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ThailandIn Q1 2025, the Meta Xylene market in Japan experienced a slight decrease in prices, with values reported at USD 1536/MT, marking a slight drop of -1.16%. This decline was driven by relatively stable demand across key industries such as automotive, chemicals, and coatings, which typically rely on Meta Xylene for their production processes. However, the abundant supply in the market helped maintain a balanced price environment, preventing any significant price increases. As production levels remained steady, the slight decrease was attributed to a small softening in demand and stable availability of the product.
In Q4 2024, Meta Xylene prices in Japan showed another decrease, with the price recorded at USD 1554/MT, reflecting a slight drop of -1.34% from Q3 2024. This was largely due to moderate demand from major industries such as paints and coatings, plastics, and petrochemicals. The abundant supply of Meta Xylene in the market helped maintain stability despite the slight price reduction. The global market’s adjustments, where demand stabilized and no major disruptions in consumption occurred, also contributed to the softer pricing trend during this period.
By Q3 2024, Meta Xylene prices in Japan were reported at USD 1577/MT, marking a decrease of -4.02% from Q2 2024. This was due to a combination of abundant supply and limited demand from industries such as textiles, automotive manufacturing, and the chemical sector. While the market remained relatively stable, the surplus of product in the global market led to downward pressure on prices, resulting in a mild but notable decline during this period.
In Q2 2024, Meta Xylene prices in Japan experienced a negative trend, declining to $1643.071/MT, marking a -3.97% drop from Q1. This decrease was due to weaker demand from the downstream polyester industry, which experienced a temporary slowdown due to oversupply and lower production rates. Additionally, a decline in crude oil prices during this period reduced raw material costs, further pushing Meta Xylene prices downward. On a global scale, markets in Europe and North America witnessed similar trends as industrial activity slowed and supply chains improved, allowing for more balanced pricing.
In Q1 2024, the global Meta Xylene market saw an increase-stabilized trend, particularly in Japan, which plays a key role in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Prices in Japan were reported at $1711.04/MT, reflecting a modest rise of 0.45% from the previous quarter. This upward movement was driven by strong demand from the downstream petrochemical sector, particularly to produce Para-xylene, which is essential for producing plastics and synthetic fibers. Additionally, a slight rise in crude oil prices during this period contributed to the cost of production, adding upward pressure on Meta Xylene prices. Globally, tight supplies and supply chain disruptions in some regions also supported price stability.
Moving into Q1 2025, the Meta Xylene market in India stabilized further, with prices averaging $1626.67/MT, showing a slight decrease of 1.31% from Q4. The soft start to the year was typical of the post-holiday industrial slowdown in both India and Japan. Japanese exporters continued to supply stable volumes, and with no significant supply restriction, the market was well-covered. Indian buyers, still going slow, were inclined towards short-term deals and spot purchases in view of indecisive global trends. Overall, market sentiment remained neutral, and no sharp directional change was likely unless there was a significant development in upstream crude dynamics or in downstream demand.
Prices came down further during Q4 2024 to $1648.33/MT, a 2.94% decrease from the last quarter. Price cutting was spurred by persistent prudent purchasing trends, as well as even more modest improvement in demand approaching India’s wedding and festive season. Japanese exporters upped the quantity of their exports to reduce end-of-year stocks, and with it came the availability in plentiful supply at competitive prices. Besides, decreased container freight costs and enhanced logistics efficiency facilitated less expensive imports. While demand from the downstream chemical sector saw some recovery, it was not strong enough to create upward pressure on prices.
In Q3 2024, Meta Xylene prices in India continued to soften marginally, hitting $1698.33/MT, a decrease of 1.83% from Q2. The softening in prices was primarily on account of weaker domestic demand during the monsoon season, when construction and industrial coatings usage tend to slow down. In addition, Indian consumers took a conservative stance during volatile feedstock prices and a depreciating rupee, which affected import strategy. Supply-wise, imports from Japan came steadily, without significant interruptions. Demand and supply balance helped maintain the market stable without volatility in prices.
