Isophthalic Acid Price Trend and Forecast

Isophthalic Acid Regional Price Overview

Get the latest insights on price movement and trend analysis of Isophthalic Acid in different regions across the world (Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa).

 

Isophthalic Acid Price Trend for the Q3 of 2024

Asia

The Asian isophthalic acid market witnessed an oscillating trend during the third quarter. Feedstock xylene tracked the downward movement of crude oil, leading to a significant reduction in production costs for regional manufacturers. Chinese producers adjusted their operating rates downward as inventories built up due to sluggish downstream demand, particularly from the plasticizer sector.
 

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Buyers in the region adopted a wait-and-see approach, making minimal purchases as they anticipated further price drops. Towards the latter half of the quarter, producers struggled to maintain margins despite the lower input costs, as downstream industries showed limited buying interest.

Europe

The European market navigated challenging conditions during the said quarter. The cascading effect of declining crude oil and naphtha prices put significant pressure on regional price levels. Weakening demand from the construction sector, a key end-use industry, impacted the overall market sentiment. Producers faced mounting challenges to protect their margins and were compelled to adjust prices downward accordingly. Logistics disruptions at ports added complexity to material movements, though ample product availability offset any potential supply concerns. Market participants remained cautious, limiting bulk purchases amid the prevailing economic uncertainties.

North America

The third quarter witnessed a significant decline in isophthalic acid prices in the US market. The primary driver behind this downward trend was the sharp drop in feedstock xylene costs. As crude oil prices continued their southbound journey, xylene values followed suit, easing the production cost for domestic isophthalic acid manufacturers. Additionally, the influx of imported material from Asia, particularly China, further exerted pressure on regional prices.

Downstream industries, such as the PET and resins sectors, showed limited buying enthusiasm, adopting a wait-and-see approach as they anticipated further price corrections. Producers struggled to maintain margins despite the lower input costs, as the demand from key end-use applications remained sluggish throughout the quarter.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the prices of Isophthalic Acid are expected to continue their current downward trajectory. The combination of weaker crude oil fundamentals, declining xylene costs, and cautious buyer behaviour in key downstream industries points will likely impact the market fundamentals.
 

Isophthalic Acid Price Trend for the Q2 of 2024

Asia

The Asian market of isophthalic acid received ample support from the key market drivers during the second quarter of 2024. Initially, the market sentiments were buoyed on the back of the tight supply of the commodity, disrupting the supply-demand dynamics of the market. Further, the re-stocking activities in China ahead of the festival season widened this gap and gave the isophthalic acid market its required momentum.

As the quarter progressed, the cost of feedstock xylene shot up under the influence of fluctuating sentiments of the crude oil markets, raising the overall cost of production of isophthalic acid. Additionally, the isophthalic acid derivatives also received sufficient inquiries from both domestic and overseas markets despite the current turmoil in the global trading sectors and escalating transportation charges.

Europe

The positive outlook of the isophthalic acid market in Asia did not translate into the European markets as prices fluctuated through most of the quarter and settled on the lower end of the pricing spectrum. These meek market dynamics were primarily influenced by the weak cost support from feedstock industries. In addition to this, the demand from the downstream industries, particularly from the PET resin market, was also muted, extending only minimal support to the isophthalic acid pricing trajectory. Even though the influx of Asian imports declined, the market faced several challenges in balancing its supply-demand equilibrium.

North America

The North American market of isophthalic acid resonated with the Asian markets as the prices of the commodity inclined continuously throughout the second quarter of 2024. The market participants attributed this incline was based on a shortage of import supply as the supply chains were constricted under the pressure of rising ocean freight charges and the elongation of lead times. Further, the feedstock market also felt the ripples of these challenging trading conditions, leading to a surge in their quotations as well. These two factors were sufficient in driving the prices of isophthalic acid in the northward direction. Although the demand from the downstream PET industries was modest at best, it had only a little impact on the pricing pattern of isophthalic acid.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price of Isophthalic Acid is expected to oscillate, although on the higher end of the pricing spectra as compared to the second quarter. Among the key drivers of the market, the functioning of global supply chains and the market momentum of raw materials will be the fourth runners in guiding the pricing patterns of isophthalic acid.
 

