For the Quarter Ending June 2026
m-Xylene Prices in APAC
- In China, the m-Xylene Price Index declined quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2026, influenced by falling feedstock costs.
- In Taiwan, the m-Xylene Price Index was assessed at USD 1,010/MT during Q2 2026, supported by balanced refinery operations and downstream demand.
- Naphtha feedstock costs, a primary production driver, declined by June 2026, easing m-Xylene manufacturing expenses.
- China's Industrial Production increased by 5.3% year-on-year in June 2026, supporting overall chemical demand.
- The Manufacturing Index expanded in June 2026, indicating growth in factory activity across China.
- Domestic automotive demand softened in Q2 2026, impacting m-Xylene consumption, despite NEV market recovery in May 2026.
- Producer Price Index (PPI) rose by 4.1% year-on-year in June 2026, reflecting broader industrial input cost increases.
- China maintained massive petrochemical stockpiles in Q2 2026, contributing to a well-supplied m-Xylene market.
- Isophthalic acid and composite resin demand recovered in Q2 2026, driven by improving construction and marine sectors.
Why did the price of m-Xylene change in June 2026 in APAC?
- Naphtha feedstock costs declined by June 2026, significantly reducing m-Xylene production expenses.
- Domestic automotive demand softened in Q2 2026, impacting m-Xylene consumption in related sectors.
- Massive petrochemical stockpiles in China during Q2 2026 contributed to ample supply.
m-Xylene Prices in North America
- In the United States, the m-Xylene Price Index fell quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2026, due to softening feedstock costs and rising inventories.
- Naphtha feedstock costs softened in North America in June 2026, following earlier fluctuations in April and May.
- Automotive demand remained resilient in June 2026, supported by household wealth and strong new-vehicle sales.
- Ample spot supplies and rising xylene inventory levels in June 2026 contributed to downward price pressure.
- Upstream raw material prices for xylene trended downward in June 2026, easing overall production cost structures.
- Industrial production increased by 1.7% year-over-year in May 2026, indicating robust manufacturing activity.
- Consumer confidence reached 91.2 in June 2026, with retail sales growing 6.9% year-over-year in May 2026.
- The unemployment rate was 4.2% in June 2026, while PPI rose 5.5% year-over-year in June 2026.
- Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 3.5% year-over-year in June 2026, indicating broader inflationary pressures.
Why did the price of m-Xylene change in June 2026 in North America?
- Naphtha feedstock costs weakened in North America in June 2026, reducing production expenses.
- Xylene inventory levels rose gradually in June 2026, increasing market availability.
- Upstream raw material prices for xylene trended downward in June 2026, easing cost pressures
m-Xylene Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the m-Xylene Price Index rose quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2026, driven by increased production costs.
- m-Xylene production costs increased, influenced by a 2.2% rise in producer prices in May 2026 and elevated naphtha costs in April 2026.
- Demand for m-Xylene faced headwinds as Germany's Manufacturing Index was contracting in June 2026.
- Industrial production remained unchanged at 0.0% in May 2026, indicating stable but not expanding industrial demand.
- Consumer-driven m-Xylene demand was supported by a 1.8% rise in retail sales in May 2026, contrasting with negative consumer confidence in June 2026.
- The m-Xylene demand outlook was challenged by declining construction activity and automotive production in Q2 2026.
- Customer stockpiling in Q2 2026, due to supply concerns, temporarily influenced m-Xylene inventory trends.
- The m-Xylene price forecast suggests continued pressure from elevated energy costs and supply chain volatility during Q2 2026.
Why did the price of m-Xylene change in June 2026 in Europe?
- Production costs rose from a 2.2% PPI increase in May 2026 and higher naphtha costs in April 2026.
- Demand for m-Xylene softened as the Manufacturing Index contracted in June 2026 and industrial production remained flat.
- Supply chain disruptions and high energy costs, including elevated Brent crude prices in April 2026, contributed to price volatility.
