According to overseas market sources, Huntsman’s 280,000 t/year MDI unit in Rozenburg, the Netherlands, was shut down around November 21 due to an unexpected equipment issue and is now undergoing maintenance, with the outage expected to last for at least one month. Meanwhile, its other 160,000 t/year unit is operating at normal rates.

In response, polymeric MDI prices in Europe and the Middle East have already moved higher, rising by approximately EUR 100/ton. Market participants note that the tight supply situation is likely to persist through mid-December or even toward year-end, with buyers becoming more cautious while suppliers show a stronger inclination to maintain firm offers.

Overall, Huntsman’s unexpected outage has added further strain to an already fragile MDI market in Europe. The market outlook will largely depend on the progress of the unit’s restart and the production strategies of other major suppliers in the region.