Isophthalic Acid Price Trend for the Q1 of 2024

Product	Category	Region	Price	Time Period
Isophthalic Acid	Chemicals	USA	USD 6,100/FEU	March 2024

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Asia

With the advent of Q1 of 2024, the global market for isophthalic acid witnessed a significant price surge driven by various factors. In the Asia-Pacific region, shutdowns of key toluene plants in major exporting provinces have disrupted manufacturing processes, reducing the supply of isophthalic acid and intensifying market conditions. Additionally, festivities like the Chinese Lunar New Year have led to further shutdowns, exacerbating supply constraints.

The outcomes of the OPEC+ production policy meeting also fell short of expectations, with production cuts failing to meet anticipated levels. This, coupled with extended market negotiations, prompted major units to increase listed prices, intensifying the supply shortage of isophthalic acid and driving prices upward in the region.

Europe

In European countries, the isophthalic acid experienced an uptick, driven by heightened demand from the downstream plasticizers market and increased consumption of existing inventories, leading to reduced inventory levels. However, disruptions in the supply chain, notably due to ongoing farmer protests in European countries, raised uncertainties in the market. In Germany specifically, the supply shortages were compounded by a rail strike initiated by the Union of German Train Drivers, causing logistical challenges. Additionally, Evonik's announcement of workforce reductions further impacted the market.

The rising feedstock prices and falling naphthalene prices, alongside increased crude oil prices, contributed to higher production expenses for isophthalic acid. The upsurge in demand from the downstream sector exceeded existing inventory levels as the quarter approached its termination, prompting increased trading activities from the German market to overseas markets.

North America

In North America, isophthalic acid prices experienced a significant increase, driven by the prices of both toluene and phthalic anhydride due to sustained demand. Additionally, oil traders also seemed to be affected by the ongoing geopolitical tensions and potential US military involvement in the Middle East, alongside efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza. The United Nations trade body, therefore, warned about escalating attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, further complicating shipping routes already affected by conflicts and climate-related issues.

However, the strong demand outlook for the downstream sector persisted throughout the first quarter of 2024, reflecting domestic isophthalic acid prices. Furthermore, the supply chain constraints from the raw material sector affected the prices as major toluene manufacturers like ExxonMobil Corporation and the Dow Chemical Company, under force majeure due to subfreezing weather conditions, had limited supply, providing additional cost support to the isophthalic acid market in the US region.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price trend of Isophthalic Acid is estimated to incline in the forthcoming quarters as the surging cost of production and rising procurement rates will support the uptick in the pricing trajectory of the market.
 

Isophthalic Acid Price Trend for the October - December of 2023

Asia

The feedstock chemical of isophthalic acid registered a dramatic downfall during the fourth quarter of 2023 and thus prevented the rise in its prices. Similarly, continuing on the path set in the previous quarters, the rate of demand from the PET and resin industries was also slow. To further add to the market struggles, the challenging economic conditions and rising uncertainties in the polymer industries also failed to offer any hope to the isophthalic acid price trend, and as a result, the market survived on weak momentum throughout the quarter.

Europe

The trend of isophthalic acid prices in the last quarter of the year was difficult to predict as the cost of phthalic anhydride fluctuated every month. The profit margins of traders declined as the downstream PET and polymer resin industries lowered their demand rates for isophthalic acid.

The manufacturing sector also had to incur significant losses on account of the poor consumer outlook and the rise in the cost of production based on rising crude oil prices. The shift in consumer preferences could be attributed to the strict monetary policies adopted in order to curb inflation and sluggish sentiments due to the onset of the holiday season.

North America

Throughout the fourth quarter, the isophthalic acid prices were able to maintain their stability as the demand and production rates balanced out each other. The domestic inventories did not overpower the orders from the end-user industries at any point as the polymer and PET sector registered a relatively fruitful quarter while the imports seemed to struggle with lower water levels in the Panama Canal.

The moderation in the manufacturing sector was also balanced by the high inflation and interest rates charged by the banks, in view of which the producers adopted to the need-to-basis approach and helped the isophthalic acid prices to remain stagnant.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price trend of Isophthalic Acid are dependent majorly on the demand scenario from the downstream PET and polymer resin industries and fluctuations in the cost of Phthalic Anhydride.
 

Isophthalic Acid Price Trend for the July - September of 2023

Asia

The Asian isophthalic acid market witnessed a low swinging price curve during the third quarter of the year 2023. The dull demands from the PET Resin industries were the primary reason for the downfall of the isophthalic acid price trend. Even though the feedstock xylene was able to provide some relevant cost support, the bearish demands didn’t let the isophthalic acid market leverage that.

