SunSirs: Phthalic Anhydride Market Conditions in Parts of China on August 13

On August 13, the benchmark price for phthalic anhydride (PA) tracked by SunSirs was 9,016.67 RMB/ton, a decrease of 2.87% compared to the beginning of the month (9,283.33 RMB/ton).

On August 13, the market price of phthalic anhydride (PA) in East China rebounded. Mainstream quotes for PA produced via the ortho-xylene (OX) process stood at 9,000-9,150 RMB/ton, while prices for naphthalene-based PA ranged from 7,900 to 8,100 RMB/ton. Crude oil prices underwent strong consolidation, a trend that transmitted to downstream sectors; industrial naphthalene prices saw fluctuating gains, and OX quotes held steady at 8,500 RMB/ton, maintaining cost support for PA production. Downstream plasticizer market conditions remained firm and stable, despite a decline in operating rates at plasticizer plants; purchasing was driven by essential downstream needs, with PA procurement largely based on immediate requirements. While PA demand support persists and manufacturer operating rates have risen slightly, supply remains ample and inventory levels low; the market outlook anticipates a rebound in PA prices.

On August 13, the phthalic anhydride market in the Shandong region rebounded. Mainstream price negotiations stood at 8,700-8,900 RMB/ton for ortho-xylene-based phthalic anhydride and 7,900-8,000 RMB/ton for naphthalene-based material. Crude oil prices underwent strong consolidation, maintaining cost support; prices for the raw material ortho-xylene fluctuated but stabilized, while industrial naphthalene prices saw a fluctuating rise. Consequently, phthalic anhydride costs remained firm and stable. With the downstream plasticizer market also holding steady and firm, and supported by continued essential demand, phthalic anhydride prices rebounded. Meanwhile, operating rates at phthalic anhydride plants rose slightly—ensuring stable supply—while operating rates at plasticizer enterprises declined marginally.

On August 13, the market price of phthalic anhydride (PA) in the Jiangsu region rebounded and adjusted; mainstream price negotiations for ortho-xylene-based PA ranged from 9,050 to 9,150 RMB/ton, while naphthalene-based PA traded mainly between 8,000 and 8,100 RMB/ton. PA manufacturers slightly increased operating rates, and domestic spot supply remained stable. Crude oil prices consolidated at high levels, the price of raw material ortho-xylene fluctuated but stabilized, and industrial naphthalene prices rose, resulting in firm cost support for PA. Downstream plasticizer market conditions remained strong and stable; however, a slight decline in plasticizer plant operating rates weakened demand support for PA. Driven by essential downstream procurement, the PA market rebounded.

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