Why Now?

The DEG market remained generally well supplied during Q1 2026, with healthy inventory levels supporting availability across much of the market.

However, comfortable inventory does not always guarantee stable replacement economics. Freight costs, insurance expenses, import lead times, and transportation disruptions can affect future supply costs even when current inventories appear adequate.

For procurement teams, the distinction between today's inventory position and tomorrow's replacement cost remains critical.

Buyer Impact

Buyers should distinguish between material that is currently available and material that can be economically replaced.

Import-dependent supply chains can be affected by transportation delays, changing vessel schedules, freight volatility, and extended lead times. These factors influence the landed cost of future shipments and can change sourcing economics rapidly.

Organizations that focus solely on warehouse inventory may overlook developing risks affecting the next purchasing cycle.

What Buyers Should Keep an Eye On

• Import lead times.
• Vessel schedules and shipping reliability.
• Freight and insurance costs.
• Domestic inventory levels.
• Replacement-cost economics.
• Contract coverage levels.
• Internal reorder points.

GreenChem Takeaway

A well-stocked market can still face rising replacement costs if transportation and import conditions become less favorable.

Procurement teams should evaluate supply-chain economics from both perspectives: current availability and future replenishment cost. A comfortable inventory position today may not accurately represent the economics of the next purchase.

Organizations reviewing sourcing strategies should compare import exposure, freight conditions, inventory levels, and supplier lead times before making procurement decisions. 

Buyer Takeaway

The key question is not only whether DEG is available today, but also how much it will cost to replace tomorrow.