India
Indonesia
Japan
China
Germany
United States
South KoreaIn Q1 2025, DMT Briquettes prices declined to 1603 USD/MT FOB Busan, a 1.84% drop from Q4 2024. The market showed signs of continued stabilization, with supply remaining abundant and demand growth from end-use industries like textiles, packaging, and resins staying modest.
As global polyester-related activity showed no significant uptick post-holiday season, buyers in South Korea continued adopting a cautious purchasing approach, awaiting clearer signals from global commodity and crude-linked markets.
According to PriceWatch, In the South Korean market average pricing for Dimethyl Terephthalate (DMT) Briquettes stood at USD 1533 per metric ton on FOB Busan basis for Q2 2025.” This represents a drop of roughly 4.4% from the previous quarter. Reduced demand from major polyester and PET players resulted in lower offtake and sluggish trading sentiment.
The DMT price trend remained persistently negative in April, May, and June, and the DMT price chart indicated steadfast declines. The availability of stock, coupled with lackluster spot buying, further pushed down offers. Amid weak global market sentiment and scant short-term contracting, traders exercised caution.
Market participants reduced offers to become more competitive on a domestic and international scale. Limited export activity combined with minimal domestic procurement interest resulted in negligible interest from domestic sellers.
The DMT market tone remained bearish for the entire quarter, while the DMT price index suggested ongoing softness. If export demand does not pick up, the market is likely to be under pressure in the run-up to Q3 2025.
In Q1 2024, the global DMT Briquettes market experienced a mixed trend, driven by increased feedstock Terephthalic acid and Methanol prices and robust demand from key sectors such as like Polyester production, Textiles, Resins and coatings Automotive applications. The APAC region experienced a decline in trend while north America and European region experienced an increase in trend.
The Lunar New Year festivities further enhanced demand for consumer products, resulting in increased production and higher Terephthalic acid usage. Additionally, supply chain disruptions due to factory closures and rising freight rates, coupled with increased global capacity utilization, added pressure to the market, propelling DMT prices during this period.
In Q2 2024, the global DMT Briquettes Market experienced a bullish trend. The APAC market saw a significant price increase driven by supply-demand imbalance, rising global freight rates and higher Styrene and Acrylonitrile feedstock costs. Unplanned plant shutdowns exacerbated supply constraints, while robust demand from downstream sectors, particularly the automotive industry, contributed to the bullish trend.
By Q3 2024, the South Korean Dimethyl Terephthalate (DMT) Briquettes market entered a phase of mild correction, with prices averaging around 1641 USD/MT FOB Busan (South Korea), reflecting a marginal 0.06% decline from the previous quarter.
The market remained largely stable, supported by steady domestic demand from downstream sectors like polyester resins and PET plastics. Despite a slight dip, ample availability of feedstock and uninterrupted plant operations maintained a balanced supply situation, which kept prices from any sharp downturn.
In Q4 2024, DMT Briquettes prices dipped slightly to 1633 USD/MT FOB Busan, marking a 0.49% decline quarter-on-quarter. This downward movement was primarily attributed to softening export demand, particularly from Southeast Asian and Indian markets, where buyers showed greater price sensitivity. The domestic market maintained a steady pace, but the absence of major procurement drives kept prices under mild pressure.
In Q1 2025, the Dimethyl Terephthalate (DMT) Briquette 99.9% Purity grade prices decreased to 1714 USD/MT Ex-Mumbai, reflected a 1.56% quarter-on-quarter decline. The market witnessed stable to moderate demand, while supplies from South Korea remained uninterrupted.
Some importers held back on bulk buying, anticipating clearer policy direction post-budget. Despite the small correction, prices largely stayed within a tight band, indicating a relatively stable market environment with no sharp fluctuations.
According to PriceWatch, In the Indian market, Dimethyl Terephthalate (DMT) Briquettes 99.9% Purity prices averaged USD 1965 per metric ton on an Ex-Mumbai basis in Q2 2025, a decline of about 4.4% from the previous quarter. Demand from PET and polyester resin manufacturers remained low, and the market was under pressure.
In April, May, and June, the DMT price trend was firmly down, and the DMT price chart was clearly downward sloping. By often changing offers to remain in line with import parity, traders responded to lower buying interest by adjusting offers to stay in line with buying interest. The quantity of transactions in the market was low, as high inventories and weak downstream orders dampened market activity.
However, domestic consumption remained weak, especially from the packaging sector, which continued to operate below capacity, and domestic consumption continued to be soft. Market sentiment was weaker, and most participants focused on short-term fulfilment.
A lower average over the quarter for the DMT price index was the average for the quarter. As early as Q3 2025, sellers will likely follow procurement trends closely and hold stock levels low.
In Q1 2024, the Indian market for DMT Briquette 99.9% Purity grade imported from South Korea began on a positive note, with prices averaging 1633 USD/MT Ex-Mumbai, registering a 4.41% increase from the previous quarter. This uptrend was driven by improved demand from the downstream polyester and resins industries. Increased buying interest amid stable crude oil derivatives pricing contributed to a firm start to the year.
