For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Isophthalic Acid Prices in North America
- In the USA, the Isophthalic Acid Price Index rose by 4.63% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting firmer imports.
- The average Isophthalic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 1077.00/MT, reflecting stable procurement.
- Isophthalic Acid Spot Price tightened as export offers and freight premiums reduced prompt parcel availability.
- Isophthalic Acid Price Forecast suggests range-bound to firm near-term direction amid feedstock and logistics uncertainty.
- Isophthalic Acid Production Cost Trend rose amid Maleic Anhydride and aromatics inflation, increasing replacement-cost expectations.
- Isophthalic Acid Demand Outlook steady, led by PET resin and composites, while restocking remained muted.
- Isophthalic Acid Price Index volatility increased as geopolitical freight premiums and feedstock pressures tightened supply.
- Domestic production remained steady while import dynamics and Gulf inventories determined spot liquidity and flows.
Why did the price of Isophthalic Acid change in March 2026 in North America?
- Rising Maleic Anhydride and aromatics costs elevated replacement costs, increasing landed import offers into the US markets broadly.
- Geopolitical disruptions increased freight premiums and rerouting risks, discouraging opportunistic imports and tightening prompt availability.
- Downstream demand from PET and UPR supported purchases, while comfortable inventories limited immediate upside pressure.
Isophthalic Acid Prices in APAC
- In South Korea, the Isophthalic Acid Price Index fell by 1.46% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting balanced supply.
- The average Isophthalic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 875.00/MT, due to muted export demand.
- Isophthalic Acid Spot Price remained stable as inventories and steady plant runs limited near-term volatility.
- Isophthalic Acid Production Cost Trend edged higher due to modest feedstock and freight risk premia.
- Isophthalic Acid Demand Outlook strengthened late March on the beverage sector ramp and increased PET exports.
- Isophthalic Acid Price Forecast anticipates range-bound values absent major feedstock disruption or logistic issues now.
- Isophthalic Acid Price Index movements reflected exporters trimming spot allocations amid cautious converter purchasing behavior.
- Port inventories and steady plant utilization restrained volatility despite freight premium pressures and panic buying.
Why did the price of Isophthalic Acid change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Balanced local output and predictable imports increased seller flexibility, reducing acute upward price pressure slightly.
- Modest feedstock cost rises and freight risk premia raised production expenses, yet pass-through remained limited.
- Late March beverage sector ramp and PET exports tightened availability, supporting firmer offers for exporters.
Isophthalic Acid Prices in Europe
- In Europe, the Isophthalic acid Price Index remained broadly stable to slightly soft through Q1 2026, reflecting balanced supply and cautious downstream buying.
- The average Isophthalic acid price for the quarter moved in a narrow range as PET resin, unsaturated polyester resin, and high-performance coatings demand stayed steady but unspectacular.
- Isophthalic acid Spot Price indicators were muted, with most PET bottle-grade and UPR volumes covered under contracts, leaving limited room for aggressive spot premiums.
- Isophthalic acid Price Forecast points to range-bound to mildly firmer levels, contingent on any rebound in beverage packaging, construction composites, and automotive coatings demand.
- Isophthalic acid Production Cost Trend eased slightly as feedstock m-xylene and energy costs softened versus prior peaks, improving producer margins but also capping upside in the regional Price Index.
- Isophthalic acid Demand Outlook remained mixed: PET resin and packaging applications faced import competition and rPET substitution, while UPR and industrial coatings demand was supported by niche construction, marine, and automotive projects.
- The Isophthalic acid Price Index also reflected adequate inventories and diversified sourcing, with European buyers leveraging imports and local supply to negotiate competitive terms.
- Producers maintained disciplined operating rates, aligning output with contract demand and avoiding significant stock build-ups that could further pressure the Price Index.
Why did the price of Isophthalic acid change in March 2026 in Europe?
- In March 2026, the Isophthalic acid Price Index edged down slightly, as slower call-offs from PET resin producers and soft beverage-packaging demand weighed on the short-term Isophthalic acid Demand Outlook.
