Dioctyl Phthalate (DOP) prices were pushed higher month-to-month, due to rising raw material costs and a temporary spike in demand in January 2026. Early on, as o-xylene prices increased, so did the price of phthalic anhydride, which increased the cost of producing DOP, allowing producers to increase their offers in the market, due to a lack of available DOP on the "spot" market. Later in January, the price of naphthalene was relatively weaker than in earlier months; therefore, creating additional downward pressure on DOP. China's announcement to cancel the rebate from the export of plasticized PVC effective April provides potential upside to future DOP prices, as many exporters and buyers are purchasing early to take advantage of the upcoming price increase. In addition, many buyers were purchasing before the Spring Festival to stock-up for the upcoming festival; however, continuing lower costs for raw materials will likely result in continued lower prices for DOP in the future.
Asian Dioctyl Phthalate (DOP) prices experienced growth during January 2026 because higher raw material expenses and increasing temporary downstream demand drove the market. The market maintained a positive trend throughout January 2026, but price momentum experienced slight decline when cost pressures started to ease. The primary reason for DOP price increases during January beginning of the month occurred because upstream raw materials became more expensive. Phthalic anhydride production costs increased because higher o-xylene prices made it more expensive to produce this important DOP raw material. DOP producers encountered increased production expenses because phthalic anhydride prices raised their manufacturing costs, which resulted in higher plasticizer prices for Asian markets. Producers used this cost pressure to raise their offers, which buyers accepted because spot availability was becoming tight.
China made a policy announcement that significantly increased demand. The Ministry of Finance and the State Taxation Administration announced on January 8, 2026 that they would end the 13% export tax rebate for plasticized PVC starting from April 1, 2026. Plasticized PVC serves as a major material for wires and cables and artificial leather and films and hoses, which requires plasticizers like DOP in its production. The last rebate window led exporters to speed up their shipments while overseas buyers moved forward with their purchases. The situation caused exports to increase temporarily, which created extra demand for plasticizers in January.
Pre-holiday stocking activities for the Spring Festival helped to boost downstream purchasing. The majority of processors built their inventories to maintain production continuity throughout the holiday period, which drove DOP demand higher and improved market perception.
China鈥檚 DOP market experienced upward movement by mid-January. The combination of limited spot circulation and low inventories at production sites created conditions that restricted supply availability.
The situation moved toward mixed cost conditions during the period ending January. Industrial naphthalene prices decreased while o-xylene prices remained at a weak stable condition. Phthalic anhydride costs decreased, which resulted in plasticizer production costs experiencing both fluctuations and partial reductions. The reduction in cost support for DOP resulted in slower price increases for the month while prices continued to rise.
As per 果酱视频, January experienced strong demand and cost support, yet the future outlook appears uncertain. The DOP market will experience downward pressure from falling raw material costs and increasing operating rates and decreasing demand growth after the holiday period. DOP prices will settle at lower price points until feedstock patterns and plant operational rates reach their expected levels.
