Analysis of the Reasons for the Rise in Solvent and ECO Solvent Inks
I. Composition of Core Raw Materials for Ink
- Black Ink: Carbon black, petroleum-basolvents/resins, dispersants, stabilizers
- Color Ink: Organic pigments/dyes (phthalocyanine, azo, etc.), glycerin/pylene glycol, aqueous resins, additives
- Printing/Industrial Ink: Specialized color pastes, solvents, polymeric dispersants, UV monomers
II. Reasons for the Current Price Increase
1. Geopolitical conflicts+Skyrocketing oil prices (Main cause)
- Tense situation in theMiddle East, Brent crude breaks $119/barrel (over 25% increase in March)
- Solvents, resins, and pigments are all petroleum derivativess have risen universally by 20%–40%, and dye intermediates by 40%–60%
- Ethylene/propylene production prioritized for plast, leading to a contraction in ink solvent supply
2. Global supply chain disruption (Shipping paralysis)
- Blockage in the Red Sea/Strait of Hormuz, forcing shipping rting via the Cape of Good Hope:
- Time increased by 10–14 days
- Cost per voyage increased by millions of dollars
- Insurance premiums skyrocketeyed delivery, shortages, and price hikes for chemical raw materials
3. Environmental regulations and supply contraction
- Domestic/overseas chemical production curtailed due to environmental restrictio compressing pigment, dye, and resin capacities
- High-end pigments/dyes monopolized by overseas oligopolies, controlling supply to raise prices
4. Soaring energy andricity costs
- Natural gas and electricity prices up by over 30%
- Ink synthesis, grinding, and distillation are high-energy-consuming processes; production costs have risen acro the board
III. Price Increases of Major Raw Materials
- Carbon black, toner powder: 25%–35%
- Solvents (ethylene glycol ethers, propylene glycol ethers): 30%–50%
- Dyes and intermediates: 40%–est increase)
- Glycerin, resins, dispersants: 20%–40%
- Logistics energy surcharges: 15%–25%
IV. Market Impact and Trends
- International giants (SUN Chemical, INX, etc.): Across-the-board price increases of 6%–15% in Feuary–April temporary surcharges
- Domestic consumables manufacturers: Raw materials account for over 60% of costs; profits squeezed, forcing price hikes
- Short termMarch–June): Prices prone to rise and hard to fall; geopolitical tensions and supply gaps difficult to repair quickly
- Long term: Depends on oil prices, shipping recovery, capacity release, and etal policies
V. Response Strategies for Domestic Ink Enterprises
- Pass on part of the costs, lock in prices with long-term contracts, optimize formulas
- Switch to lower-cost friendly raw materials, domestic substitution
- Control inventory, secure core supplies, streamline SKU.