- Marginally lower m-xylene and power costs kept the Isophthalic acid Production Cost Trend flat-to-softer, removing cost-push justification for higher prices.
- Comfortable inventories and competitive Isophthalic acid Spot Price offers from both regional producers and importers pressured sellers to trim offers, reinforcing a mildly bearish Isophthalic acid Price Forecast into early Q2 2026.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
APAC
- In South Korea, the Isophthalic Acid Price Index fell by 6.0% quarter-over-quarter, tied to weaker export demand.
- The average Isophthalic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 888.00/MT per industry reporting.
- Isophthalic Acid Spot Price held range-bound amid steady domestic runs and balanced import inflows continuity.
- Isophthalic Acid Price Forecast indicates modest near-term stability, with strength from restocking and maintenance-related tightness.
- Isophthalic Acid Production Cost Trend remained muted as mixed-xylene and energy tariffs stayed range-bound throughout the quarter.
- Isophthalic Acid Demand Outlook described cautious buying by PET resin and coating producers, limiting fresh spot enquiries.
- Isophthalic Acid Price Index momentum reflected export softness offset by robust packaging demand, keeping offers neutral.
- Inventory positions at Busan ports and steady plant operation constrained volatility, underpinning balanced market conditions.
Why did the price of Isophthalic Acid change in December 2025 in APAC?
- Balanced domestic production and steady imports prevented prompt shortages, capping upward price pressure in December.
- Soft export demand from major buyers reduced offtake, pressuring the Price Index lower during December.
- Stable feedstock and energy costs kept Production Cost Trend muted, limiting sellers’ incentives to raise offers.
North America
- In the USA, the Isophthalic Acid Price Index fell by 7.07% quarter-over-quarter, amid weak downstream demand.
- The average Isophthalic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 1029.33/MT, per Gulf Coast CFR.
- Isophthalic Acid Spot Price oscillated around import-influenced CFR levels as freight reductions maintained competitive landed offers.
- Isophthalic Acid Price Forecast suggested modest near-term volatility driven by import flows, maintenance, and year-end restocking.
- Isophthalic Acid Production Cost Trend remained stable with flat mixed-xylene feedstock and unchanged energy costs.
- Isophthalic Acid Demand Outlook showed muted PET resin purchases and cautious converter procurement, restraining spot volume uptake.
- The Isophthalic Acid Price Index reflected a balance between import arrivals and terminal inventories, tempering aggressive seller revisions.
- New tariffs on Chinese cargoes altered export flows, tightening availability intermittently and supporting firmer CFR offers.
Why did the price of Isophthalic Acid change in December 2025 in North America?
- Heavy import arrivals and comfortable terminal stocks reduced buying urgency, pressuring the Isophthalic Acid Price Index downward.
- Muted PET resin demand and converter hand-to-mouth procurement limited spot purchases, weighing on Isophthalic Acid spot price momentum.
- Stable mixed-xylene feedstock and flat energy costs constrained production cost inflation, removing immediate upward pressure on offers.
Europe
- Isophthalic acid Spot Price in Europe showed moderate fluctuations through Q4 2025, with the Price Index remaining sensitive to upstream m-xylene availability and energy cost volatility.
- Demand from polyesters, PET resins, and coatings remained steady, supporting the Isophthalic acid Demand Outlook, although downstream converters operated cautiously amid macroeconomic uncertainty.
- The Isophthalic acid Production Cost Trend increased slightly due to elevated feedstock and logistics costs, particularly in November, before easing marginally in December.
- Imports tightened during early Q4 due to freight disruptions, temporarily lifting the Price Index, but improved port operations in December helped stabilize supply.
- The Isophthalic acid Price Forecast for early 2026 remained cautiously optimistic, supported by expectations of firmer PET resin demand and stable upstream aromatics markets.
- December 2025 Price Movement (Europe): The Price Index decreased in December as supply constraints eased, freight rates softened, and feedstock costs declined, reducing cost pressure on producers.
Why did the price of Isophthalic acid change in December 2025 in Europe?
- The Price Index decreased due to easing supply tightness as import flows normalized.
- Lower upstream m-xylene and energy costs reduced production cost pressure.
