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Isophthalic Acid Price Trend Analysis 2026: Historical Prices, Latest News, Market Insights, Price Drivers & Supply Demand Analysis
Written ByPragati Agarwal
Isophthalic Acid Price Trend Q2 2026
| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isophthalic Acid | China | FOB | USD 1,060.47/MT | May 2026 |
| Isophthalic Acid | USA | FOB | USD 1,179.66/MT | May 2026 |
| Isophthalic Acid | Germany | CIF | USD 1,153.92/MT | May 2026 |
| Isophthalic Acid | India | FOB | USD 1,221.26/MT | May 2026 |
| Isophthalic Acid | Japan | CIF | USD 1,288.60/MT | May 2026 |
| Isophthalic Acid | China | FOB | USD 1,295.75/MT | April 2026 |
| Isophthalic Acid | USA | FOB | USD 1,382.75/MT | April 2026 |
| Isophthalic Acid | Germany | CIF | USD 1,422.03/MT | April 2026 |
| Isophthalic Acid | India | FOB | USD 1,345.75/MT | April 2026 |
| Isophthalic Acid | Japan | CIF | USD 1,337.70/MT | April 2026 |
Stay updated with the latest Isophthalic Acid prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
Isophthalic Acid Price Trend Q1 2026
- Global isophthalic acid prices increased during Q1’26, with the sharpest gains in Asia and Europe, while North America remained nearly flat.
- Feedstock pressure was the main upward driver, as crude-linked aromatics and xylene-chain costs strengthened after Iran war-related supply risk and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz lifted energy and freight concerns.
- Downstream demand from resins, coatings, PET, and unsaturated polyester applications supported buying and demand stayed moderate and kept prices range-bound.
Asia
In Asia, isophthalic acid prices rose sharply in Q1’26, supported by higher aromatics feedstock costs and stronger downstream offtake. In China, prices increased from ~USD 930.1/MT in January to ~USD 1,255/MT in March, showing a ~34.93% rise. India followed a similar trend, with prices rising from ~USD 997.3/MT to ~USD 1,310/MT, a ~31.36% increase. Japan also recorded strong gains, as prices moved from ~USD 972.3/MT to ~USD 1,291/MT, up ~32.78%. The Iran war and Strait of Hormuz closure raised crude, freight, and import-cost concerns, which lifted upstream xylene-chain pressure. Demand from PET resins, coatings, and industrial polyester applications helped producers pass on higher costs.
Europe
In Europe, isophthalic acid prices increased strongly during Q1’26. Germany prices rose from ~USD 1,051.8/MT in January to ~USD 1,332/MT in March, recording a ~26.64% increase. The rise was mainly cost-led, with energy-sensitive production, higher freight risk, and tight aromatics-linked feedstock sentiment supporting firm offers. Downstream demand from coatings, alkyd resins, and polyester-based materials remained steady, allowing prices to move upward despite cautious construction-linked consumption.
North America
In North America, isophthalic acid prices remained mostly stable. USA prices increased slightly from ~USD 1,337.4/MT in January to ~USD 1,342/MT in March, showing a ~0.34% rise. Balanced supply and moderate downstream demand limited any sharp movement. Feedstock and freight risks prevented price weakness, but domestic availability kept the market largely range-bound.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, near-term prices are expected to stay firm in Asia and Europe if energy and freight risks persist. North America may remain stable unless feedstock costs rise further or downstream resin demand improves.
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Asia
The Asian market for isophthalic acid faced downward pressure throughout the fourth quarter of 2025. Key raw material costs showed mixed signals, with some stability in the supply chain but overall weakness in pricing support. The primary challenge came from severely weak demand across downstream applications. Industries using this chemical, including coating manufacturers and resin producers, maintained very cautious buying patterns and only purchased minimum quantities to meet immediate requirements. The broader chemical sector in the region experienced significant struggles, with many companies reporting poor performance due to oversupply conditions and reduced consumption. Buyers adopted a wait-and-see approach to avoid inventory buildup.
Europe
European prices remained under pressure during the quarter, reflecting the conditions seen across the broader chemical market. The market experienced quiet trading activity as the year-end approached. Demand from key end-use sectors like paints, coatings, and specialty resins stayed subdued throughout the period. Production facilities operated at normal rates, ensuring adequate material availability without any supply constraints. However, limited buying interest from downstream users prevented any meaningful price recovery. Manufacturers and traders found themselves in a competitive environment where buyers held the advantage due to ample supply and weak consumption patterns.
North America
North America witnessed relatively more balanced conditions compared to other regions, though prices still trended lower. Supply levels remained adequate with refineries and chemical plants running steadily after completing seasonal maintenance activities. However, demand from polyester applications, coating formulations, and other end-uses remained disappointing. The inventory levels remained comfortable, giving buyers flexibility to delay purchases.
About Isophthalic Acid
Isophthalic acid is a benzenedicarboxylic acid with carboxy groups at positions 1 and 3 substituting for benzene. The other two isomers of benzenedicarboxylic acid are phthalic and terephthalic acids, respectively. It's an isophthalate conjugate acid. Isophthalic acid is a white substance that has a mild odor. It Sinks in water.
Isophthalic Acid Product Detail
Chemical Formula
C6H4(CO2H)2
Molecular Weight
166.14 g/mol
Applications
PET Resin, UPR Resin, Polyesters
Synonyms
Benzene-1,3-dicarboxylic acid, meta-Phthalic acid
Supplier Database
Eastman, LOTTE Chemical, Beijing Yanshan Petrochemical, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical, Indorama, Formosa
Regional Coverage
Asia Pacific
China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, Iran, Thailand, South Korea, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Nepal, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, UAE, Israel, Hongkong, Singapore, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Australia, and New Zealand
Europe
Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy,Spain, Russia, Turkey, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Belgium, Austria, Ireland Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Romania, Finland, Czech Republic, Portugal and Greece
North America
United States and Canada
Latin America
Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Columbia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru
Africa
South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database AvailabilityYes
Customization ScopeThe report can be customized as per the requirements of the customer
Post-Sale Analyst Support360-degree analyst support after report delivery
Note: Our supplier search experts can assist your procurement teams in compiling and validating a list of suppliers indicating they have products, services, and capabilities that meet your company's needs.
Isophthalic Acid Production Processes
- Production and Isophthalic Acid from Oxidation Process
Isophthalic acid is manufactured from the oxidation of m-xylene. During this phase, p-xylene is oxidised to create isophthalic acid. As an intermediary crude isophthalic acid, the product is split into isophthalic acid (CIA). The CIA is hydrogenated and purified to produce isophthalic acid as the end product.
About the Author
Pragati Agarwal
Senior Business Insights Analyst
Delivering price trend analysis and procurement market insights at Procurement Resource, with expertise in identifying commodity patterns, supporting purchasing strategies, and improving cost efficiency through actionable market intelligence.
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