For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
• In the United States, the Dioctyl Phthalate (DOP) Price Index declined slightly quarter-over-quarter in Q4 2025, reflecting easing feedstock costs and stable supply conditions.
• Dioctyl Phthalate Spot Price softened modestly in December as import parity and competitive Asian offers pressured domestic cargoes.
• Dioctyl Phthalate Price Forecast indicates a sideways-to-mild recovery in early 2026, contingent on phthalic anhydride and 2-ethylhexanol feedstock movements.
• Dioctyl Phthalate Production Cost Trend eased slightly as lower phthalic anhydride and 2-EH prices reduced cost pressure for manufacturers.
• Dioctyl Phthalate Demand Outlook remained moderate, with consumption in PVC compounding, automotive, and cable segments steady but not supportive of aggressive restocking.
• Balanced inventory levels and steady plant operating rates prevented sharp fluctuations in the DOP Price Index.
• Competitive import offers from Asia and smooth logistics operations limited upward pressure on North American prices.
Why did the price of Dioctyl Phthalate change in December 2025 in North America?
• Feedstock prices for phthalic anhydride and 2-EH eased, lowering production costs.
• Adequate inventories and stable domestic operating rates prevented significant price rises.
• Competitive Asian import offers and smooth port operations maintained downward pressure on prices.
APAC
• In South Korea, the Dioctyl Phthalate Price Index fell 10.97% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting lower feedstock cost pressure broadly.
• The average Dioctyl Phthalate price for the quarter was approximately USD 1046.67/MT based on FOB Busan assessments.
• Dioctyl Phthalate Spot Price eased as regional cargoes and Chinese offers pressured Busan import parity, reducing margins.
• Dioctyl Phthalate Price Forecast suggests recovery after Lunar New Year, conditional on feedstock and export enquiry improvements.
• Dioctyl Phthalate Production Cost Trend improved as phthalic anhydride and 2-EH prices declined, enabling lower seller offers.
• Dioctyl Phthalate Demand Outlook remains subdued with PVC, cable and automotive segments limiting prompt procurement and restocking.
• Inventory accumulation and steady domestic operating rates kept the Dioctyl Phthalate Price Index on a downward trajectory.
• Competitive Chinese and Taiwanese FOB offers plus normal port operations constrained sellers despite Korean plant operating rates.
Why did the price of Dioctyl Phthalate change in December 2025 in APAC?
• Supply remained ample as domestic plants ran normally, while export enquiries softened across Asia in December.
• Feedstock phthalic anhydride and 2-ethylhexanol prices declined, reducing production cost base and further lowering seller resistance.
• Port operations remained smooth and freight steady, enabling imports to flow and keeping downward price pressure.
Europe
• In Europe, the Dioctyl Phthalate Price Index recorded a mild quarter-over-quarter decline in Q4 2025, reflecting a combination of lower feedstock costs and soft demand from downstream PVC and automotive industries.
• Dioctyl Phthalate Spot Price eased in December as import parity from Asia and strong regional competition pressured local producers.
• Dioctyl Phthalate Price Forecast points to a stable-to-moderate recovery post-holidays, depending on feedstock cost trends and export enquiry revival.
• Dioctyl Phthalate Production Cost Trend softened, supported by declining phthalic anhydride and 2-ethylhexanol prices.
• Dioctyl Phthalate Demand Outlook remained subdued, with PVC and automotive consumption steady but insufficient to drive aggressive procurement.
• Inventory accumulation and consistent plant utilization restrained sharp market movements.
• Availability of competitive Asian FOB cargoes kept European sellers cautious despite normal operational conditions.
Why did the price of Dioctyl Phthalate change in December 2025 in Europe?
• Feedstock costs for phthalic anhydride and 2-EH decreased, lowering production pressures.
• Stable inventories and moderate downstream demand limited price increases.
• Competitive Asian imports and smooth port logistics reinforced downward pricing trends.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In North America, the Dioctyl Phthalate Price Index edged down quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025, weighed by soft construction demand and cautious buying.
• Despite weak PVC demand, consistent export flows to Latin America and Asia helped cushion spot price declines in the US market.
• Short-term Dioctyl Phthalate Price Forecast in North America suggests mild recovery potential, contingent on seasonal demand uptick and feedstock cost stabilization.
• Dioctyl Phthalate Production Cost Trend in the US reflected high energy and logistics costs, partially offset by easing 2-EH prices and improved domestic sourcing.
• Dioctyl Phthalate Demand Outlook in North America remained mixed, with sluggish construction activity but steady automotive and packaging sector inquiries.
• Regional Dioctyl Phthalate Price Index volatility in North America was shaped by hurricane-related logistics disruptions, feedstock fluctuations, and export competitiveness.
• US producers maintained moderate operating rates, balancing inventory levels to avoid oversupply and preserve margin stability.
Why did the price of Dioctyl Phthalate change in September 2025 in North America?
