For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
• In the USA, the o-Xylene Price Index fell by 2.67% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weaker export demand.
• The average o-Xylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 887.33/MT, based on FOB assessments.
• o-Xylene Spot Price remained close to levels while the Price Index signalled balanced, sideways movement.
• o-Xylene Price Forecast suggests modest downside near term absent crude or gasoline blending rallies emerging.
• o-Xylene Production Cost Trend subdued as reformate and crude softened extraction costs for Gulf refiners.
• o-Xylene Demand Outlook steady with phthalic anhydride and PVC plasticizer rates offsetting weaker export demand.
• o-Xylene Price Index weakness reflected rising terminal inventories and diminished arbitrage opportunities to export buyers.
• Steady refinery operating rates and the temporary shutdown of a major unit capped upward momentum, keeping spot sellers competitive across the market.
Why did the price of o-Xylene change in December 2025 in North America?
• Cheaper reformate and lower crude reduced extraction feedstock costs, enabling sellers to offer discounts and clear cargoes.
• Tepid export demand from India, Brazil, and Canada limited arbitrage, reducing spot volumes and pressuring FOB premiums.
• Normal refinery operations and no weather outages-maintained supply, so rising terminal inventories weakened immediate upside into December.
APAC
• In Japan, the o-Xylene Price Index fell by 1.49% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weaker derivative demand and ample supply.
• The average o-Xylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 2315.67/MT, calculated across spot and contract volumes.
• Stable naphtha and mixed-xylene feedstock kept the o-Xylene Production Cost Trend predictable, limiting immediate upward pressure.
• Short-term o-Xylene Price Forecast suggests limited volatility as balanced supply, steady refinery runs, and muted exports persist.
• o-Xylene Demand Outlook remains subdued with weak phthalic anhydride offtake, keeping the Price Index pressured downward.
• Domestic o-Xylene Spot Price movements were constrained by comfortable terminal inventories and minimal export arbitrage flows.
• Major producers operated near eighty percent utilization, supporting steady availability, and stabilizing the o-Xylene Price Index.
• Transient year-end restocking by solvent blenders briefly lifted demand, while broader construction slowdown limited durable offtake.
Why did the price of o-Xylene change in December 2025 in APAC?
• Slightly firmer mixed-xylene and naphtha costs provided marginal cost support to o-Xylene production in December.
• Refinery utilization near eighty percent maintained regular supply, preventing significant upside pressure on domestic prices.
• Weak derivative offtake limited demand, while modest year-end solvent restocking offered brief localized buying support.
Europe
• In Germany, the o-Xylene Price Index fell by 1.48% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting subdued downstream demand conditions.
• The average o-Xylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1134.00/MT.
• o-Xylene Spot Price remained range-bound as imports from Netherlands and South Korea supplied ample volumes.
• o-Xylene Price Forecast indicates limited upside near-term, with the Price Index constrained by steady imports.
• o-Xylene Production Cost Trend remained subdued as stable naphtha and extraction margins limited cost pass-through.
• o-Xylene Demand Outlook stays weak with PVC plasticizer and phthalic anhydride procurement only modestly increasing.
• Depot inventories at seasonal averages and steady Rhine barge flows kept o-Xylene Price Index muted.
• Major producers ran steadily while competitive export offers, and normal freight constrained upward o-Xylene momentum.
Why did the price of o-Xylene change in December 2025 in Europe?
• Steady import flows from Netherlands, Belgium, and South Korea maintained availability, preventing significant price appreciation.
• Muted downstream demand from PVC and phthalic anhydride sectors kept offtake subdued, limiting price pressure.
• Stable naphtha feedstock costs and normal freight, with steady euro-dollar rates, removed cost-driven price support.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In the USA, the o-Xylene Price Index rose by 7.0% quarter-over-quarter, driven by export demand.
• The average o-Xylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 911.67/MT, reflecting naphtha-driven cost pressure.
• o-Xylene Spot Price softened as Price Index decreased amid rising inventories and weaker export purchases.
• o-Xylene Production Cost Trend rose with naphtha volatility, tightening producer margins despite steady domestic manufacturing.
• o-Xylene Demand Outlook remained subdued as phthalic anhydride and plasticizer consumption eased across construction sectors.
• o-Xylene Price Forecast shows limited downside near term, with seasonal winter demand supporting modest recovery.
• o-Xylene Price Index volatility reflected export flow changes, Gulf Coast logistics, and terminal inventory accumulation.
• 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?
• High refinery utilization ensured abundant mixed-xylene feedstock, raising supply and pressuring o-xylene Price Index downward.
• Naphtha-driven production cost increases constrained margins, partially offsetting weak demand, supporting intermittent price resilience short-term.
• Soft export demand from Mexico and Chile reduced overseas offtake, causing inventory accumulation and caution.
APAC
• In Japan, the o-Xylene Price Index rose by 11.0% quarter-over-quarter, driven by firmer feedstock costs and robust downstream offtake.
• The average o-Xylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 2350.67/MT, reflecting steady domestic trading conditions.
• o-Xylene Spot Price behaviour remained firm globally, underpinned by domestic offtake and limited export interest.
• o-Xylene Price Forecast reflects modest upside potential later in the year as feedstock naphtha may firm seasonally.
• o-Xylene Production Cost Trend tracked naphtha volatility, with recent cost push supporting seller offers despite balanced inventories.
• o-Xylene Demand Outlook stayed steady, driven by phthalic anhydride and plasticizer requirements, while construction demand remained muted.
• o-Xylene Price Index stability reflected sustained plant operations, comfortable inventories, and cautious buyer behaviour across domestic depots.
• 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?
• Stable domestic supply and uninterrupted plant operations prevented supply shocks, maintaining price equilibrium in September.
• Firm naphtha costs earlier raised production costs, exerting upward pressure despite cautious downstream procurement patterns.
• Moderate export enquiry and adequate inventories limited rally potential, while depot-level demand kept spot flows steady.
Europe
• In Germany, the o-Xylene Price Index fell by 1.23% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting import tightening and firmer naphtha.
• The average o-Xylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1151.00/MT, reflecting stable CFR Hamburg.
• o-Xylene Spot Price remained range-bound amid steady imports and balanced inventories, limiting short-term price volatility.
• o-Xylene Price Forecast suggests modest declines early autumn, driven by soft naphtha and ample Asian export availability.
• o-Xylene Production Cost Trend remained neutral due to stable naphtha, constraining upward pressure on domestic offers.
• o-Xylene Demand Outlook is subdued with steady downstream phthalic anhydride and plasticizer consumption, limiting buying momentum.
• o-Xylene Price Index showed fluctuation as inventories remained comfortable and export flows from Korea persisted.
• 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?
• Import supply tightened in September from key exporters, reducing spot cargoes and pressuring CFR values.
• Feedstock naphtha firmed marginally with higher crude, modestly lifting production costs and seller offers thereby.
• Domestic downstream demand remained steady without significant restocking, keeping broad quarterly pressure mild and range-bound.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Domestic logistics and terminal operations remained smooth throughout the quarter. There were no reported delays or disruptions affecting freight or port activity.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• O-Xylene prices are forecasted to remain tight if foreign orders persist, though the outlook is clouded by macro uncertainty and regional competition.
Europe
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Germany’s 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