- Moderation in downstream resin demand limited upward pricing momentum.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
- In the USA, the Isophthalic Acid Price Index fell by 5.38% quarter-over-quarter amid persistent oversupply conditions.
- The average Isophthalic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 1107.67/MT CFR Texas assessments.
- Isophthalic Acid Spot Price stayed pressured as the Price Index reflected abundant imports and inventories.
- Isophthalic Acid Production Cost Trend remained muted due to stable mixed xylene feedstock and freight.
- Isophthalic Acid Demand Outlook is subdued as PET converters run cautiously and maintain hand-to-mouth purchasing.
- Isophthalic Acid Price Forecast points to range-bound movement with sporadic upticks if restocking by importers.
- Isophthalic Acid Price Index weakness reflected distributor stock builds, Asian offers, and limited buying interest.
- Plant operating rates remained steady, limiting disruption risk and keeping spot availability ample for buyers.
Why did the price of Isophthalic Acid change in September 2025 in North America?
- Ample Asian export arrivals and domestic runs increased supply, pressuring the CFR Texas Price Index lower.
- Easing ocean freight rates reduced landed costs, transmitting lower import offers into U.S. supply chains.
- Muted PET converter procurement and high distributor inventory constrained demand, limiting upside for spot pricing.
APAC
- In South Korea, the Isophthalic Acid Price Index fell by 3.3% quarter-over-quarter, citing demand decline.
- The average Isophthalic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 944.67/MT, from FOB Busan assessments.
- Isophthalic Acid Spot Price softened as sustained run-rates and comfortable inventories weighed on prompt market offers.
- Isophthalic Acid Production Cost Trend remained subdued with stable mixed-xylene inputs and flat energy tariffs.
- Isophthalic Acid Demand Outlook stayed muted as PET resin converters limited purchases after the early-summer beverage peak.
- Isophthalic Acid Price Forecast indicates mild volatility but limited upside absent restocking or increased export inquiries.
- Isophthalic Acid Price Index reflected downward pressure from high operating rates and steady meta-xylene inflows.
- Export demand cautiousness and occasional logistical delays constrained prompt shipments, keeping offers pressured in nearby markets.
Why did the price of Isophthalic Acid change in September 2025 in APAC?
- Uninterrupted meta-xylene inflows sustained rates, expanding supply, and exerting downward pressure on FOB values.
- Post-summer demand retracement reduced restocking by beverage and PET converters, weakening spot enquiries and urgency.
- Comfortable producer and trader inventories with flat energy costs capped upward price momentum.
Europe
- Isophthalic acid Spot Price in Europe declined slightly in September 2025, driven by subdued demand from polyester resins and coatings, particularly in Germany and France.
- The Isophthalic acid Price Index for Q3 2025 showed a mild downward trend, reflecting oversupply conditions and cautious procurement from downstream sectors like packaging, plastics, and adhesives.
- Isophthalic acid Demand Outlook remained soft across Europe, with macroeconomic uncertainty and slower industrial activity dampening consumption in key applications such as PET production, unsaturated polyester resins (UPR), and thermo-resistant coatings.
- The Isophthalic acid Production Cost Trend remained stable during the quarter, supported by consistent feedstock availability and lower energy costs. However, rising freight and compliance costs slightly offset these gains.
- September’s price decline was primarily due to sluggish demand, elevated inventories at key distribution hubs, and competitive offers from Asian suppliers, which pressured domestic pricing.
- The Isophthalic acid Price Forecast for Q4 2025 suggests a potential rebound, supported by seasonal restocking and anticipated demand recovery in packaging and specialty polymer segments.
- Key downstream uses of isophthalic acid in Europe include PET resin production, unsaturated polyester resins (UPR), coatings and paints, plasticizers, adhesives, and thermosetting fibers.
Why did the price of Isophthalic Acid change in September 2025 in Europe?
- Reduced procurement from lithium-ion battery manufacturers and industrial coatings producers led to weaker spot market activity.
- High stock levels at major distribution hubs limited fresh buying interest, prompting sellers to adjust prices downward to stimulate demand.