• Weak construction demand led to reduced PVC-related procurement, softening overall market activity.
• Logistics costs remained elevated, keeping production expenses high despite easing freight rates.
• Feedstock 2-EH prices declined, slightly offsetting cost pressures for DOP manufacturers.
• Steady export flows, especially to Latin America and Asia, helped stabilize spot prices.
• Tight inventory management by US producers prevented oversupply and supported price discipline.
APAC
• In South Korea, the Dioctyl Phthalate Price Index fell by 2.57% quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025, pressured.
• The average Dioctyl Phthalate price for the quarter was approximately USD 1175.67/MT based on FOB Busan data and shipments reported.
• Export discipline kept Dioctyl Phthalate Spot Price supported despite inventory builds and muted PVC demand.
• Short-term Dioctyl Phthalate Price Forecast anticipates modest fluctuation as feedstock costs stabilize and demand normalizes.
• Dioctyl Phthalate Production Cost Trend showed elevated logistics and feedstock pressure, offset by declining 2-EH.
• Dioctyl Phthalate Demand Outlook remains mixed with construction weakness but supportive automotive and US export inquiries.
• Regional Dioctyl Phthalate Price Index volatility reflected shifting export flows, Chinese availability, and seasonal procurement patterns.
• Major South Korean producers maintained operating rates, managing inventories tightly to defend margins and export competitiveness.
Why did the price of Dioctyl Phthalate change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Seasonal downstream slowdown reduced PVC-related procurement while Chinese availability increased, exerting downward pressure regionally.
• Logistics costs remained elevated despite easing freight rates, sustaining production cost pressure for DOP manufacturers regionally.
• Strong export inquiries from the US and disciplined South Korean supply mitigated oversupply, supporting price stability.
Europe
• In Europe, the Dioctyl Phthalate Price Index declined quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025, pressured by weak macroeconomic sentiment and reduced industrial output.
• European spot prices faced downward pressure due to sluggish PVC demand and rising imports from Asia, despite localized supply constraints.
• Short-term Dioctyl Phthalate Price Forecast in Europe remains cautious, with expectations of limited price movement amid economic uncertainty and feedstock volatility.
• Dioctyl Phthalate Production Cost Trend in Europe showed elevated energy and compliance costs, with some relief from declining 2-EH and improved supply chain efficiency.
• Dioctyl Phthalate Demand Outlook in Europe was subdued, with weak construction and consumer goods demand, though automotive and export orders offered partial support.
• Regional Dioctyl Phthalate Price Index volatility in Europe reflected shifting trade flows, Asian competition, and seasonal procurement cycles.
• Major European producers operated at reduced rates, managing output to align with demand and mitigate margin erosion.
Why did the price of Dioctyl Phthalate change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Weak macroeconomic sentiment and reduced industrial output led to lower demand, especially from construction and consumer goods sectors.
• Rising imports from Asia and sluggish PVC demand exerted downward pressure on European spot prices.
• Elevated energy and compliance costs sustained production pressure, despite some relief from falling 2-EH feedstock prices.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Price Index for DOP in North America exhibited moderate fluctuations over Q2 2025, as pricing was influenced by a combination of soft construction activity and varying feedstock availability.
• In April, DOP Spot Price levels in the U.S. were largely stable, supported by balanced inventory levels and minimal changes in upstream costs.
• May saw a slight downturn in DOP pricing due to weak offtake from downstream automotive and adhesives sectors, where flexible PVC product demand remained sluggish.
• June brought marginal support to the DOP Production Cost Trend owing to slightly firming raw material prices (e.g., 2-EH) and higher port handling charges at Gulf Coast terminals.
• The DOP Demand Outlook in North America remained weak overall due to reduced consumption in plasticizers for wires, cables, and construction-grade films. However, seasonal demand for flexible PVC products in warmer states provided limited support.
• Export demand from North America to Latin America remained steady, preventing a sharper price fall.
Why did the DOP Price Index change in July 2025 in North America?
The Price Index decreased in July 2025, as the market entered a seasonal demand lull. Downstream orders slowed amid excessive inventories and muted restocking interest, while feedstock costs provided minimal cost push. As a result, producers lowered DOP Spot Prices to retain competitiveness in export bids and domestic contracts.
Asia
• The DOP Price Index in Asia was moderately volatile throughout Q2 2025, primarily due to shifting trends in production costs and regional demand imbalances.
• In April, FOB South Korea DOP prices held stable as producers faced balanced supply-demand conditions and limited upward pressure from feedstock inputs like 2-ethylhexanol.
• May saw a 3.3% decrease in DOP Spot Prices from South Korea, driven by sluggish demand from India and Southeast Asia, as well as reduced feedstock cost support.
• In June, the Price Index rose by 0.8%, bolstered by stable manufacturing activity in South Korea, logistical cost support, and a short-term uptick in Chinese procurement.