In Q2 2024, DMT Briquette 99.9% Purity grade prices surged further to 1736 USD/MT Ex-Mumbai, reflected a 6.33% rise quarter-on-quarter. The market saw strong procurement activity from end-use sectors like PET resin manufacturing, where seasonal beverage demand typically picks up. Additionally, steady South Korean export volumes helped ensure a balanced supply, keeping Indian importers actively engaged.
In Q3 2024, DMT Briquette 99.9% Purity grade prices continued their upward trajectory, albeit at a slower pace, reached 1770 USD/MT Ex-Mumbai, a 1.95% gain from Q2. The moderation in price rise was attributed to softening international freight costs and a stable feedstock environment. However, the consistent offtake from packaging and textile-grade PET segments provided a cushion against any notable price correction.
In Q4 2024, the DMT Briquette 99.9% Purity grade price corrected slightly to 1741 USD/MT Ex-Mumbai, show a 1.62% decline from the previous quarter. This mild pullback came as inventories across Indian ports stabilized, and several end-users opted for a wait-and-watch approach amid expectations of fiscal announcements in the upcoming quarter. Additionally, late-year demand from the polyester segment softened slightly, typical of year-end seasonality.
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) is a versatile organic compound widely used as a key intermediate in the production of polyesters, particularly polyethylene terephthalate (PET). This colorless, crystalline substance is essential in manufacturing textiles, packaging materials, and engineering plastics. DMT offers excellent properties such as durability and chemical resistance, making it ideal for various applications, including automotive components and coatings. Its role in sustainable materials also enhances its importance in modern manufacturing.
Packaging Type
Dimethyl Terephthalate Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
| Property | Specification |
| Appearance | White |
| Odor | Slight |
| Viscosity @150 | 3.1 cP |
| Melting point | 140-142 °C |
| Boiling point | 288 °C |
| Specific Gravity @ 25°C | 1.05 |
| Flash Point | 153 °C |
| Auto-ignition Temperature | 496 °C |
Dimethyl Terephthalate Applications
Dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) is primarily used in producing polyesters, notably polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is essential for textiles, packaging, and plastic bottles. It also contributes to manufacturing polyester resins for paints and adhesives. Additionally, DMT serves as an intermediate in organic synthesis and plays a role in recycling PET plastics, enhancing sustainability efforts. Its versatility extends to various industrial applications, including electronics and automotive sectors.
PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global dimethyl terephthalate price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the dimethyl terephthalate market. By monitoring critical events such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts, PriceWatch keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.
In addition, PriceWatch provides detailed forecasts and updates on production capacities, enabling you to anticipate market changes and make well-informed decisions. With PriceWatch, you gain a competitive edge in understanding all the elements that influence dimethyl terephthalate prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely dimethyl terephthalate market data.
Track PriceWatch's dimethyl terephthalate price assessment on a weekly basis since 2015 onwards, along with short-term forecasts, and get access to the detailed report in a downloadable format.
This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable DMT pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions.
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) is a versatile organic compound widely used as a key intermediate in the production of polyesters, particularly polyethylene terephthalate (PET). This colorless, crystalline substance is essential in manufacturing textiles, packaging materials, and engineering plastics. DMT offers excellent properties such as durability and chemical resistance, making it ideal for various applications, including automotive components and coatings. Its role in sustainable materials also enhances its importance in modern manufacturing.
Packaging Type
Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
| Property | Specification |
| Appearance | White |
| Odor | Slight |
| Viscosity @150 | 3.1 cP |
| Melting point | 140-142 °C |
| Boiling point | 288 °C |
| Specific Gravity @ 25°C | 1.05 |
| Flash Point | 153 °C |
| Auto-ignition Temperature | 496 °C |
Applications
Dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) is primarily used in producing polyesters, notably polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is essential for textiles, packaging, and plastic bottles. It also contributes to manufacturing polyester resins for paints and adhesives. Additionally, DMT serves as an intermediate in organic synthesis and plays a role in recycling PET plastics, enhancing sustainability efforts. Its versatility extends to various industrial applications, including electronics and automotive sectors.
The pricing of DMT is influenced by several key factors, including raw material costs (such as para-xylene and methanol), production capacity, supply and demand dynamics, global economic conditions, and fluctuations in feedstock prices. Additionally, transportation costs and regional market conditions can significantly impact pricing.
Fluctuations in the prices of raw materials, particularly para-xylene and methanol, have a direct impact on DMT costs. When raw material prices rise, manufacturers often pass these costs onto consumers, leading to higher DMT prices. Conversely, if raw material prices decrease, DMT prices may also decline, making it crucial for procurement heads to monitor these trends closely.
Long-term price trends for DMT are typically influenced by market demand, production capacity expansions, and geopolitical factors. To effectively plan your procurement strategy, consider establishing flexible contracts, diversifying suppliers, and keeping an eye on market forecasts. Regularly reviewing market intelligence reports can help anticipate price changes and secure favorable purchasing conditions.