Prices corrected marginally in Q2 2024 at $1730/MT, which was 3.26% lower than in Q1. The decline was due to enhanced shipping availability out of Japan and enhanced throughput in key Japanese ports. Japanese exporters were in a position to deliver backlogged cargoes, raising the supply of Meta Xylene in the Indian market. Concurrently, Indian importers curtailed buying due to relaxed inventory levels and reduced immediate downstream demand. Seasonal slowdowns in Japanese production during maintenance shutdowns and the post-fiscal-year slowdown also weakened export prices.
During Q1 2024, the Indian Meta Xylene market witnessed a consistent rise, with prices averaging at $1788.33/MT, up by 3.27% compared to the last quarter. This increase was primarily fuelled by robust import prices from Japan, where production levels had increased because of higher crude oil prices and constrained supply conditions. Indian demand was firm, buoyed by downstream consumption in resins, coatings, and dye intermediates. Also, the festive period in early Q1 fuelled industrial activity, particularly in the paints and coatings segment. Increased freight charges and tight vessel availability in the Asia-India route also raised the landed price for importers.
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These events illustrate the meta-xylene market’s sensitivity to global disruptions and emphasize the importance of monitoring supply and demand dynamics continuously.
This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable meta-xylene 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
m-Xylene (Meta-Xylene Aromatic Hydrocarbon. It is one of the three Isomers of dimethylbenzene known collectively as Xylenes. The m- stands for meta-, indicating that the two methyl groups in m-xylene occupy positions 1 and 3 on a benzene ring. It is in the positions of the two methyl groups, their arena substitution pattern, that it differs from the other isomers, o-xylene, and p-xylene.
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.
| Properties | Specification |
| Vapor Pressure | 8 h Pa (20 °C) |
| Quality Level | 200 |
| Assay | ≥99% (GC) |
| Form | Liquid |
| Autoignition Temperature | 525 °C |
| Explosive Limit | 1.1-7 % (v/v) |
| Boiling Point (bp) | 139.1 °C / 1013 h Pa |
| Melting Point (mp) | -48 °C |
| Flash Point | 27 °C |
| Density | 0.86 g/cm³ at 20 °C |
| Storage Temperature | 2-30 °C |
Applications
Meta-xylene, an isomer of xylene, has a variety of applications across different industries due to its chemical properties. Here are some of the key applications:
Chemical Intermediate:
Meta-xylene is primarily used as a precursor in the production of other chemicals, including phthalic anhydride, which is essential for making plasticizers, resins, and coatings.
Solvent:
It serves as a solvent in various industrial processes, particularly in the production of paints, varnishes, and adhesives.
Petrochemical Industry:
Meta-xylene is involved in the synthesis of para-xylene and ortho-xylene through alkylation processes, which are vital for producing polyester fibers and films.
Pharmaceuticals:
It is used as a solvent and in the formulation of certain pharmaceutical products.
Plastics and Polymers:
Meta-xylene is used in the production of certain plastics and polymers, enhancing properties such as durability and chemical resistance.
The price of Meta Xylene is primarily influenced by several factors, including crude oil prices, production costs, and supply-demand dynamics. Key feedstocks such as naphtha and toluene significantly impact pricing, as do fluctuations in global economic conditions. Additionally, geopolitical events and natural disasters can disrupt supply chains, leading to price volatility. Staying informed about these elements is crucial for procurement heads to make effective purchasing decisions.
Forecasting future Meta Xylene prices involves analysing various market indicators and trends. It’s essential to monitor industry reports, economic forecasts, and changes in crude oil prices, as these can provide insights into potential price movements. Utilizing advanced pricing models that incorporate historical data, current market conditions, and future supply expectations can enhance accuracy. Engaging with market analysts and subscribing to relevant news sources can also help procurement teams stay ahead of pricing trends.
To mitigate price fluctuations in Meta Xylene, procurement heads can adopt several strategies. Establishing long-term contracts with suppliers can provide price stability and ensure reliable supply. Diversifying sourcing options is another effective strategy, reducing reliance on a single supplier. Additionally, monitoring market trends and adjusting procurement timelines based on price forecasts can optimize purchasing strategies. Finally, consider stockpiling during lower price periods to buffer against future price increases.
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