- Lower-priced shipments from Asian exporters increased market competition, pressuring domestic producers to offer discounts and revise pricing strategies.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
- Isophthalic Acid Price Index in China decreased by 3.3% quarter-on-quarter, settling at USD 1,036/MT FOB Qingdao in June 2025.
- Why did the price of Isophthalic Acid change in China in Q2 2025?
- Prices remained steady due to balanced supply-demand fundamentals, moderate domestic PET resin consumption, and a cautious export environment influenced by elevated global tariffs and geopolitical uncertainty.
- Isophthalic Acid Price Forecast for Q3 2025: Prices are expected to hover around current levels, with modest downside risk if global demand—particularly from India and the USA—fails to recover amid prolonged tariff impacts.
- Isophthalic Acid Production Cost Trend: Feedstock availability remained stable, with no major disruptions in meta-xylene sourcing. However, moderate plant operating rates and port congestion in Qingdao and Ningbo introduced minor indirect cost pressures.
- Isophthalic Acid Demand Outlook: Domestic PET packaging demand supported a consistent draw on inventories, especially from food and beverage bottlers. However, weak external demand from India and the U.S. limited the broader recovery in order volumes.
- Trade Policy Impact: The imposition of a 145% duty on Chinese isophthalic acid exports, compared to the global average of 10% severely restricted trade flow to major destinations. Exporters adopted a roll-over strategy to mitigate risk.
- Automotive Sector: While PET consumption in automotive interiors showed marginal gains, the primary driver remained seasonal food and beverage packaging. Export-oriented PET resin production remained subdued.
North America
- Isophthalic Acid Price Index in the U.S. dropped by 6.6% quarter-on-quarter, settling at USD 1,194/MT CFR Texas in June 2025.
- Why did the price of Isophthalic Acid change in July 2025 in North America?
- Prices strengthened slightly due to a seasonal uptick in PET resin demand and temporary supply constraints linked to shipping disruptions from Asia.
- Isophthalic Acid Price Forecast for Q3 2025: Further upside is possible if freight costs remain elevated and downstream demand from beverage and consumer goods sectors continues rising into summer.
- Isophthalic Acid Production Cost Trend: Limited domestic production makes the U.S. reliant on imports, mainly from South Korea and Japan. Shipping rates surged in June due to GRIs, contributing to higher landed costs.
- Isophthalic Acid Demand Outlook: Demand improved in June, led by increased PET bottle production for summer beverages. FMCG restocking ahead of holiday packaging also contributed to procurement strength.
- Trade Policy Impact: A 90-day tariff truce with China provided temporary relief, allowing smoother flows of South Korean and Japanese cargo into U.S. ports. However, buyers remain cautious ahead of August trade reviews.
- Automotive Sector: The Impact on isophthalic acid consumption remained marginal, with primary use concentrated in PET for packaging. Broader chemical demand from construction and auto applications remained weak.
Europe
- Isophthalic Acid Price Index in Europe remained mostly flat in Q2 2025, stabilizing in June 2025.
- Why did the price of Isophthalic Acid change in Q2 2025 in Europe?
- Weak seasonal demand and high inventories capped price gains, though stable inflows from Asia and moderate PET resin demand offered support.
- Isophthalic Acid Price Forecast for Q3 2025: Prices may rise marginally due to summer restocking, though macroeconomic headwinds and reduced industrial PET usage could limit gains.
- Isophthalic Acid Production Cost Trend: Europe remains dependent on imports from South Korea and China. Inland freight remained stable, but port delays due to container repositioning and customs checks increased handling costs modestly.
- Isophthalic Acid Demand Outlook: PET packaging demand, especially from Southern Europe, saw seasonal gains in June, while industrial packaging and resin export markets remained quiet.
- Trade Policy Impact: No major policy shifts occurred during the quarter. However, increased Asian competition and U.S. import diversions added procurement uncertainty in Central Europe.
- Automotive Sector: Slow growth in EV production and cooling vehicle sales in Germany and France had limited impact on isophthalic acid consumption, as usage is primarily concentrated in PET-based consumer packaging.
