Propylene Carbonate Price Guide 2026: Market Trends, Cost Factors & Buying Guide
High Purity Propylene Carbonate (PC) for Lithium Batteries, Electronics & Industrial Applications
Shanghai Lanhechem New Material Co., Ltd. supplies high-purity Propylene Carbonate (CAS 108-32-7) with competitive factory pricing, stable quality, and worldwide delivery.
Introduction
If you are searching for the latest propylene carbonate price, you are likely looking for more than just a number.
For procurement managers, battery manufacturers, chemical distributors, and R&D engineers, the real challenge is understanding what drives the price of propylene carbonate (PC), how to compare suppliers, and how to reduce total purchasing costs without compromising quality.
Propylene Carbonate is one of the most important high-boiling polar aprotic solvents used in modern industry. It plays a critical role in:
Lithium-ion battery electrolytes
Electronic chemicals
Industrial cleaning formulations
Coatings and inks
Cosmetics and personal care
Gas absorption systems
Specialty chemical synthesis
Because demand from the battery and electronics industries continues to grow, the global market for high-purity propylene carbonate has become increasingly competitive.
In this comprehensive guide, Shanghai Lanhechem New Material Co., Ltd. explains:
Current propylene carbonate price levels
Price differences by purity and grade
Key cost drivers
Global market trends
China vs. Europe vs. USA pricing
Packaging and shipping options
How to choose a reliable supplier
Frequently asked questions from international buyers
Whether you are purchasing 25 kg for laboratory testing or 20 MT in ISO tanks for industrial production, this guide will help you make better sourcing decisions.
What Is Propylene Carbonate?
Propylene Carbonate (PC) is a cyclic organic carbonate with the molecular formula C₄H₆O₃ and CAS number 108-32-7.
It is a colorless, odorless, high-boiling liquid with excellent solvency, high dielectric constant, low volatility, and good chemical stability.
Basic Chemical Information
Property | Value |
|---|---|
Chemical Name | Propylene Carbonate |
CAS Number | 108-32-7 |
Molecular Formula | C₄H₆O₃ |
Molecular Weight | 102.09 g/mol |
Appearance | Colorless transparent liquid |
Boiling Point | 240–243°C |
Flash Point | 132°C |
Density | Approx. 1.20 g/cm³ |
Water Solubility | Completely miscible |
Why Is Propylene Carbonate Important?
The unique combination of high polarity + low volatility + excellent solvency makes PC difficult to replace in many applications.
Key Advantages
High dielectric constant
Excellent for electrolyte formulations and electrochemical systems.
Low vapor pressure
Reduces solvent loss during storage and processing.
Excellent solvency
Dissolves salts, resins, and many specialty additives.
Low toxicity
Preferred over several traditional high-boiling solvents.
Biodegradable
Supports more sustainable formulation strategies.
Thermally stable
Suitable for demanding industrial operating conditions.
These properties make propylene carbonate particularly valuable in lithium battery and electronic chemical industries, where impurity control is critical.
Current Propylene Carbonate Price (2026)
One of the most common questions we receive is:
What is the current propylene carbonate price per kg?
The answer depends on purity, grade, packaging, order quantity, and destination country.
Important Note
Chemical prices fluctuate frequently due to:
Propylene oxide prices
Energy costs
Exchange rates
Ocean freight
Environmental regulations
Seasonal demand from battery manufacturers
For this reason, professional suppliers usually provide real-time quotations rather than fixed website prices.
Propylene Carbonate Price by Purity
Purity is one of the biggest pricing factors.
Purity | Typical Application |
|---|---|
≥99.5% | Industrial use |
≥99.7% | General chemical / coating |
≥99.9% | Lithium battery / electronics |
Ultra-low moisture | High-end electrolyte systems |
Higher purity requires:
Additional distillation
Better raw materials
Moisture control
Cleaner production environment
More rigorous quality testing
As a result, battery-grade PC is significantly more expensive than industrial-grade PC.
What Drives Propylene Carbonate Price?
Understanding cost drivers helps buyers negotiate better and avoid unexpected increases.
