In the last two weeks of March 2025, prices of mixed xylene increased in the USA driven by higher feedstock naphtha prices, meanwhile the demand observed was steady from the downstream sectors. A similar upward trend in mixed xylene prices was noted in Germany, particularly due to severe port congestion and supply chain issues that caused substantial disruption, despite this, the feedstock naphtha prices remained stable also the demand for mixed xylene from downstream sectors was steady. Overall bullish sentiment in the market exerted upward pressure on prices for both the countries.

In the USA, mixed xylene prices inclined due to the cost increase for feedstock naphtha, which rose due to high crude oil value for refiners and lower global crude oil inventory levels and distillate fuel inventories signalled tighter supply. 

On the demand side, in USA, consumption for mixed xylene from key downstream markets, such as PET and phthalic anhydride, remained steady, and consumption offered steady support in domestic and export markets. Additionally, the stable phthalic anhydride market continued to reflect a weak consumption rate in plastic, resin, and coating segments, leading to little chance of price reduction.

In Germany, mixed xylene prices rose amid severe port congestion at Hamburg, which significantly disrupted supply chains and caused shipping delays. The terminal yard was over 80% occupied, and obtaining delivery slots was challenging, resulting in logistical bottlenecks. Additionally, some terminal operations were slowed by automation work and labour shortages. Despite the disruptions to logistics, the prices of feedstock naphtha were stable, indicating that the price increase in mixed xylenes largely stemmed from inefficiency in supply chains, rather than prices for raw feedstocks.

From the demand side in Germany, consumption from PET and phthalic anhydride segments remained steady and provided no upward price pressure. Demand from other downstream consumer industries, including construction and plasticizers, remained moderate, and still contributed to being a stabilizing force on the overall market. However, given the ongoing disruption of port logistics impacting availability, mixed xylene prices increased, as it reflected reactions to supply-side constraints rather than changes to underlying end-user demand.

Looking ahead, ChemAnalyst expects that mixed xylene prices will rise in the month of April in USA and Germany. In the USA, it is expected to increase due to rise in feedstock naphtha prices driven by higher global crude oil prices and demand from downstream industries. At the same time in Germany, prices are likely to go up due to rising demand from Phthalic anhydride and PET industries driven by higher consumption from packaging and plastic industries and also the higher global crude oil prices will lead to bullish outlook for mixed xylene prices in both countries.