Ortho Xylene Pricing Assessment

  • Commodity Pricing

ortho xylene Markets Covered: 

beBelgium
clChile
cnChina
deGermany
inIndia
idIndonesia
myMalaysia
mxMexico
nlNetherlands
sgSingapore
zaSouth Africa
krKorea
usUnited States

ortho xylene Markets Covered: 

Global ortho xylene Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast​

In Q1 2025, Orthoxylene prices in South Korea rebounded slightly to $913.33/MT, marking an 4.19% increase from the previous quarter. This upward movement was driven by a mild recovery in domestic demand following the post-holiday industrial slowdown in early 2025. As the market adjusted to new supply levels and feedstock prices began to stabilize, manufacturers ramped up their production, particularly in plastics and automotive sectors. Despite the soft demand in the previous quarter, the market seemed to regain balance with improved industrial activity, contributing to the slight increase in prices. 

In Q4 2024, Ortho xylene prices in South Korea saw a significant decline, averaging $876.67/MT, a 12.45% decrease from Q3. This sharp drop was primarily due to a reduction in downstream consumption, especially in the plastics and coatings industries, which typically experience slower demand in the later months of the year. The economic slowdown globally, coupled with lower feedstock prices, added further downward pressure on Ortho xylene prices. Additionally, a stronger supply from global producers, including increased imports, contributed to the softening of the market, creating downward pressure on prices in South Korea. 

In Q3 2024, the Ortho xylene market in South Korea saw a slight rebound with prices reaching $1001.67/MT, representing a 0.92% increase from Q2. The Ortho Xylene price recovery was largely driven by a revival in industrial demand, especially from sectors like plastics and pharmaceuticals, which had seen a temporary dip earlier in the year. The global supply chain, which had been somewhat disrupted during Q2, also began to stabilize, and increased availability of raw materials helped meet the rising demand. Moreover, logistical improvements led to more competitive pricing, supporting the uptick in prices during the third quarter. 

In Q2 2024, Ortho xylene prices in South Korea showed a slight decrease, averaging $992.42/MT, representing a 1.16% drop from Q1. This decline can be attributed to a mild slowdown in demand during the second quarter, particularly from the textiles and automotive industries, which typically see reduced activity due to seasonal factors. Additionally, the logistical challenges that impacted imports earlier in the year had somewhat eased, resulting in better supply chain efficiency and slightly lower prices. Despite the dip, the overall market remained stable as production continued without significant disruptions in the region. 

In Q1 2024, Ortho xylene prices in South Korea were reported at $1004.04/MT, reflecting a relatively stable market compared to the previous quarter. Prices were slightly higher due to strong demand from downstream sectors, such as pharmaceuticals and plastics, which rely on Ortho xylene in their production processes. Additionally, the general market sentiment was supported by steady feedstock availability, and global logistical disruptions did not heavily impact imports or exports during this period. The stable demand from key industries, combined with a balanced supply chain, helped sustain prices during the first quarter of 2024. 

India ortho xylene Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast

In Q1 2025, the Orthoxylene market in India (Bulk Mumbai) witnessed a moderate rebound, with prices averaging INR 95,333/MT, reflecting a 9.3% increase from the previous quarter. This recovery was supported by improved demand from downstream sectors such as plasticizers, resins, and phthalic anhydride, following a period of muted activity during the year-end. A mild increase in global market sentiment and better inventory turnover contributed to renewed buying interest in the domestic market. 

During Q4 2024, the market for Orthoxylene in India (Bulk Mumbai) recorded a sharp decline in prices to INR 85,530/MT, down by 13.4% from Q3. This downturn was driven by weakened demand from downstream segments like dyes, coatings, and plasticizers, especially after the festive season rush. High inventory levels and the availability of competitively priced imports put pressure on local suppliers, causing a price correction. The market remained cautious as buyers delayed procurement in anticipation of further softening. 

In Q3 2024, Orthoxylene prices in India (Bulk Mumbai) fell to an average of INR 98,943/MT, registering a 14.7% decrease compared to Q2. The monsoon season typically slows demand from industries like construction chemicals and automotive coatings, which, combined with stable imports and limited export activity, added downward pressure on prices. Overall, the market was adequately supplied, and buyers remained selective amid continued weakness in the downstream sector. 

Q2 2024 marked a strong quarter for the Orthoxylene market in India (Bulk Mumbai), with average prices surging to INR 116,000/MT, up by 24.3% from Q1. This sharp increase was attributed to robust consumption from resins and phthalic anhydride manufacturers driven by seasonal demand and bulk purchasing. The domestic market also felt the impact of limited international supply and firm upstream crude values, which elevated production costs. Additionally, logistical bottlenecks supported firmer pricing. 