For the Quarter Ending March 2026
m-Xylene Prices in North America
- In United States, the m-Xylene Price Index rose quarter-over-quarter in Q1 2026, driven by surging feedstock costs.
- The m-Xylene Production Cost Trend increased in March 2026 as producer prices rose 4.0% and consumer inflation hit 3.3%.
- The m-Xylene Demand Outlook strengthened in Jan-Mar 2026, supported by a 0.7% year-over-year increase in industrial production.
- Robust retail sales of 4.0%, 4.3% unemployment, and a 91.8 consumer confidence index in March 2026 bolstered m-Xylene consumption.
- The Manufacturing Index expanded in March 2026, while multifamily housing starts surged in Jan 2026, driving chemical demand.
- Mixed xylenes and naphtha feedstock costs spiked in March 2026 amid severe energy market volatility and geopolitical conflicts.
- Domestic mixed xylenes supply tightened in March 2026 as United States naphtha exports reached record highs.
- The m-Xylene Price Forecast reflected upward momentum in Q1 2026, as the m-Xylene Price Index tracked rising crude oil.
Why did the price of m-Xylene change in March 2026 in North America?
- Naphtha and mixed xylenes feedstock costs surged in March 2026 due to severe energy volatility.
- Domestic mixed xylenes supply tightened significantly in March 2026 amid upstream energy market disruptions.
- Downstream PET demand strengthened in Jan-Mar 2026, driving increased consumption of m-Xylene across the region.
m-Xylene Prices in APAC
- In China, the m-Xylene Price Index rose quarter-over-quarter in Q1 2026, driven by surging feedstock costs.
- The m-Xylene Production Cost Trend increased as the Producer Price Index rose 0.5% in March 2026.
- The m-Xylene Demand Outlook strengthened alongside a robust 6.1% industrial production growth recorded during Q1 2026.
- Consumer inflation at 1.0% and retail sales growth of 2.4% supported m-Xylene consumption in Q1 2026.
- An unemployment rate of 5.4% in March 2026 and consumer confidence at 91.6 in February 2026 stabilized markets.
- The Manufacturing Index expanded in March 2026, reflecting increased industrial activity and steady m-Xylene market conditions.
- Naphtha and mixed xylenes feedstock costs for m-Xylene spiked significantly during March 2026 amid energy volatility.
- Middle Eastern naphtha export flows to Asia plummeted in March 2026, disrupting m-Xylene supply chains.
- The m-Xylene Price Forecast remained elevated in Q1 2026 as Asian refinery run rates dropped.
Why did the price of m-Xylene change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Naphtha feedstock costs for m-Xylene production surged in March 2026 due to Middle East disruptions.
- Global light distillate inventories plummeted in March 2026 following severe regional infrastructure disruptions and shortages.
- Liquefied petroleum gas shortages triggered substitution effects toward naphtha in March 2026, tightening feedstock availability.
m-Xylene Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the m-Xylene Price Index rose quarter-over-quarter in Q1 2026, primarily driven by tightening upstream supply balances.
- During March 2026, consumer inflation reached 2.7 percent year-over-year, while producer prices declined by 0.2 percent.
- Industrial production remained flat at 0.0 percent in February 2026, alongside marginal retail sales growth of 0.7 percent.
- The unemployment rate stood at 4.2 percent in February 2026, and consumer confidence hit -13.5 in March 2026.
- The Manufacturing Index expanded in March 2026, reflecting increased manufacturing output despite ongoing supply chain disruptions.
- The m-Xylene Demand Outlook weakened in January 2026 as downstream polyethylene terephthalate buyers paused purchasing activity.
- The m-Xylene Production Cost Trend increased throughout Q1 2026 as refined naphtha and mixed xylenes costs strengthened.
- The m-Xylene Price Forecast remained elevated in February 2026 as gasoline blenders built mixed xylenes inventories.
Why did the price of m-Xylene change in March 2026 in Europe?
- European refinery operations experienced planned shutdowns during Q1 2026, significantly tightening upstream mixed xylenes availability.
