Phthalic Anhydride Price Trend and Forecast

Weekly Update
|
Historical Data Since 2015
|
Forecast for 2026

phthalic anhydride Markets Covered:

cnChina
twTaiwan
krKorea
beBelgium
itItaly
usUnited States
inIndia

Global phthalic anhydride Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast​

In Q1 2024, the global market of Phthalic Anhydride (PA) experienced a decline in prices. In South Korea prices declined by approximately 13.8% in Q1 2024 compared to Q4 2023. One major reason was weak demand from downstream industries, such as plasticizers and resins, which are critical consumers of phthalic anhydride. Additionally, the decrease in the price of key raw materials like o-xylene, a primary feedstock for phthalic anhydride, further contributed to this downward trend. There was excess inventory buildup, particularly in countries like China, Korea, leading producers to lower their prices to clear stock. The situation was compounded by producers scaling back output due to excess storage and weak consumption from sectors like paints and coatings.

In Q2 2024, PA gained prices by approximately 4.7% from Q1 2024. After the decline in Q1 2024, demand from key downstream industries, such as construction, adhesives, coatings, and plastics, increased. Particularly in Asia, infrastructure development projects, especially in India and China, drove up the consumption of PA, leading to a price recovery. The economic environment improved slightly in Q2, especially in Asia, with inflation stabilizing and industrial activity picking up pace, which contributed to the increase in demand for PA.

Looking ahead for Q3, prices are expected to remain relatively stable but subject to upward pressure, particularly in regions with increased construction activities and rising demand for plasticizers. However, the market could face downward pressure if global economic uncertainties persist or if feedstock prices soften, especially in Asia, where the market is particularly sensitive to these variables.

For Q4 2024, phthalic anhydride (PA) prices are expected to rise compared to earlier in the year, influenced by several key factors. The gradual recovery in economic activity, particularly in regions like Asia-Pacific and Europe, is boosting demand for PA, which is widely used in plastics, paints, and coatings. This is especially true in sectors like automotive and construction, which are beginning to regain momentum.

Phthalic AnhydrideTrend Analysis: Q2 2025
Phthalic Anhydride Trend Analysis: Q4 2024

phthalic anhydride Parameters Covered: 

Historically, several events have caused significant fluctuations in Phthalic Anhydride prices

  • 2017-2018: Supply Chain Adjustments & Environmental Regulations 

In 2017, stricter environmental regulations in China led to plant shutdowns and supply shortages. This caused temporary price spikes in PA due to reduced production capacity, particularly in Asia, which impacted the global market. 

The impact was also felt in 2018 as China’s environmental crackdown continued, leading to volatile pricing as supply struggled to meet demand. 

  • 2020: COVID-19 Pandemic 

The global pandemic caused a significant drop in PA demand as industries such as automotive, construction, and plastics experienced production slowdowns. In the early months of the pandemic, prices dropped due to reduced economic activity and oil price collapses. However, as countries began to ease restrictions and stimulate their economies, demand slowly recovered in the second half of 2020, stabilizing prices 

  • 2021: Post-Pandemic Recovery and Supply Chain Disruptions 

In 2021, as global economies began recovering from the pandemic, PA prices saw a sharp increase due to surging demand from downstream industries (plastics, coatings) and supply chain disruptions. The cost of raw materials, like Ortho Xylene, surged due to logistical challenges, higher shipping costs, and production bottlenecks. 

  • 2023-2024: Fluctuating Feedstock Prices and Market Corrections 

In 2023, PA prices saw a decline due to an oversupply of feedstock materials, coupled with sluggish demand from industries like plastics and construction. This trend continued into early 2024, but prices began recovering in Q2 and Q3 2024 as demand picked up and supply tightened. 

These events underscore the Phthalic Anhydride market’s vulnerability to global disruptions and highlight the need for continuous monitoring of supply-demand dynamics.

Specifications

Full specifications details displayed here.. 

Lorem Ipsum Dummy Text with Bullet Points
  • Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
  • Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
    • Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
  • Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
  • Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. 
 
Dummy Data Table
 
Header 1 Header 2Header 3
Row 1, Cell 1Row 1, Cell 2Row 1, Cell 3
Row 2, Cell 1Row 2, Cell 2Row 2, Cell 3
Row 3, Cell 1Row 3, Cell 2Row 3, Cell 3

Historically, several events have caused significant fluctuations in Phthalic Anhydride prices

  • 2017-2018: Supply Chain Adjustments & Environmental Regulations 

In 2017, stricter environmental regulations in China led to plant shutdowns and supply shortages. This caused temporary price spikes in PA due to reduced production capacity, particularly in Asia, which impacted the global market. 

The impact was also felt in 2018 as China’s environmental crackdown continued, leading to volatile pricing as supply struggled to meet demand. 

  • 2020: COVID-19 Pandemic 

The global pandemic caused a significant drop in PA demand as industries such as automotive, construction, and plastics experienced production slowdowns. In the early months of the pandemic, prices dropped due to reduced economic activity and oil price collapses. However, as countries began to ease restrictions and stimulate their economies, demand slowly recovered in the second half of 2020, stabilizing prices 

  • 2021: Post-Pandemic Recovery and Supply Chain Disruptions 

In 2021, as global economies began recovering from the pandemic, PA prices saw a sharp increase due to surging demand from downstream industries (plastics, coatings) and supply chain disruptions. The cost of raw materials, like Ortho Xylene, surged due to logistical challenges, higher shipping costs, and production bottlenecks. 

  • 2023-2024: Fluctuating Feedstock Prices and Market Corrections 

In 2023, PA prices saw a decline due to an oversupply of feedstock materials, coupled with sluggish demand from industries like plastics and construction. This trend continued into early 2024, but prices began recovering in Q2 and Q3 2024 as demand picked up and supply tightened. 

These events underscore the Phthalic Anhydride market’s vulnerability to global disruptions and highlight the need for continuous monitoring of supply-demand dynamics.

Why PriceWatch?

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.

Data Collection and Sources​

  • Real-Time Market Data: PriceWatch aggregates real-time pricing data from a diverse range of sources, including global commodity exchanges, industry reports, and proprietary databases. This ensures that our assessments reflect the most current market conditions. 
  • On-the-Ground Intelligence: Our team gathers insights directly from key market participants, including producers, suppliers, traders, and end-users, across major PA production hubs. This ground-level intelligence is crucial for understanding localized market dynamics. 
  • Supply Chain Monitoring: We track the entire PA supply chain, from raw material availability 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 impact PA 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 winter storms, on PA production facilities, particularly in vulnerable regions like the U.S. Gulf Coast. These events are factored into our price forecasts and supply outlooks. 
  • Economic Shifts: PriceWatch evaluates macroeconomic trends, including global economic growth, inflation rates, and sector-specific demand (e.g., automotive, packaging), to predict shifts in PA demand and corresponding price movements.

Production Capacity and Supply Analysis

  • Current Production Monitoring: We maintain a comprehensive database of global PA production facilities, tracking their operational status, maintenance schedules, and output levels. This allows us to assess current supply availability accurately. 
  • Future Capacity Projections: Our research includes detailed forecasts of upcoming PA 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, automotive, and construction. 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 PA 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 PA 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 PA pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions.

Phthalic Anhydride 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 phthalic anhydride. 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.

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.

PriceWatch Login