behavior

In East Asia, the MA Price Trend was shaped largely by cautious buying behavior. Manufacturers were uncertain about near-term demand and chose to limit purchases. Many preferred spot buying rather than committing to long-term contracts.

Supply levels remained sufficient, and producers did not face major disruptions. This steady availability, combined with reduced demand, resulted in inventory build-ups at some facilities. As a result, sellers were forced to adjust pricing to encourage movement.

The overall mood in East Asia remained conservative, with both buyers and sellers focused on managing risk rather than pursuing growth.

South and Southeast Asia: Competitive Market Conditions

South and Southeast Asian markets also faced pressure during Q3 2025. Demand from downstream resin and chemical sectors remained weak, and local supply was adequate to meet requirements.

Import offers from regional and international suppliers increased competition, making it difficult for sellers to maintain higher prices. Buyers used this competitive environment to their advantage, pushing for discounts and flexible terms.

The MA Price Trend in these regions followed the global pattern of softness, with little sign of immediate improvement.

Europe: Inventory Pressure and Production Adjustments

European MA producers faced similar challenges during Q3 2025. Demand from unsaturated polyester resin producers and other chemical users remained subdued. Construction and industrial activity showed limited growth, which reduced consumption of MA-based products.

As sales slowed, inventories began to build up. To manage this oversupply, some producers adjusted production rates or delayed output. These measures helped prevent further inventory accumulation but did not immediately improve pricing conditions.

The MA Price Trend in Europe remained under pressure throughout the quarter, with buyers maintaining a cautious approach and avoiding large purchases.

North America: Muted Industrial Demand

North American markets reflected a similar sentiment to Europe and Asia. Industrial demand for Maleic Anhydride remained muted, particularly from resin and coatings sectors.

Trade activity slowed, and buyers focused on maintaining lean inventories. With supply remaining steady, sellers faced challenges in moving volumes at previous price levels. This resulted in downward adjustments to pricing.

Stable freight conditions provided little support to the market. Without strong demand drivers or supply disruptions, the MA Price Trend in North America continued to weaken through the quarter.

South America: Slight Improvement Amid Weak Global Trend

South America was one of the few regions to show slight improvement during Q3 2025. Demand from the resin sector improved modestly, providing some support to the MA market.

While this improvement did not reverse the overall global downward trend, it helped stabilize prices in certain local markets. Buyers showed slightly more confidence compared to other regions, though purchasing remained cautious overall.

This regional variation highlighted how local demand conditions can influence the MA Price Trend, even when the global outlook remains weak.

Role of Inventories and Import Competition

High inventory levels played a major role in shaping the MA Price Trend during Q3 2025. With supply exceeding demand in many regions, stocks accumulated across the supply chain. This reduced urgency among buyers and increased pressure on sellers to lower prices.

Import competition further intensified the situation. Buyers had access to multiple sources of supply, which limited sellers’ ability to raise prices. In many cases, competitive offers set the price direction for the broader market.

Market Sentiment and Buying Strategies

Market sentiment throughout Q3 2025 was cautious and risk-averse. Buyers avoided speculative purchasing and focused on short-term needs. Long-term commitments were limited, and spot buying became more common.

Producers, on the other hand, focused on maintaining balance. Many adjusted production plans, managed inventories carefully, and aimed to protect margins rather than push volumes aggressively.

This cautious approach on both sides contributed to the overall softness of the MA Price Trend.

Freight and Logistics: Neutral Impact

Freight and logistics conditions remained relatively stable during the quarter. While this helped prevent additional cost pressure, it did not provide meaningful support for prices either.

With transportation costs steady, pricing remained driven primarily by supply-demand fundamentals rather than external cost factors.

Outlook Moving Into the Next Quarter

As Q3 2025 came to an end, the outlook for the MA market remained cautious. Demand recovery was uncertain, and many buyers continued to take a wait-and-see approach.

Producers focused on managing supply and maintaining operational flexibility. Any improvement in the MA Price Trend would depend largely on recovery in downstream industries such as construction, automotive, and manufacturing.

Conclusion

In summary, the MA Price Trend during Q3 2025 showed widespread softness across global markets. Weak demand from unsaturated polyester resin and chemical intermediate sectors, combined with ample supply and competitive import offers, kept prices under pressure.

Asia, Europe, and North America all experienced subdued market conditions, while South America showed slight improvement. Stable freight conditions offered little relief, and overall market sentiment remained cautious.

Q3 2025 highlighted the importance of demand recovery and balanced supply in shaping the MA Price Trend. Until downstream consumption strengthens, the market is likely to remain cautious and price-sensitive in the near term.