SunSirs: Phthalic Anhydride Market Conditions in Selected Regions of China on August 5

On August 5, the benchmark price for phthalic anhydride (PA) was 9,216.67 RMB/ton, a decrease of 0.72% compared to the beginning of the month (9,283.33 RMB/ton).

On August 5, the market price of phthalic anhydride (PA) in East China trended downward; mainstream quotes for PA produced via the ortho-xylene (OX) process stood at 8,800–9,200 RMB/ton, while prices for naphthalene-based PA ranged from 7,900 to 8,200 RMB/ton. Crude oil prices consolidated, influencing downstream markets; industrial naphthalene prices saw weak consolidation, and OX quotes held steady at 8,500 RMB/ton, providing continued cost support for PA. Downstream plasticizer market conditions stabilized, with manufacturers slightly increasing operating rates; purchasing was driven by essential downstream demand, and PA procurement remained largely on an as-needed basis. While demand support for PA persists, manufacturer operating rates have dipped slightly; supply is ample and inventory levels are low. The market outlook anticipates a weak downward trend for OX-based PA prices.

On August 5, the phthalic anhydride market in the Shandong region trended downward. Mainstream price negotiations stood at 8,900–9,200 RMB/ton for ortho-xylene-based material and 8,000–8,200 RMB/ton for naphthalene-based material. With crude oil prices consolidating and cost support weakening, the price of raw material ortho-xylene fluctuated but stabilized, while industrial naphthalene prices saw weak consolidation; consequently, production costs for phthalic anhydride edged lower. Although the downstream plasticizer market held firm amidst consolidation and plasticizer manufacturers slightly increased operating rates—maintaining essential demand for phthalic anhydride—the market for ortho-xylene-based phthalic anhydride nonetheless trended downward.

On August 5, the market price of phthalic anhydride (PA) in the Jiangsu region saw a weak decline. Mainstream price negotiations stood at 9,000–9,200 RMB/ton for material produced via the ortho-xylene (OX) process and 8,100–8,300 RMB/ton for material produced via the naphthalene process. Operating rates at PA plants rose slightly, and domestic spot supply remained stable. While crude oil prices consolidated, raw material costs showed mixed trends: OX prices fluctuated but stabilized, and industrial naphthalene prices consolidated, resulting in a weak, consolidating cost structure for PA. Downstream, the plasticizer market declined; although plasticizer manufacturers slightly increased operating rates—providing continued support for PA demand—purchasing remained limited to essential needs, causing the market for OX-process PA to fluctuate downward.

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