Menu
Menu
China
Taiwan
Korea
Belgium
Italy
United States
IndiaIn Q1 2025, Asia, Phthalic Anhydride prices increase by 1.2% over Q4 2024, supported by steady demand from downstream plasticizers and resins sectors, slightly higher feedstock Ortho xylene costs, and increased early-quarter export activity to Southeast and South Asia; however, mid-quarter production normalization and stable raw material availability capped further gains. In South America, prices declined by 2.3%, reflecting subdued demand from the construction and automotive sectors alongside ample local supply. The European market presented a recorded 5.2% increase, driven by firm demand and constrained supply amid logistical delays, impacted by oversupply and weak domestic consumption. In the Middle East, prices edged up 0.8%, supported by moderate buying interest and stable regional output. Overall, Q1 2025 revealed a cautious yet dynamic global landscape for Phthalic Anhydride, shaped by sector-specific demand, raw material trends, and regional market fundamentals.
In Q4 2024, Asia, Phthalic Anhydride prices decrease by 10.3% compared to Q3 2024, driven by reduced industrial activity and oversupply amid weak demand from the plasticizer and resins sectors. The South American market saw a steeper drop, with prices decreasing by 14.5%, largely due to sluggish construction-related consumption and elevated inventories. In Europe, the downward trend was pronounced, with prices declining by 14.1%, amid year-end manufacturing slowdowns and lower buying interest from the automotive and coatings industries.
Meanwhile, the Middle East market also faced a moderate decline, with Phthalic Anhydride prices falling by 12.5%, as consistent supply and limited export activity weighed on the market. These regional drops were further intensified by elevated feedstock costs and persistent logistics issues, including shipping delays and container shortages, which compounded the pricing pressure in Q4 2024.
In Q3 2024, Asia, Phthalic Anhydride prices increase by 6.3% compared to Q2 2024, supported by increased demand from the plasticizer and resin sectors and tighter supply due to scheduled maintenance at key production sites. South America saw a sharper upswing, with prices increasing by 13.6%, driven by strong restocking activity and improved demand from construction-related applications.
Conversely, the European market faced downward pressure, with prices falling by 11.2% and 7%, respectively, amid weak industrial output and lower downstream consumption. In the Middle East, prices saw a marginal decline of 0.5%, reflecting a balanced supply-demand environment. Overall, while select regions like Asia and South America experienced positive momentum, global Phthalic Anhydride pricing in Q3 2024 was tempered by soft demand and logistical hurdles in Europe and the Middle East.
In Q2 2024, Asia, Phthalic Anhydride prices decrease by 3.7% compared to Q1 2024, driven by soft demand from downstream plasticizers and resin manufacturers and ample product availability. Similarly, the South American market saw a modest dip, with prices decreasing by 1.3% amid subdued industrial activity and cautious buying behavior. In contrast, the European market saw notable gains, with prices increasing by 9.4% supported by tight supply conditions and a gradual recovery in demand from the automotive and construction sectors.
The Middle East followed a similar upward trend, with prices rising by 6.7%, backed by stable regional consumption and limited import availability. Overall, Q2 2024 reflected regional disparities in the Phthalic Anhydride market, with Asia and South America experiencing slight declines, while Europe and the Middle East saw firming prices driven by supply constraints and improving end-use demand.
During Q1 2024, In Asia, Phthalic Anhydride prices decrease by 10.4% compared to Q4 2023. This decline was largely driven by sluggish demand from downstream sectors such as plasticizers and coatings, along with increased regional supply and reduced export activity. In contrast, the South American market showed slight resilience, with CIF Brazil prices rising by 0.7% due to stable demand and limited local production. In Europe, FOB Belgium prices declined by 5.0%, reflecting weak industrial activity and reduced procurement, while the Middle East market also softened, with CIF UAE prices dropping by 6.4% amid tepid regional demand and sufficient stock levels. Overall, the market in Q1 2024 reflected subdued global sentiment, driven by weak consumption patterns and uneven regional performance.
