For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
鈥� In the USA, the o-Xylene Price Index rose by 7.0% quarter-over-quarter, driven by export demand.
鈥� The average o-Xylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 911.67/MT, reflecting naphtha-driven cost pressure.
鈥� o-Xylene Spot Price softened as Price Index decreased amid rising inventories and weaker export purchases.
鈥� o-Xylene Production Cost Trend rose with naphtha volatility, tightening producer margins despite steady domestic manufacturing.
鈥� o-Xylene Demand Outlook remained subdued as phthalic anhydride and plasticizer consumption eased across construction sectors.
鈥� o-Xylene Price Forecast shows limited downside near term, with seasonal winter demand supporting modest recovery.
鈥� o-Xylene Price Index volatility reflected export flow changes, Gulf Coast logistics, and terminal inventory accumulation.
鈥� Major Gulf Coast producers operated normally, sustaining ample supply and limiting spot tightening despite delays.
Why did the price of o-Xylene change in September 2025 in North America?
鈥� High refinery utilization ensured abundant mixed-xylene feedstock, raising supply and pressuring o-xylene Price Index downward.
鈥� Naphtha-driven production cost increases constrained margins, partially offsetting weak demand, supporting intermittent price resilience short-term.
鈥� Soft export demand from Mexico and Chile reduced overseas offtake, causing inventory accumulation and caution.
APAC
鈥� In Japan, the o-Xylene Price Index rose by 11.0% quarter-over-quarter, driven by firmer feedstock costs and robust downstream offtake.
鈥� The average o-Xylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 2350.67/MT, reflecting steady domestic trading conditions.
鈥� o-Xylene Spot Price behaviour remained firm globally, underpinned by domestic offtake and limited export interest.
鈥� o-Xylene Price Forecast reflects modest upside potential later in the year as feedstock naphtha may firm seasonally.
鈥� o-Xylene Production Cost Trend tracked naphtha volatility, with recent cost push supporting seller offers despite balanced inventories.
鈥� o-Xylene Demand Outlook stayed steady, driven by phthalic anhydride and plasticizer requirements, while construction demand remained muted.
鈥� o-Xylene Price Index stability reflected sustained plant operations, comfortable inventories, and cautious buyer behaviour across domestic depots.
鈥� Export demand weakness combined with steady Eneos and Idemitsu operations kept spot availability manageable, limiting sharp price spikes.
Why did the price of o-Xylene change in September 2025 in APAC?
鈥� Stable domestic supply and uninterrupted plant operations prevented supply shocks, maintaining price equilibrium in September.
鈥� Firm naphtha costs earlier raised production costs, exerting upward pressure despite cautious downstream procurement patterns.
鈥� Moderate export enquiry and adequate inventories limited rally potential, while depot-level demand kept spot flows steady.
Europe
鈥� In Germany, the o-Xylene Price Index fell by 1.23% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting import tightening and firmer naphtha.
鈥� The average o-Xylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1151.00/MT, reflecting stable CFR Hamburg.
鈥� o-Xylene Spot Price remained range-bound amid steady imports and balanced inventories, limiting short-term price volatility.
鈥� o-Xylene Price Forecast suggests modest declines early autumn, driven by soft naphtha and ample Asian export availability.
鈥� o-Xylene Production Cost Trend remained neutral due to stable naphtha, constraining upward pressure on domestic offers.
鈥� o-Xylene Demand Outlook is subdued with steady downstream phthalic anhydride and plasticizer consumption, limiting buying momentum.
鈥� o-Xylene Price Index showed fluctuation as inventories remained comfortable and export flows from Korea persisted.
鈥� Major producers operated normally, while freight variations minimally influenced offers, maintaining German CFR competitiveness thereby.
Why did the price of o-Xylene change in September 2025 in Europe?
鈥� Import supply tightened in September from key exporters, reducing spot cargoes and pressuring CFR values.
鈥� Feedstock naphtha firmed marginally with higher crude, modestly lifting production costs and seller offers thereby.
鈥� Domestic downstream demand remained steady without significant restocking, keeping broad quarterly pressure mild and range-bound.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
鈥� Throughout Q2 2025 the O-Xylene Price Index in the U.S. experienced fluctuations before finishing at USD 900/MT FOB Texas; prices increased about 7.1% last week, rebounding from recent price stability a May drop.
鈥� Price instabilities were mostly attributable to international export demand from Mexico and Chile, in addition to solid domestic offtake demand from traditional phthalic anhydride (PA) and construction plasticizer demand. It also noted that production costs were affected by a nearly 6.3% increase in naphtha feedstock costs, mostly due to stronger crude oil prices.
鈥� Why did the price of O-Xylene change in July 2025?
As of early July, market sentiment turned cautious due to easing feedstock prices and expectations of steady downstream demand. While prices surged in late June, they are likely to stabilize or face mild correction in July due to improved availability and muted new export inquiries.
