Price trend

On April 7, the price trend in the East China phthalic anhydride market stabilized. Within the region, mainstream quotations for ortho-xylene-based phthalic anhydride ranged from 9,200 to 9,500 RMB/ton, while market prices for naphthalene-based phthalic anhydride stood between 8,300 and 8,600 RMB/ton; overall market conditions for phthalic anhydride were trending toward stability.

Market analysis:

Amidst the ongoing geopolitical crisis in the Middle East and rising crude oil prices—which have driven up production costs—the price of industrial naphthalene has stabilized. The quoted price for orthoxylene stands at 9,200 RMB/ton; as orthoxylene prices fluctuate upward, the production costs for phthalic anhydride have consequently risen. In the downstream sector, the market for plasticizers has stabilized, and operating rates at plasticizer manufacturing plants remain steady. Downstream buyers are engaging in essential, rigid-demand purchasing, while procurement of phthalic anhydride is primarily driven by immediate requirements; thus, underlying demand support for phthalic anhydride remains intact. However, operating rates at phthalic anhydride production facilities have declined; while supply remains ample, inventory levels for phthalic anhydride currently sit at a low point.

Market outlook

The phthalic anhydride market is expected to stabilize in the near term.

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