Further, the lowered offtakes created a rippling effect in the supply chain, which led to an overflow of supplies in source inventories. Conclusively the general market outlook remained negative for isophthalic acid for the entire period.

Europe

The slump in the Asian market also influenced the European isophthalic acid market trend. Since the economic downturn in the region in the wake of the Russian war was slowly reversing, the high-demand industries were taking precedence. The regional chemical industries were still found to be struggling which was evident from the wide gap between the supply and demand dynamics of isophthalic acid. Overall, the isophthalic acid price graph saw a tepid trajectory throughout the said period.

North America

The market trend in North America were also disappointing for isophthalic acid; however, a little help came from the suppliers’ decision to cut down production early on because of the economic uncertainties in the region. This resulted in steady utilization of the existing inventories and some moderation in the isophthalic acid market behavior.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the existing supply glut in major Isophthalic Acid markets indicates a continuity of the current market trend.
 

Isophthalic Acid Price Trend for the First Half of 2023

Asia

Mixed price trend for Isophthalic Acid were observed in the Asian market in the first half of 2023. After a dull 2022, prices started strong in January 2023 as the market strived for revival. The cost support came from the upstream costs and the feedstock prices, whereas the market demands didn’t show any substantial improvement. After a fine Q1, prices mostly remained on the lower side in the second quarter, as the upstream costs couldn’t provide the required cost support any further, and the dull demands dominated over all other factors.

Europe

The European Isophthalic Acid market rallied behind the Asian market trend during the said period as the European markets depended heavily on cheap Asian imports for fulfilling their Isophthalic Acid requirements. The primary factors that affected European prices were freight time and costs. But since the H1 began, port congestions started clearing, leading to improved transportation with lower prices. Further, the downstream demands from PET and Polyester industries failed badly in providing any cost support as the demands mostly stayed low-lying.

North America

The American Isophthalic Acid market too started slow, but the situation improved, and the market stabilized by mid-Q1. But the cost support was coming from curtailed shipments as the port workers strike, blocking the cheap Asian shipments. But as soon as that situation improved, the prices started their journey downward as the demands didn’t pick up any pace.

Analyst insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price trend for Isophthalic Acid are expected to continue fluctuating given the uncertainties in downstream demand and rising inflation rates.
 

Isophthalic Acid Price Trend for the Second Half of 2022

Asia

The price trend for Isophthalic Acid observed mixed trend in H2 2022. As Chinese manufacturing started reopening and reviving after the easing down of Covid 19 restrictions in the country, the prices fluctuated in the third quarter mostly upwards, with some occasional declines. However, as the quarter shifted, inventories started rising, and the demands declined. This led to feeble market sentiments in the fourth quarter. Decreased demands from the downstream PET and polyester industries were the primary reason behind the sullen price trend. Further, the low upstream cost support also contributed to the same.

Europe

The European Isophthalic Acid market almost mimicked the Asian market price trend during the discussed period. Markets were oversupplied with cheap products, and the demands didn’t support the prices at all. The upstream cost support was low, and the Asian imports got better access to the market. Overall, bearish market sentiments were observed.

North America

The American Isophthalic Acid market behaved no differently than the global Isophthalic Acid market. Prices were dampened throughout, with some temporary upward movements in the third quarter as the production was ramping up, but the market offtakes didn’t provide any cost support and pushed the isophthalic acid prices further down.

Analyst insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price trend for Isophthalic Acid are expected to remain fluctuating given the current volatile supply-demand market dynamics.
 

Isophthalic Acid Price Trend For the Second Quarter of 2022

Asia

At the start of the second quarter, isophthalic acid's price value in the Asia-Pacific area somewhat decreased, but it quickly gained momentum and continued to rise until June. Isophthalic acid prices increased in the area as a result of increased demand from PET industries brought on by rising beverage consumption and rising temperatures during the height of the summer season.

A second covid epidemic in China and the Russia-Ukraine conflict also caused supply chain problems, which further restricted the availability. Moreover, the cost of electricity increased, which ultimately drove up the upstream expenses of producing isophthalic acid and raised its price. In the Asia-Pacific region, rising freight costs and crowded ports added to the already-increasing price trend of isophthalic acid.

