Export data analysis

In November 2025, China's phthalic anhydride exports continued their month-on-month decline, but cumulative exports for the year still maintained significant growth. Customs data showed that exports in November totaled 11,300 tons, a slight decrease of 4.8% year-on-year and a decrease of 13.6% month-on-month; the average export price was US$775.29/ton, a relatively low level for the year. From January to November, cumulative exports reached 145,400 tons, a year-on-year increase of 15.36%, with the overall export volume remaining at a high level. While November's export volume declined month-on-month, the absolute volume was still at a relatively high level compared to the same period in previous years, reflecting the continued underlying demand in overseas markets. The decline in export prices reflects the overall weakening of the global chemical market and increased competition, indicating that domestic companies are maintaining their export competitiveness in the international market through pricing strategies.

In November 2025, China's phthalic anhydride export market was widely distributed, with Asia and emerging markets continuing to be the main drivers. Vietnam remained the top destination with 2,786 tons of exports, accounting for 24.6% of the total, once again highlighting its position as the largest single export market. Pakistan and Bangladesh ranked second and third with 1,505 tons and 1,015 tons respectively, indicating stable demand in South and Southeast Asian markets. Notably, exports to Africa increased significantly, with Kenya (598 tons), Egypt (56 tons), and South Africa (140 tons) all recording considerable volumes; Colombia (222 tons), Venezuela (223 tons), and Brazil (280 tons) in Latin America also became important destinations. The top ten trading partners accounted for approximately 70% of the total, demonstrating a pattern centered on Asia, with deep expansion into countries along the Belt and Road Initiative and other emerging markets, showcasing the diversity and resilience of China's global phthalic anhydride supply chain.

In November, China's phthalic anhydride exports mainly originated from the major industrial areas in North and East China. Beijing ranked first with an export volume of 2,660 tons, accounting for 23.47%; Shanghai and Shandong Province ranked second and third with 2,043 tons and 1,466 tons respectively, accounting for 18.03% and 12.94%. Henan, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang provinces also contributed significantly, each exporting over 800 tons. The top five exporting regions accounted for over 60% of the total exports, and their geographical distribution highly coincides with the layout of domestic phthalic anhydride production facilities and port logistics hubs. The Bohai Rim and Yangtze River Delta chemical industry clusters continued to serve as the main export bases.

Import data analysis

In November 2025, China's phthalic anhydride imports showed a pattern of both declining volume and price, resulting in a contraction in overall scale. Customs data showed that the import volume in November was 274.96 tons, a decrease of 15.3% month-on-month and a significant decrease of 47.6% year-on-year; the average import price was US$1,023.83/ton, a decrease compared to the previous period. The cumulative import volume from January to November was 3,360 tons, a decrease of 6.3% compared to 3,586.5 tons in the same period of 2024. On a monthly basis, the contraction in import volume was significant, mainly due to sufficient domestic supply and increased import substitution effects. Import sources were highly concentrated, with South Korea ranking first, accounting for 71% of the total import volume; followed by Taiwan, accounting for 27%, with the two combined accounting for over 98%. The main receiving areas were Guangdong Province and Shanghai. In the future, given the persistent overcapacity of domestic phthalic anhydride production, exports will continue to be an important channel for balancing domestic supply and demand, while imports are expected to remain at a low level, serving a supplementary and structural role.

As an integrated internet platform providing benchmark prices, on December 23rd, the benchmark price of phthalic anhydride according to SunSirs was 5,533.33 RMB/ton, a decrease of 4.05% compared to the beginning of the month (5,766.67 RMB/ton).

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