For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In the United States, the Diethyl Phthalate Price Index rose quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025, driven by production cost increases.
• Diethyl Phthalate production costs increased in Q3 2025, influenced by a 2.6% year-over-year PPI rise in August.
• Demand for Diethyl Phthalate remained robust in Q3 2025, supported by strong retail sales, up 5.42% year-over-year in September.
• The Diethyl Phthalate Price Forecast suggests continued cost pressures from volatile naphtha and strengthening ethanol feedstock.
• Industrial production grew modestly, up 0.1% year-over-year in September 2025, limiting overall demand expansion.
• O-xylene inventories increased in North America during Q3 2025, softening its spot prices.
• Consumer confidence declined to 94.2 in September 2025, tempering discretionary spending and Diethyl Phthalate demand.
• US automotive production inched up in Q3 2025; light vehicle sales strengthened in August and September.
• Phthalic anhydride supply was anticipated to tighten in 2025 due to a major domestic producer's exit.
Why did the price of Diethyl Phthalate change in September 2025 in North America?
• Rising production costs, with PPI up 2.6% in August 2025, pressured Diethyl Phthalate prices upward.
• Strong retail sales, up 5.42% in September 2025, supported Diethyl Phthalate demand in consumer goods.
• Increased o-xylene inventories in Q3 2025 softened spot prices for this key Diethyl Phthalate precursor.
APAC
• In China, the Diethyl Phthalate Price Index remained stable quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025, reflecting balanced market dynamics.
• Diethyl Phthalate production costs were mixed; phthalic anhydride feedstock softened in Q3 2025 due to oversupply.
• Diethyl Phthalate demand was supported by increased automotive sector demand and robust flexible PVC applications in Q3 2025.
• China's industrial production grew by 6.5% year-on-year in September 2025, indicating strength for industrial Diethyl Phthalate demand.
• The Manufacturing Index contracted in September 2025, alongside a -2.3% year-on-year PPI, signaling industrial demand weakness.
• Retail sales increased by 3.0% year-on-year in September 2025, boosting Diethyl Phthalate demand in consumer-facing applications.
• Consumer confidence at 89.6 and 5.2% unemployment in September 2025 suggested cautious spending, impacting Diethyl Phthalate.
Why did the price of Diethyl Phthalate change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Phthalic anhydride feedstock costs softened in Q3 2025 due to oversupply, easing Diethyl Phthalate production expenses.
• Increased automotive sector demand and 3.0% year-on-year retail sales growth in September 2025 supported Diethyl Phthalate consumption.
• A contracting Manufacturing Index and -0.3% year-on-year CPI in September 2025 indicated broader demand weakness.
Europe
• In Germany, the Diethyl Phthalate Price Index fell quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025, driven by weak industrial demand.
• Production costs were influenced by elevated European chemical costs, despite a -1.7% year-over-year PPI in September 2025.
• Demand for Diethyl Phthalate weakened due to a contracting Manufacturing Index in Q3 2025.
• Industrial Production declined by 1.0% year-over-year in September 2025, reducing Diethyl Phthalate consumption.
• Abundant phthalic anhydride inventories and intensified Asian import competition pressured Diethyl Phthalate prices.
• European ethanol feedstock costs were pressured in Q3 2025, while o-xylene costs remained stable.
• Retail sales increased by 0.2% year-over-year in September 2025, offering slight support for consumer DEP applications.
• The unemployment rate remained stable at 6.3% in September 2025, supporting consumer spending and related DEP demand.
• The Diethyl Phthalate demand outlook remains subdued due to a significantly deteriorated German chemical business climate in July 2025.
Why did the price of Diethyl Phthalate change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Weakened demand from plasticizers and construction sectors, with housing activity sharply declining in September 2025.
• Lower industrial production and a contracting Manufacturing Index decreased overall Diethyl Phthalate demand.
• Abundant inventories and intensified competition from cheaper Asian imports pressured Diethyl Phthalate prices.