In Q1 2025, the Asian phthalic anhydride market showed a mixed performance in CIF India pricing, with material from China registering a 4.9% increase compared to Q4 2024, while Prices from Taiwan saw a slight decline during the same period. The uptick in Chinese-origin cargoes was supported by a combination of firmer feedstock ortho-xylene costs, supply tightening due to reduced operating rates, and improved buying interest from Indian importers replenishing inventories after the previous quarter’s decline. Early in the quarter, Chinese suppliers benefitted from limited spot availability and a gradual recovery in demand from downstream sectors like plasticizers and coatings, prompting moderate price gains. In contrast, Taiwanese-origin material saw relatively flat market movement, as competitive pricing persisted amid stable production and lackluster spot demand. Despite the marginal dip in Taiwan cargo prices, Indian buyers remained cautiously active, with sentiment improving slightly toward the end of the quarter. Overall, the market reflected early signs of rebalancing, with Chinese supply tightening supporting price recovery while Taiwanese offers remained under pressure from regional competition.
In Q4 2024, the Asian phthalic anhydride market experienced a sharp decline in CIF India prices, with material from China falling by 8.8% and from Taiwan dropping more significantly by 11.9% compared to Q3 2024. The overall bearish trend was driven by weakened demand from downstream sectors such as plasticizers and coatings, alongside ample inventory levels in the Indian market. Early in the quarter, Indian buyers slowed their procurement activities in anticipation of further price drops, while exporters from China and Taiwan continued to offer competitively amid rising regional competition and lower feedstock ortho-xylene prices. Mid-quarter, supply outpaced demand as production in both China and Taiwan remained steady despite limited spot buying interest. Additionally, logistical constraints had a minimal impact on overall trade dynamics, failing to offer any significant price support. By the end of the quarter, market sentiment remained weak, with buyers maintaining a cautious stance and sellers under pressure to adjust offers lower to stimulate demand.
In Q3 2024, the Asian phthalic anhydride market saw a steady increase in CIF India prices, with Chinese-origin material rising by 7.9% compared to Q2 2024, supported by stronger regional demand, firmer feedstock ortho-xylene costs, and tightening supply from Northeast Asia. Early in the quarter, improved procurement from downstream sectors such as plasticizers and alkyd resins supported an uptick in transaction volumes, while several Chinese producers reduced export allocations due to increased domestic consumption and planned maintenance shutdowns. This supply-side tightening contributed to sustained upward price momentum. In Q4 2024, Taiwanese-origin phthalic anhydride saw an even sharper increase, with CIF India prices surging by 12.7% over the previous quarter. The rise was fueled by aggressive buying from Indian importers amid limited Taiwanese export availability and higher freight costs. Toward the end of both quarters, sellers held offers firm on the back of tightening inventories and expectations of continued feedstock strength. Overall, market sentiment turned increasingly bullish, with both Chinese and Taiwanese cargoes seeing robust gains due to favorable supply-demand dynamics and persistent cost pressures.
In Q2 2024, the Asian phthalic anhydride market showed divergent trends in CIF India pricing, with Chinese-origin material registering a marginal decline of 2.5% compared to Q1 2024, while Taiwanese-origin Cargoes recorded a notable increase of 7.3% by Q4 2024.The softening in Chinese-origin prices was largely due to subdued demand from downstream sectors such as plasticizers and coatings, coupled with ample inventory levels in the Indian market. Early in the quarter, Indian buyers adopted a cautious stance amid expectations of further price corrections, while consistent export availability from China kept supply abundant. In contrast, CIF India prices for Taiwanese-origin phthalic anhydride rose steadily, supported by firmer production costs, tighter regional availability, and increased freight rates. Despite moderate demand, Taiwanese suppliers held firm on offers due to constrained supply and steady buying interest from Indian importers looking to diversify sources. By the end of the respective quarters, market sentiment remained mixed—bearish for Chinese cargoes, but increasingly firm for Taiwanese shipments, reflecting varied supply dynamics and cost structures across the region.