Europe

The market value of isophthalic acid increased during the second quarter of 2022 in the European region, following the pricing pattern in North America. One of the main causes of the rise in isophthalic acid prices in European nations was strong downstream demand brought on by increased offtake from PET Industries.

In addition, rising freight costs and rising energy prices in the context of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine worsened the already elevated cost of isophthalic acid. Additionally, a rise in the price of the raw material m-Xylene throughout the quarter contributed to an increase in isophthalic acid pricing. Together, strong end-user industry demand and a stalled supply chain were the main drivers of isophthalic acid's price increase.

North America

Due to rising downstream demand, isophthalic acid prices in the North American market climbed during the second quarter of 2022. The rising demand for PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) due to the increased beverage consumption kept the price trend for isophthalic acid on the higher side.

The price of feedstock m-Xylene also increased during the quarter, which also helped drive up the cost of isophthalic acid in the area. In addition, rising freight costs, higher crude oil prices, and overcrowded ports were a few more variables that directly influenced the price increase for isophthalic acid.
 

Isophthalic Acid Price Trend For the First Quarter of 2022

Asia

The isophthalic acid market remained uncertain and closely monitored upstream and xylene prices in an attempt to balance PX-MX and MX over feedstock naphtha margins. PX-MX margins have been hovering around 110 USD/MT in March, while MX margins over feedstock naphtha fluctuated between 120-140 USD/MT.

March shipments remain constrained, owing to recent upstream volatility and the earthquake in Japan affecting the supply-demand balance of the feedstock meta-xylene. Sentiment in the product's market was expected to remain strong in the fourth quarter, despite the Russia-Ukraine crisis and the possibility of more sanctions against Russia. In March, isophthalic acid prices were estimated to be 1350 USD/MT FOB Busan in South Korea.

Europe

In Q1 2022, the market was robust, with crude and natural gas prices increasing in comparison to the previous quarter. The region's inventories were harmed by high freight costs and escalating logistical challenges, including a scarcity of carriers, port and appropriation focus staff, which impacted the isophthalic market. In March, Germany's feedstock xylene costs reached a record high due to rising energy prices caused by the escalating Russia-Ukraine war. In Germany, the price was 1700 USD/MT CFR Hamburg during the first quarter of this year.

North America

In Q1 2022, isophthalic acid prices increased significantly due to the robust xylene and natural gas markets in the United States. Mixed xylene costs increased in North America in the first quarter of 2022, owing to high demand from downstream polyethylene terephthalate producers.

Throughout this time period, the pricing pattern for isophthalic acid was supported by the unpredictability of upstream crude oil prices and the strength of crude and natural gas offers. Constraints in logistics and high transportation costs increased the price of the chemical for international merchants. In the United States, the price was 1700 USD/MT CFR Louisiana in March 2022.
 

Isophthalic Acid Price Trend For the Fourth Quarter of 2021

Asia

In Asia Pacific, the market remained robust in the subsequent months of Q4. In India and China, the feedstock xylene market remained tight, and margins were squeezed in the aftermath of the ZPC production ramp, with the PX and MX spread finishing at 88.50 USD/MT in the first week of November. Isophthalic acid prices in India were reduced to 1391 USD/MT Ex-Vadodara in the final week of December. Inflationary pressures and import restrictions have already pushed up the price of isophthalic acid in the region, which was expected to fall only slightly.

Europe

The chemical’s European market remained solid despite rising feedstock prices. Demand from downstream users was strong, although traders battled to get their goods throughout the quarter. Additionally, recycled PET production remained stagnant, increasing dependency on virgin PET. Limited local production of isophthalic acid and the inaccessibility of imports from Asia worsened the problem, resulting in substandard operating rates and abridging the whole supply chain. Additionally, manufacturers stated that increased feedstock costs had exacerbated the pressure on isophthalic acid.

North America

In North America, demand for and the price of the chemical remained stable throughout Q4. The market for m-Xylene feedstock was similarly robust, owing to the increase in naphtha and crude oil prices.

The demand for isophthalic acid was greatly influenced by an increase in the region's demand for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle resins. As DAK Americas announced a force majeure in Mexico, availability of isophthalic acid got limited, exacerbating the pressure on locally available material.
 