In Q1 2024, Orthoxylene prices in India (Bulk Mumbai) averaged INR 93,333/MT, showing a stable tone with minor upward movements. Pre-fiscal year-end stocking from downstream sectors like coatings, intermediates, and plasticizers maintained healthy market sentiment. Supply conditions remained normal, and domestic producers benefited from steady demand while clearing previous inventories. The market maintained a balanced outlook, supported by moderate upstream pricing trends. 

ortho xylene Parameters Covered: 

  • Crude Oil
  • Mixed Xylenes (MX)
  • Reformate (from Catalytic Reforming)
  • South Korea
  • Singapore
  • USA
  • Netherlands
  • Phthalic Anhydride (PA) (Plasticizers, Unsaturated polyester resins (UPR), Alkyd resins) 
  • Belgium
  • Chile
  • China
  • Germany
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia
  • Mexico
  • South Africa

ortho xylene Parameters Covered: 

  • Crude Oil
  • Mixed Xylenes (MX)
  • Reformate (from Catalytic Reforming)
  • South Korea
  • Singapore
  • USA
  • Netherlands
  • Phthalic Anhydride (PA) (Plasticizers, Unsaturated polyester resins (UPR), Alkyd resins) 
  • Belgium
  • Chile
  • China
  • Germany
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia
  • Mexico
  • South Africa

Why PriceWatch?

PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global ortho xylene price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the ortho xylene 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 ortho xylene prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely ortho xylene market data.

Track PriceWatch's ortho xylene 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.

Historically, several events have caused significant fluctuations in Ortho Xylene prices

  • Russia-Ukraine Conflict (2022-Present): The ongoing conflict disrupted energy supplies, particularly natural gas, and oil, which are vital for the petrochemical industry. Europe, heavily reliant on Russian energy, faced significant supply challenges. This situation affected the availability and cost of key raw materials like benzene, impacting production costs and leading to supply disruptions in the ortho-xylene markets across Europe. 
  • Global Logistics and Shipping Crisis (2021-Present): The pandemic-induced surge in e-commerce combined with shipping route disruptions, port closures, and container shortages created a logistics crisis. Transporting raw materials and finished ortho-xylene products became increasingly difficult, resulting in delays and rising costs for manufacturers. This strained production capabilities and contributed to fluctuations in ortho-xylene prices. 
  • Global Energy Crisis (2021-2023): Rising natural gas and crude oil prices during this period heavily influenced the production of various chemicals, including ortho-xylene. As production relies on petrochemical feedstocks, the energy crisis increased the costs of producing necessary materials, such as benzene, thereby driving up overall production expenses and leading to reduced output in several regions.
  • Winter Storm Uri (February 2021, U.S.): This severe winter storm struck a significant part of the U.S., particularly Texas, a critical region for petrochemical production. The storm resulted in widespread power outages, causing petrochemical plants and refineries to halt operations. This disruption affected the production of essential feedstocks for ortho-xylene, leading to shortages and subsequent price increases in the market. 

Data Collection and Sources​

  • Real-Time Market Data: PriceWatch aggregates real-time pricing data from a variety of sources, including global commodity exchanges, industry reports, and proprietary databases. This ensures our assessments reflect the most current market conditions for ortho-xylene. 
  • On-the-Ground Intelligence: Our team gathers insights directly from key market participants, including producers, suppliers, traders, and end-users, across major ortho-xylene production hubs. This ground-level intelligence is essential for understanding localized market dynamics. 
  • Supply Chain Monitoring: We track the entire ortho-xylene supply chain, from raw material availability (e.g., benzene, toluene) to production and distribution channels. This includes monitoring feedstock prices, production capacities, and transportation logistics. 

Event Tracking and Impact Analysis​

  • Geopolitical Tensions: PriceWatch continuously monitors global geopolitical developments, such as conflicts or trade disputes, which can significantly affect ortho-xylene prices. Our analysis includes potential disruptions to supply chains and their immediate and long-term effects on pricing. 
  • Natural Disasters and Climate Events: We assess the impact of natural disasters, such as hurricanes or severe storms, on ortho-xylene production facilities, particularly in vulnerable regions. These events are factored into our price forecasts and supply outlooks. 
  • Market Dynamics: PriceWatch evaluates key market dynamics, including shifts in manufacturing activity, regulatory changes, and evolving consumer demands, to predict shifts in ortho-xylene demand and corresponding price movements.

Production Capacity and Supply Analysis

  • Current Production Monitoring: We maintain a comprehensive database of global ortho-xylene production facilities, tracking their operational status, maintenance schedules, and output levels. This allows us to accurately assess current supply availability. 
  • Future Capacity Projections: Our research includes detailed forecasts of upcoming ortho-xylene production capacities, factoring in new plant constructions, expansions, and technological advancements. This helps in predicting future supply trends and potential price stabilization. 