- Refined naphtha feedstock values spiked in Q1 2026, intensifying upstream production cost pressures for m-Xylene.
- European imports faced severe logistical constraints in Q1 2026 due to Middle Eastern shipping disruptions.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
m-Xylene Prices in APAC
- In China, the m-Xylene Price Index declined quarter-over-quarter, influenced by weakening raw material purchase prices in December 2025.
- m-Xylene production costs decreased in Q4 2025 as raw material purchase prices weakened, aligning with a 1.9% PPI decline in December.
- Demand for m-Xylene faced headwinds in October 2025 due to slowed manufacturing production, despite a 0.8% CPI rise.
- The m-Xylene demand outlook improved slightly in December 2025, supported by higher domestic new work inflows.
- China's Manufacturing Index expanded in December 2025, indicating increased industrial activity and potential demand.
- Industrial Production increased by 5.2% year-on-year in December 2025, suggesting a robust industrial base.
- Overall m-Xylene supply remained ample in 2025, with global overcapacity and China's self-sufficiency push.
- New export sales declined modestly in December 2025, impacting external demand, despite 0.9% retail sales growth.
Why did the price of m-Xylene change in December 2025 in APAC?
- Raw material purchase prices weakened in December 2025, reducing m-Xylene production costs.
- Manufacturing activity increased slightly in December 2025, driven by domestic new work inflows.
- New export sales declined modestly in December 2025, impacting overall m-Xylene demand.
m-Xylene Prices in Europe
- Germany's m-Xylene Price Index declined in Q4 2025, reflecting contracting industrial activity in December 2025.
- m-Xylene Price Forecast suggests continued pressure from weak chemical demand in Germany during 2025.
- Production costs impacted by a 2.5% decline in Producer Price Index year-on-year in December 2025.
- Demand Outlook faced headwinds as consumer confidence declined by 23.4 points in December 2025.
- Naphtha feedstock costs, crucial for m-Xylene, were shaped by complex supply dynamics in 2025.
- Industrial production rose 0.8% in October 2025, while retail sales increased 1.1% in November 2025.
- Unemployment rate was 6.2% in December 2025, affecting purchasing power amidst 1.8% CPI.
- OECD industry oil stocks rose in November and December 2025, indicating ample supply.
- The automotive sector, a key demand driver, experienced a sharp rebound in industrial output in November 2025.
Why did the price of m-Xylene change in December 2025 in Europe?
- Producer Price Index declined 2.5% in December 2025, reducing production cost pressures.
- Manufacturing Index showed a contracting trend in December 2025, reducing industrial demand.
- Consumer confidence declined 23.4 points in December 2025, impacting overall purchasing power.
m-Xylene Prices in North America
- In the United States, the m-Xylene Price Index rose quarter-over-quarter in Q4 2025, driven by increased production costs.
- m-Xylene production costs increased during Q4 2025, influenced by tightened global crude oil supply in November 2025.
- The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 2.7% year-over-year in December 2025, elevating operational expenditures.
- The Producer Price Index (PPI) rose 3.0% year-over-year in November 2025, indicating higher input costs for manufacturers.
- Industrial production increased 2.0% year-over-year in December 2025, supporting m-Xylene demand in manufacturing sectors.
- Retail sales strengthened 3.3% year-over-year in November 2025, boosting m-Xylene demand in packaging applications.
- m-Xylene demand outlook was moderately bullish, supported by strengthening consumer spending in October-November 2025.
- Construction spending inched up in October 2025, while automotive EV sales plummeted in Q4 2025.
Why did the price of m-Xylene change in December 2025 in North America?
- Production costs increased due to tightened global crude oil supply in November 2025.
- The Consumer Price Index rose 2.7% in December 2025, elevating overall operational expenditures.
- Industrial production increased 2.0% in December 2025, supporting demand despite some sector weaknesses.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
m-Xylene Prices in North America
- In the U.S., the m-Xylene Price Index edged lower quarter-over-quarter, influenced by softening reformate and mixed xylene feedstock values.