鈥� Domestic logistics and terminal operations remained smooth throughout the quarter. There were no reported delays or disruptions affecting freight or port activity.
鈥� o-Xylene Demand Outlook for Q3 2025 remains cautiously optimistic. Steady demand from plasticizer and resin-based applications in construction and automotive sectors is expected, although macroeconomic caution may limit aggressive forward buying.
鈥� o-Xylene Production Cost Trend reflected upstream volatility. Naphtha values fluctuated due to crude movements, causing intermittent cost pressure, particularly in late June. Margins remained tight, especially for export-reliant producers.
鈥� o-Xylene prices are forecasted to stabilize or correct mildly as export momentum softens and feedstock costs retreat. However, any surge in Latin American orders or crude price shocks could trigger renewed upward movement
APAC
鈥� The O-Xylene Price Index in South Korea showed mixed trends during Q2 2025, with FOB Busan prices fluctuating between USD 890/MT, marking a 4% decline compared to Q1. Prices slipped in May before rebounding in late June.
鈥� Market dynamics were shaped by fluctuating feedstock naphtha costs, shifts in Chinese and Southeast Asian demand, and strong export-driven buying from Europe and other Asian nations. Despite a 5.9% drop in naphtha prices during the last week of June, foreign demand propelled prices up.
鈥� Why did the price of O-Xylene change in July 2025?
In early July, prices are likely to trend stable or moderately upward, bolstered by rising inquiries from China and India. However, persistent feedstock volatility and mixed downstream signals could cap significant gains.
鈥� Oversupply risks remained minimal, as production in South Korea was steady and export-focused refiners aligned output with demand. However, competitive pricing from neighbouring suppliers and buyer hesitancy exerted intermittent pressure on the O-Xylene Spot Price.
鈥� o-Xylene Production Cost Trend was broadly stable, aided by marginal feedstock declines. However, narrowing export margins in May prompted some refiners to adjust operating rates cautiously.
鈥� o-Xylene Demand Outlook for Q3 2025 appears mixed. Packaging and PVC sectors in India and Southeast Asia may lift demand slightly, but uncertain trade sentiment and downstream inventory overhangs could limit strong recovery.
鈥� O-Xylene prices are forecasted to remain tight if foreign orders persist, though the outlook is clouded by macro uncertainty and regional competition.聽
Europe
鈥� The O-Xylene Price Index in Germany remained largely unchanged throughout Q2 2025, holding steady at USD 1150/MT CFR Hamburg despite brief fluctuations in import costs and downstream demand dynamics.
鈥� Stable feedstock naphtha prices and balanced supply-demand fundamentals underpinned the market. Routine offtake from phthalic anhydride and plasticizer sectors, especially in the construction industry, kept the market in equilibrium.
鈥� Why did the price of O-Xylene change in July 2025?
By early July, no major price movement was recorded, as the market continued in a consolidation phase. Ample inventory and cautious domestic consumption patterns, particularly in construction-related applications, prevented any meaningful price escalation.
鈥� Germany鈥檚 heavy reliance on imports from South Korea ensured uninterrupted supply, as refinery operations in Asia stayed stable. No significant regulatory or trade changes were reported during the period.
鈥� Inventory levels were adequate throughout Q2. Slight gains in resin bottle demand during warmer weeks were offset by weak demand from phthalic anhydride and related downstream sectors.
鈥� On the O-Xylene Production Cost Trend, costs remained stable, driven by flat naphtha prices and consistent import pricing from Asia. Producers faced minimal margin erosion.
鈥� The O-Xylene Demand Outlook for Q3 2025 in Europe is expected to stay neutral to mildly bearish, unless construction activity improves. Pre-summer plasticizer stocking is mostly complete, suggesting stable but limited spot inquiries.
鈥� No sharp movement expected in the near term; sentiment suggests sideways trading with minor downside risks amid unchanged fundamentals.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
During Q1 2025, the ortho-xylene market in the USA experienced fluctuating price movements shaped by dynamic upstream and downstream factors. The quarter began with a moderate rise in prices, supported by increased costs of crude oil and naphtha, which pushed up production expenses. However, despite the cost pressure, demand remained stable, particularly from the Phthalic Anhydride and PET sectors, which helped maintain market balance.
As the quarter progressed, prices witnessed a noticeable decline of nearly 10% due to weakening market sentiment, elevated inventory levels, and sufficient supply across the region. These factors outweighed the impact of fluctuating feedstock prices, contributing to a bearish tone in the market.
Towards the end of the quarter, prices partially rebounded by approximately 3.7%, driven by a tightening supply situation and firmer upstream costs. Throughout Q1, the market maintained operational stability with consistent manufacturing output and uninterrupted supply chains. Overall, the ortho-xylene market reflected a mixed trend with both upward and downward pressures influencing pricing dynamics.