Demand Forecasting

  • Sectoral Demand Analysis: PriceWatch provides in-depth analysis of demand trends across key sectors, including packaging, textiles, and automotive. We track year-on-year demand growth and project future consumption patterns based on economic indicators and industry developments. 
  • Global Demand Dynamics: Our methodology considers regional demand variations and how they influence global ortho-xylene pricing. This includes understanding the impact of shifts in manufacturing bases, trade policies, and environmental regulations.

Pricing Model Development

  • Dynamic Pricing Models: PriceWatch utilizes advanced econometric models to forecast ortho-xylene prices, incorporating real-time data, historical trends, and projected market conditions. Our models are continuously refined to enhance accuracy and predictive power. 
  • Scenario Analysis: We conduct scenario-based assessments to evaluate potential future market conditions. This includes best-case, worst-case, and most likely scenarios, helping our clients prepare for a range of market outcomes.

Reporting and Client Support

  • Comprehensive Reports: Our clients receive detailed reports that include current price assessments, future price forecasts, and in-depth analysis of market drivers. These reports are designed to be actionable, providing clear insights and recommendations. 
  • Ongoing Support: PriceWatch offers continuous updates and personalized support to our clients, ensuring they have the most up-to-date information to make informed decisions. Our experts are available to discuss specific market developments and provide tailored advice. 

This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable ortho-xylene pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions. 

Molecular Weight[g/mol]

106.16 g/mol

CAS No

95-47-6

HS Code

29024100

Molecular Formula

C6H4(CH3)2
ortho xylene

o-Xylene is largely used in the production of Phthalic anhydride, which is a precursor to many materials, drugs, and other chemicals. Related to their easy oxidation, the methyl groups are susceptible to halogenation. When treated with elemental Bromine, these groups are brominated, yielding xylylene dibromide. 

Packaging Type

Tanker (Export- Import), Drum (Domestic)

Grades Covered

Industrial Grade (>99%)

Incoterms Used

FOB Busan, FOB Singapore, FOB Houston, CIF Cape Town (Netherlands, Singapore), CIF Jakarta, CIF Manzanillo, CIF Port Kelang, CIF San Antonio, CIF Shanghai (South Korea, Singapore), Ex- Ahmedabad, Ex- Mumbai (Bulk, Retail), Ex- Nanjing, FD Antwerp, FD Hamburg, FD Rotterdam

Synonym

o-xylol, 1,2 Dimethylbenzene

PriceWatch Quotation Terms:

25-30 MT (Export- Import), 15-20 MT (Domestic)

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 
Density  0.88 g/cm3 (25 °C) 
Explosion limit  1.0 - 7.6 %(V) 
Flash point  32.0 °C 
Ignition temperature  465 °C 
Melting Point  -25.2 °C (ECHA) 
Vapor pressure  13.37 h Pa (32.22 °C) 
Solubility  0.18 g/l 
Storage class  3 Flammable liquids 
WGK  WGK 2 obviously hazardous to water 
colour  Clear Colourless 
Boiling Point   143-145°C 

Applications

Ortho Xylene is an important compound in the manufacture of plasticizers. Ortho xylene is also used as a solvent in the manufacture of paint, varnish, glue, printing ink, insecticides, dyes and in the rubber and pharmaceutical product industries. 

Ortho Xylene price provided by PriceWatch is a base price and excludes VAT/Taxes, discounts, or offers. The information herein is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the date indicated and is provided solely for the convenience of our customers as a reference for ortho xylene. PriceWatch disclaims any warranties or representations regarding the accuracy of results derived from this information. It is the sole responsibility of the user to assess the suitability of the product for their specific application. This document does not constitute an endorsement to use the product in violation of any applicable patent rights.

The pricing of Ortho Xylene is influenced by several key factors, including the cost of crude oil and feedstocks like naphtha and xylene isomers. Supply and demand dynamics play a crucial role, as fluctuations in industrial demand from sectors such as plastics, textiles, and solvents can impact prices. Additionally, geopolitical events, natural disasters, and changes in production capacity also contribute to price volatility. Understanding these factors is essential for procurement heads to make informed purchasing decisions.

To forecast Ortho Xylene prices effectively, procurement teams should analyse market trends, historical price data, and economic indicators such as industrial production rates and global demand. Engaging with industry reports and expert analyses can provide deeper insights into market conditions. Additionally, tracking changes in raw material costs and supply chain dynamics will help refine price forecasts, allowing for better budgeting and purchasing strategies.

To mitigate price fluctuations in Ortho Xylene, procurement heads can implement several strategies. Establishing long-term contracts with suppliers can help stabilize prices and ensure consistent supply. Diversifying the supplier base reduces risk by avoiding dependency on a single source. Additionally, maintaining an agile inventory management system that allows for bulk purchasing during price dips can help optimize costs. Regularly reviewing market conditions and adjusting procurement plans accordingly will further enhance cost management efforts.

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