Price Trend

On May 14, the benchmark price for phthalic anhydride, as reported by SunSirs, stood at 8,910.00 RMB/ton—a decrease of 0.26% compared to the beginning of the month (8,933.33 RMB/ton).

On May 14, prices in the East China phthalic anhydride market trended sideways. Mainstream quotes for o-xylene-based phthalic anhydride stood at 8,700–8,900 RMB/ton, while the market price for naphthalene-based phthalic anhydride ranged from 7,600 to 7,800 RMB/ton.

Market analysis

With crude oil prices consolidating and cost support remaining in place, industrial naphthalene prices have stabilized. OX is quoted at 9,300 RMB/ton, and its market price has also stabilized; meanwhile, the cost basis for phthalic anhydride has declined. As OX manufacturers undergo scheduled maintenance shutdowns, supply has tightened, and underlying support for a price uptick in OX persists. In the downstream sector, the plasticizer market has stabilized, with production loads at plasticizer plants showing a slight uptick; downstream buyers are engaging in essential, rigid-demand purchasing, while phthalic anhydride procurement remains primarily on an "as-needed" basis. Consequently, demand support for phthalic anhydride remains present; however, production loads at phthalic anhydride plants have decreased—leading to reduced supply—and inventory levels remain low.

Market outlook

The market for phthalic anhydride is expected to undergo weak consolidation in the near term.

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