• The DOP Production Cost Trend across Asia remained firm due to volatile crude oil-linked feedstock prices, higher inland logistics, and sustained freight charges.
• The DOP Demand Outlook was subdued due to monsoon-led construction slowdowns in South Asia, limited PVC demand, and weak end-use sectors like consumer goods and automotive interiors.
• Chinese suppliers faced downward pricing pressure due to elevated inventories, which allowed South Korean exporters to benefit from relatively better margins and steady operations.
Why did the DOP Price Index change in July 2025 in Asia?
The Price Index decreased by 1.0% in July 2025, attributed to monsoon disruptions in India and Southeast Asia, weak seasonal demand, high inventories, and softening feedstock support. Regional buyers delayed purchases in anticipation of better pricing, leading to softer DOP Spot Prices across key export markets.
Europe
• In Q2 2025, the Price Index for DOP in Europe showed a mostly bearish tone due to macroeconomic headwinds and sluggish end-user demand.
• April and May observed a gradual softening in DOP Spot Prices across key markets like Germany, France, and Italy, as oversupply and declining raw material values weighed heavily on prices.
• The DOP Production Cost Trend in Europe remained under pressure due to weakening phthalic anhydride and 2-EH prices, alongside reduced utility cost volatility.
• Imports from Asia, especially South Korea and China, remained competitive, exerting further pressure on European producers.
• The DOP Demand Outlook in Europe remained constrained due to reduced construction activity, slower automotive manufacturing, and cautious buying behavior amid inflationary uncertainty.
• In June, buyers across Western Europe held back on restocking due to expectations of further price corrections and unexciting demand from flexible PVC sectors.
Why did the DOP Price Index change in July 2025 in Europe?
The Price Index decreased in July 2025, as the region experienced persistent oversupply and thin demand across industrial sectors. Inventory destocking and price-sensitive procurement patterns prompted a decline in DOP Spot Prices, with import competition and flat feedstock prices compounding the downward trend.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
During Q1 2025, Dioctyl Phthalate (DOP) prices in North America followed a moderate downward trajectory, influenced by sustained weakness in its primary downstream sector PVC. DOP demand softened in tandem due to sluggish activity in construction and infrastructure markets.
Persistent economic uncertainties, elevated interest rates, and reduced real estate turnover dampened construction output across the U.S., curbing flexible PVC demand and, consequently, DOP consumption. Early in the quarter, some supply-side tightness from planned PVC maintenance and feedstock cost fluctuations momentarily offered stability, but these effects were short-lived. As Q1 progressed, rising inventories and fading international demand partly due to China’s tariff hike on U.S. chemical imports further weakened market sentiment.
North American DOP suppliers faced subdued procurement interest and rising competition, prompting gradual price reductions to retain market share. Despite some feedstock cost relief, oversupply and a cautious buying approach among converters limited price resilience. Overall, Q1 2025 marked a moderately bearish quarter for DOP in North America, shaped by fragile demand fundamentals and a well-supplied market.
Asia
Dioctyl Phthalate (DOP) prices in Asia witnessed a sustained decline throughout Q1 2025. January saw the steepest monthly drop of 5%, driven by a sharp reduction in feedstock prices particularly 2-Ethylhexanol (2-EH) and steady inventories. Despite stable PVC demand, especially from industrial construction and housing projects, sluggish housing sales limited broader market expansion, reinforcing the price dip. In February, prices slipped a further 2.3% amid ample supply, lower production costs, and strategic stock management. Though demand was supported by strong housing occupancy rates and major residential projects in Seoul and surrounding regions, the post-holiday production ramp-up added to market availability. Falling freight rates and a dip in the Intra-Asia Container Index further eased cost pressures, maintaining downward momentum. The bearish trend continued into March, with prices declining another 2.6% amid weakening demand across both domestic and export markets. Rising inventories, soft recovery in construction and automotive sectors, and cautious buyer sentiment, particularly in Japan and Thailand, pushed sellers to cut prices further.
Europe
During Q1 2025, Dioctyl Phthalate (DOP) prices in the European market registered a moderate increase, buoyed by recovering downstream demand from the PVC sector and slight upward pressure from feedstock costs. DOP consumption showed a corresponding uplift, particularly in packaging and select industrial applications. The first quarter saw intermittent improvement in construction sentiment, especially in infrastructure-linked segments, which supported flexible PVC output and, in turn, DOP usage. February marked a turning point, with a 2.1% PVC price uptick reflecting increased trading activity and seasonally driven optimism. Although March brought mixed signals balancing higher input costs with rising imports DOP demand. Supply dynamics remained stable as European producers managed operating rates efficiently, supported by recovering production at key Eastern European facilities. Tightening inventories and increasing energy prices added to the cost pressures, helping to sustain moderate price gains for DOP. Overall, Q1 2025 reflected a cautiously optimistic European DOP market, supported by a slow but steady rebound in downstream PVC activity and improving business confidence.