1. Raw Material Cost
The primary upstream raw material is Propylene Oxide (PO).
When PO prices rise, PC prices usually follow.
Why PO Prices Change
Crude oil fluctuations
Refinery operating rates
Supply disruptions
Environmental inspections
Export policies
For large buyers, monitoring propylene oxide market trends is often more useful than tracking PC prices alone.
2. Purity & Moisture Requirements
For lithium battery applications, moisture is critical.
Typical specifications may include:
Water content ≤100 ppm
Chloride ≤1 ppm
Metal ions ≤1 ppm
Color ≤10 APHA
Achieving these specifications requires:
Molecular sieve drying
High-vacuum distillation
Clean storage systems
Nitrogen protection
These processes add significant cost.
3. Packaging Type
Packaging has a surprisingly large impact on landed cost.
Common Packaging Options
IRON DRUM
IBC DRUM (totes)
ISO TANK
For a 20 MT order, switching from drums to an ISO tank can reduce total logistics cost by 10–20%.
4. Order Quantity (MOQ)
Order Size | Pricing Level |
|---|---|
1–25 kg | Laboratory / sample pricing |
200 kg | Small industrial order |
1–5 MT | Distributor pricing |
20 MT+ | Factory / bulk pricing |
Larger orders reduce:
Packaging cost
Handling cost
Documentation cost
Freight per unit
Inventory turnover risk
5. Destination Country
Export compliance can affect price.
Europe
REACH compliance
More documentation
Higher logistics cost
USA
Import duties
FDA/TSCA considerations (if applicable)
Southeast Asia
Generally lower compliance cost
Faster shipping from China
Middle East
Competitive freight rates from major Chinese ports
Propylene Carbonate Price Trend (2021–2026)
The global PC market has experienced several phases.
2021–2022
Battery demand surge + high energy costs.
2023
Freight normalization and inventory adjustment.
2024
Balanced supply and demand.
2025
Energy storage growth and electronics recovery.
2026
High-purity and battery-grade demand remains strong.
Key Market Drivers
Expansion of lithium-ion battery production
Growth of energy storage systems (ESS)
Increasing demand for electronic chemicals
Stricter environmental regulations
Regional supply chain diversification
Why China Remains a Key Supply Source
China is currently one of the world’s largest producers of propylene carbonate.
Advantages of Chinese Suppliers
Integrated upstream supply chain
Competitive manufacturing cost
Large production capacity
Mature export infrastructure
Flexible packaging options
Fast sample and documentation support
However, buyers should still evaluate suppliers carefully, especially for battery-grade and electronic-grade PC.
How to Reduce Your Total Purchasing Cost
The cheapest price is not always the lowest total cost.
Best Practices
Buy directly from manufacturers when possible.
Use IBC or ISO tanks for large volumes.
Consolidate multiple products in one container.
Sign quarterly or annual contracts for stable demand.
Request moisture and impurity data before shipment.
Choose suppliers with stable export experience.
A low-priced product with inconsistent quality can create much higher costs in:
Battery performance
Coating defects
Cleaning efficiency
Production downtime
Quality claims
Why Choose Shanghai Lanhechem New Material Co., Ltd.
Shanghai Lanhechem focuses on supplying high-purity specialty solvents and chemical materials for global industrial customers.
Our Strengths
Stable quality
Consistent purity and moisture control for demanding applications.
Competitive pricing
Reduces solvent loss during storage and processing.
Export experience
Support for customers in Europe, North America, and Asia.
Flexible packaging
Drums, IBCs, and bulk shipment options available.
COA & TDS support
Complete technical documentation for qualification and import.
Fast response
Quick quotation and technical communication.
We understand that international buyers need more than a product—they need reliable supply, consistent specifications, and responsive communication.
Request the Latest Propylene Carbonate Price
Looking for a reliable Propylene Carbonate supplier in China?
Shanghai Lanhechem can provide:
Latest factory quotation
High-purity PC (up to battery grade)
COA & TDS
Sample support
Drum / IBC / ISO tank packaging
Global shipping assistance
Request a free quote
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