Isophthalic Acid Price Trend For First, Second and Third Quarters of 2021

Asia

Isophthalic Acid supplies in the Asian market were tight-to-balanced, owing to low inventory levels of the key feedstock m-Xylene. The widening supply-demand imbalance, aided by a strengthening crude oil market, triggered a spike in isophthalic acid prices in Q1, with FOB Shanghai prices ending at 1460 USD/MT in March. Prices in Southeast Asia fluctuated throughout the second quarter as market activity slowed in the first quarter due to the region's increasing COVID cases. Ex-Depot negotiations for the chemical concluded in June at a price of 1348 USD/MT.

Demand in the region increased significantly in the second quarter, owing to an increase in export volumes to the international market, particularly from the United States, as industrial activity returned along the Gulf coast.

Isophthalic acid rices increased somewhat in the middle of Q3 as a result of supply chain disruptions and port congestion. However, by the conclusion of the quarter, prices had recovered. In India, the price of the chemical skyrocketed, exacerbated by expensive freight costs, as India imports the majority of it from Korea and other nations

Additionally, delayed imports owing to congestion on interoceanic trade routes and a scarcity of shipping containers weighed on India's isophthalic market. As a result, Ex-Vadodara prices settled at 1479.26 USD/MT in September, a considerable increase above July levels.

Europe

During the first quarter of 2021, the market had a supply shortage owing to hindered transit between Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp routes during the region's severe winters.

In the second quarter, isophthalic acid prices improved compared to the previous quarter, as operating rates increased at numerous plants following production-related issues disrupting dynamics throughout the winter season in Q1.

Additionally, imports from North America and the Middle East increased as a result of the completion of turnaround periods at many large industrial sites. Demand from downstream manufacturing industries increased significantly as a result of widespread immunization campaigns and relaxation of limitations in the plasticizers business.

The market outlook for the chemical remained muted during the third quarter, while offtake from downstream industries improved. Isophthalic costs were steadily increasing as a result of ongoing upstream pricing pressure and reduced production rates across the European region. Additionally, restricted imports from the United States as a result of the Ida storm in August impacted pricing in Europe.

North America

The North American market experienced supply constraints in the first quarter of 2021, owing to shortages of critical feedstock chemicals as a result of a capacity loss of approximately 70% in the US petrochemicals industry. The industrial infrastructure in Texas and the surrounding gulf area had been seriously harmed by the polar winter storm, which forced many weeks of plant shutdowns.

Throughout the second quarter, supplies of the chemical were limited. Demand increased as industrial activity recovered throughout the US Gulf Coast and the manufacturing sector recovered, aided by supply chain recovery. Isophthalic acid prices were stable in the second quarter of 2021, as a result of increased benzene prices and increased demand.

Prices were high in Q3 2021 in North America, continuing the pattern from preceding quarters. Additionally, the increase in the price of feedstock had an effect on the price of isophthalic acid and its downstream products, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
 

Isophthalic Acid Price Trend For the Year 2020

Asia

In China, supply remained adequate owing to stable downstream industry operating rates, but supply tightened in the rest of region, particularly India, due to increased freight expenses. China's demand remained quite stable, owing to the fact that downstream polyester facilities maintained relatively stable rates.

Demand from the import side, particularly from India, was rather solid, as polyester operating rates were kept high, which benefited isophthalic acid prices in India. In the Fourth quarter, by the end of December 2020, isophthalic acid prices in India will average 1036 USD/MT ex-Depot Mumbai.

Europe

Numerous chemical wholesalers ceased operations in the Netherlands in Q4 due to challenges in dealing via a variety of avenues. Due to the shutdown, arrivals of isophthalic acid cargoes from the APAC region in Q4 were also delayed, while the plastic and packaging industries faced heightened demand.

As the market was likely to rebound in Q1 on the back of the rollout of Covid-19 vaccinations, by the end of December, isophthalic acid inquiries had significantly increased, resulting in a large increase in its pricing in the European region in the quarter ending December 2020.

North America

In North America, demand for was weak in Q4 due to decreased market activity following October's hurricane season. Additionally, demand for the plastics industry remained depressed, since these segments are heavily reliant on end-use industries such as automotive, packaging, and construction, which were yet to revert to pre-lockdown levels.

Players in isophthalic acid were rebounding from their Q3 losses, but with demand being weak, which was expected to take some time for prices to return to pre-pandemic levels.

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