Industry sources report that Huntsman’s 280,000 t/year MDI plant in Rozenburg, the Netherlands, experienced an unexpected shutdown around November 21 due to equipment failure and is currently undergoing maintenance. The outage is expected to last for at least one month. At the same time, the company’s other 160,000 t/year MDI unit is operating at significantly reduced rates. With both units constrained, the supply of polymeric MDI, pure MDI, HFMDI, and related MDI derivatives is forecasted to tighten sharply in Europe and the Middle East.

This disruption has already impacted the market. Polymeric MDI prices in Europe and the Middle East have risen by approximately EUR 100/ton, reflecting the tight supply conditions. Market participants note that the shortage is likely to persist through mid-December and may extend toward the year-end, causing buyers to become more cautious and prompting suppliers to maintain firm offers.

The MDI market in Europe was already facing challenges before this incident, with limited inventories and increasing demand from the automotive, construction, and polyurethane industries. Huntsman’s unplanned outage adds further pressure on the MDI supply in Europe, highlighting the vulnerability of the regional market to sudden production interruptions.

In addition to price increases, the supply constraint is expected to have ripple effects on MDI derivatives and downstream industries. Manufacturers of rigid foams, coatings, adhesives, and elastomers may face higher raw material costs and potential delays in production schedules. Some buyers are reportedly seeking alternative suppliers or adjusting procurement strategies to manage the impact of the shortage.

Looking ahead, the MDI market outlook will largely depend on the progress of Huntsman’s Rozenburg plant restart and the production plans of other major MDI suppliers in Europe. Any further delays could exacerbate the tight supply situation and sustain upward pressure on polymeric MDI prices. Market analysts suggest that careful monitoring of inventory levels and supplier strategies will be critical for buyers navigating this period of uncertainty.

Overall, the unexpected Huntsman MDI outage underscores the sensitivity of the European and Middle Eastern MDI markets to production disruptions and the importance of diversified supply chains. Stakeholders are closely watching the situation, as it may influence pricing trends and procurement strategies well into the end of the year.