APAC
During Q1 2025, the ortho-xylene market in the APAC region, particularly in South Korea, displayed a mixed trend, with both stability and price fluctuations influenced by changing feedstock costs and evolving supply-demand dynamics. In the early part of the quarter, prices remained largely stable, supported by consistent demand from the Phthalic Anhydride sector and balanced supply levels, despite rising crude oil and naphtha prices.
As the quarter progressed, prices in South Korea experienced upward momentum due to regional supply tightness and production constraints. Cumulative increases of 1.8%, 9.6%, and 3.8% were observed, even as feedstock costs declined. Strong downstream demand helped maintain this bullish trend across the APAC market.
In the latter part of the quarter, the market witnessed a correction with price drops of 3.1% and 3.2%, driven by reduced demand from the PET sector and sufficient supply. Feedstock prices remained soft, contributing to the easing of price levels. Overall, the APAC ortho-xylene market ended Q1 with a balanced and stable outlook.
Europe
In Q1 2025, o-xylene prices in Germany saw moderate increases due to fluctuations in feedstock costs and balanced supply-demand dynamics. Early in the quarter, prices remained stable despite slight upticks in feedstock naphtha prices, driven by higher crude oil costs. Demand from industries like Phthalic Anhydride provided support, preventing significant price fluctuations.
Throughout January, o-xylene prices experienced gradual increases. By the end of the month, prices had risen by 4.0%, driven by tighter supply and higher production costs. This trend continued into February, with prices increasing by 1.3% in multiple weeks, supported by steady demand and rising feedstock costs.
By March, prices stabilized and maintained the upward momentum seen earlier. Overall, the quarter ended with a steady and upward price trend in the o-xylene market, supported by consistent downstream demand and manageable manufacturing dynamics, despite some fluctuations in feedstock prices. The market remained stable, with no major disruptions impacting overall price stability.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In North America, the o-xylene market during October 2024 remained stable, driven by moderate supply and steady demand. While procurement rates showed slight improvements from key downstream industries such as leather and adhesives, the overall market sentiment stayed cautious due to external factors like inflation and geopolitical tensions.聽
There were signs of improvement in market activity, but production levels fell short of expectations, as challenges in the manufacturing sector persisted. This was further compounded by fluctuations in crude oil prices and other raw materials, creating a subdued environment for o-xylene.
The supply chain faced difficulties, particularly due to a decline in chemical imports, which weakened the overall supply situation. Despite these challenges, demand for o-xylene remained stable, with moderate procurement from downstream sectors. However, slow growth in the U.S. industrial sector and a lack of dynamism in overseas markets, particularly Asia, kept the market from experiencing significant growth. This cautious atmosphere led to a preference for conservative trading strategies, with many avoiding bulk orders.
APAC
In the APAC region, o-xylene prices remained under pressure during the final quarter of 2024, reflecting continued weakness in demand and supply chain dynamics. During October, prices declined by approximately 0.6%, driven by a combination of subdued demand from downstream industries and rising feedstock costs, particularly naphtha. Despite some support from European markets, the general market sentiment remained cautious, as traders in the APAC region navigated through excess inventory and weak procurement rates from sectors like PET and phthalic anhydride.
The supply situation remained stable, with production volumes sufficient to meet the lower-than-expected demand. Key refineries maintained steady output, and the supply of o-xylene remained available, although high inventory levels, especially in regions like Shandong, compounded price pressures.
Demand in key downstream sectors such as plastics manufacturing and chemicals remained weak, leading to subdued buying activity. This cautious approach from end-users kept prices stable initially, but by November, the market showed a further decline of around 2.3%, reflecting the ongoing lack of demand and market uncertainty. This trend continued into December, as limited buying interest and weak industrial activity suppressed any potential recovery.
Europe
In Q4 2024, the o-xylene market in Europe experienced a consistent downtrend, driven by weak demand and oversupply. The quarter began with prices falling due to reduced production costs, as feedstock naphtha prices declined. Key downstream sectors like PET and phthalic anhydride continued to show sluggish performance, leading to lower procurement rates and stagnant prices. Weak demand from industries such as automotive and construction, compounded by geopolitical uncertainties, kept market sentiment subdued.
In October and November, o-xylene prices continued to drop, fueled by high inventory levels, especially in Germany. These excess stocks, combined with limited growth in industrial production, led to further price pressure. Export demand remained weak, with key markets in the U.S. and Asia failing to provide support for recovery.
By December, despite fluctuations in crude oil prices, the market remained under pressure due to the lack of a significant rebound in demand. Weak export demand and the impact of energy costs added to the bearish market conditions. Overall, Q4 2024 closed with declining o-xylene prices, as both domestic and export demand remained limited, and global market challenges persisted.