In Q1 2024, the Asian phthalic anhydride market recorded a noticeable decline in CIF India prices, with Chinese-origin cargoes falling by 10.8% and Taiwanese-origin material decreasing by 7.4% compared to Q4 2023. The downward trend was driven by persistently weak demand from downstream sectors such as plasticizers, unsaturated polyester resins, and alkyd resins, along with elevated inventory levels across the Indian market. Early in the quarter, sluggish procurement activity and a cautious buying outlook pressured sellers to lower offers, while steady export availability from both China and Taiwan contributed to oversupply in the region. Mid-quarter market momentum remained subdued due to limited trade activity around the Lunar New Year holidays and weak feedstock ortho-xylene prices. Despite minor logistical delays, market fundamentals remained largely bearish, and suppliers were forced to adjust prices downward to stimulate interest. By the end of the quarter, overall sentiment remained weak, with buyers holding back on purchases amid expectations of continued price softness.
PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global phthalic anhydride price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the phthalic anhydride 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 phthalic anhydride prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely phthalic anhydride market data.
Track PriceWatch's phthalic anhydride 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.
These developments highlight the PA market’s sensitivity to global events and reinforce the importance of closely monitoring supply-demand fundamentals and regulatory landscapes.
This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable PA 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
Phthalic Anhydride is a crucial chemical intermediate used mainly in the production of plasticizers for PVC and in alkyd resins for coatings and paints. It enhances flexibility, durability, and weather resistance in plastics, making it essential for applications in construction, automotive, and electrical industries. Additionally, it is used in unsaturated polyester resins for automotive and marine composites. With over 80% of global demand driven by plasticizers and resins, Phthalic Anhydride plays a vital role in various industrial applications.
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 |
| Purity (%) | 99.5 min |
| Phthalic Acid (wt.%) | <0.50 |
| Maleic Anhydride (wt.%) | <0.05 |
| Solidification Point (
℃)℃)
|
≥130.8≥130.8
|
| Molten Colour (APHA) | ≤20≤20
|
| Heat Hazen Number (APHA) | ≤50≤50
|
Applications
Phthalic anhydride is a key chemical intermediate used across multiple industries due to its versatility. Its main application is in producing plasticizers for polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which are used to make flexible plastics for products like cables, hoses, and packaging. It is also a crucial component in the production of alkyd resins used in paints, coatings, and varnishes. Additionally, phthalic anhydride is important in the synthesis of unsaturated polyester resins, commonly used in fiberglass-reinforced plastics found in automotive and construction sectors. Other notable applications include the manufacture of dyes, pigments, and flame retardants.
Phthalic Anhydride (PA) pricing is influenced by several key factors, including raw material costs, where fluctuations in crude oil prices directly impact the price of feedstocks like ortho-xylene, a petroleum derivative. Demand and supply dynamics also play a critical role, as increased demand from industries such as plastics, coatings, and adhesives can drive price hikes, particularly when supply is constrained. Additionally, stricter environmental regulations may impose higher compliance costs on manufacturers, further affecting pricing. Staying informed about these dynamics is essential for procurement heads to make strategic sourcing decisions.
Geopolitical events significantly impact Phthalic Anhydride pricing and availability due to their effects on trade routes, raw material supply, and overall market stability. For instance, conflicts in oil-producing regions can disrupt crude oil supplies, leading to increased feedstock costs. Additionally, trade tariffs and sanctions may limit access to essential materials or finished products, causing price volatility. Procurement professionals should closely monitor geopolitical developments to anticipate potential disruptions and adjust sourcing strategies accordingly.
To manage price fluctuations in Phthalic Anhydride, companies can adopt strategies such as establishing long-term contracts with suppliers to ensure price stability and protection against market volatility. Diversifying suppliers across different regions helps mitigate risks from supply chain disruptions or regional price spikes. Additionally, regular market monitoring and analysis enable procurement teams to make informed decisions about purchase timing and negotiate favorable terms, ensuring cost efficiency and supply security.
Copyright 2025. All rights reserved. Nidhyana Price Watch Data Analytics Private Limited