- Average m-Xylene prices reflected stable domestic contractual settlements, reported consistently across key Gulf Coast hubs.
- Easing energy and feedstock benchmarks supported better margins for producers, signaling a mild downward m-Xylene Production Cost Trend.
- Well-balanced regional supply, supported by high unit reliability, kept volatility subdued, limiting movements in the m-Xylene Spot Price.
- Downstream PET resin producers maintained steady offtake, shaping a neutral-to-cautious m-Xylene Demand Outlook.
- Export flows remained moderate, as competitive Asian and Middle Eastern cargoes capped opportunities for U.S. outbound shipments, anchoring the Price Index.
- Strong domestic logistics and reliable refinery-petrochemical integration contributed to a restrained m-Xylene Price Forecast over the near term.
- Pipeline and terminal operations ensured consistent weekly flows, influencing short-term m-Xylene availability and regional spot dynamics.
Why did the price of m-Xylene change in September 2025 in the USA?
- Softer reformate costs eased production economics, placing mild downward pressure on U.S. m-Xylene values.
- Steady inventories and reliable plant uptime minimized supply-driven price spikes, stabilizing the market.
- Stable PET and solvent sector consumption supported demand, but lukewarm export activity prevented meaningful price recovery.
m-Xylene Prices in Europe
- In Europe, the m-Xylene Price Index declined marginally by quarter-over-quarter, pressured by softer aromatics complexes and reduced gasoline-blend stock premiums.
- Average m-Xylene prices were reported consistently through major Northwest Europe and Mediterranean trading platforms.
- Lower energy and naphtha benchmarks improved producer margins, resulting in a mildly decreasing m-Xylene Production Cost Trend.
- Adequate regional availability and smooth refinery operations limited volatility, keeping the m-Xylene Spot Price constrained.
- Polyester intermediates and PET packaging sectors saw stable but unspectacular demand, maintaining a balanced m-Xylene Demand Outlook.
- Limited arbitrage into Asia and weaker trans-Atlantic pull kept export activity muted, stabilizing the regional m-Xylene Price Index.
- With high operating reliability and moderated feedstock costs, the m-Xylene Price Forecast suggests marginal changes ahead with no strong upside drivers.
- Terminal inventories and integrated logistics across ARA (Amsterdam–Rotterdam–Antwerp) influenced weekly distribution patterns and short-term availability.
Why did the price of m-Xylene change in September 2025 in Europe?
- Softening aromatics feedstock values lowered cost support, contributing to mild downward price pressure.
- Balanced domestic production and sufficient stock levels curtailed any scarcity-driven price gains.
- PET and downstream intermediates consumption remained steady, but limited export momentum prevented significant market improvements.
m-Xylene Prices in APAC
- In Japan, the m-Xylene Price Index fell by 3.69% quarter-over-quarter, driven by lower naphtha prices.
- The average m-Xylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 783.00/MT, reported across domestic depots.
- Lower naphtha benchmarks improved margins, reflecting a downward m-Xylene Production Cost Trend for Japanese producers.
- Domestic supply stability and depot dynamics constrained volatility, limiting gains in the m-Xylene Spot Price.
- Moderate PET sector consumption supported volumes, shaping a cautious m-Xylene Demand Outlook for polyester producers.
- Muted exports and balanced domestic demand kept the m-Xylene Price Index anchored near trading levels.
- High plant reliability supports a conservative m-Xylene Price Forecast, suggesting limited upside over near term.
- Distribution efficiencies and depot-level logistics influenced weekly flows, affecting m-Xylene short-term availability and spot dynamics.
Why did the price of m-Xylene change in September 2025 in APAC?
- Lower naphtha benchmarks eased production costs, translating into downward pressure on m-Xylene prices in September.
- Adequate domestic inventories and steady plant operations reduced scarcity concerns, constraining significant upside for m-Xylene.
- Moderate downstream PET demand supported consumption, but limited export impetus prevented notable m-Xylene price recoveries.
