For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Naphthalene Prices in North America
- In the USA, the Naphthalene Price Index rose by 2.47% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting tightening import availability.
- The average Naphthalene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1852.67/MT, supported by balanced inventories.
- Naphthalene Spot Price remained slightly firm as the Price Index reacted to tightened import availability.
- Naphthalene Production Cost Trend showed modest upward pressure as Brown Coal feedstock costs marginally increased.
- Naphthalene Demand Outlook remains steady with phthalic anhydride and construction admixture consumption supporting baseline offtake.
- Naphthalene Price Forecast indicates rangebound to modestly firmer levels near term if import tightness persists.
- Naphthalene Price Index movements tracked constrained seaborne arrivals and comfortable Gulf storage, slightly moderating volatility.
- Domestic distillers maintained steady run-rates while sanctions and compliance costs reduced export flexibility and margins.
Why did the price of Naphthalene change in March 2026 in North America?
- Import disruptions and EU sanctions tightened available seaborne supply, directly increasing replacement costs for Gulf Coast buyers.
- Rising Brown Coal feedstock and higher compliance costs at domestic distillers transmitted modest production cost pressure.
- Freight dynamics improved earlier, but recent cargo shortfalls and insurance surcharges increased landed uncertainty and buyer urgency.
Naphthalene Prices in APAC
- In Japan, the Naphthalene Price Index rose by 8.11% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting stronger export demand broadly.
- The average Naphthalene price for the quarter was USD 751.33/MT, based on FOB Osaka assessments.
- Naphthalene Spot Price remained range-bound around FOB Osaka levels amid balanced inventories and steady offtake.
- Naphthalene Price Forecast shows limited near-term upside given ample coal-tar feedstock and port inventory holdings.
- Naphthalene Production Cost Trend saw modest easing from lower coal imports, power tariffs limited savings.
- Naphthalene Demand Outlook remains neutral as phthalic anhydride and dye intermediate consumption matched routine volumes.
- Naphthalene Price Index reflected steady export flows to Korea and Taiwan and steel-related feedstock production.
- Operational reliability at Osaka, Kobe and Mizushima plants supported continuous supply, limiting volatility, spot purchases.
Why did the price of Naphthalene change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Stable coal-tar feedstock availability matched domestic steel output in March, preventing supply-driven upward pressure on prices.
- Demand remained routine with phthalic anhydride and dye manufacturers drawing contractual volumes, limiting spot buying activity.
- Minor black coal import cost decline was offset by elevated electricity tariffs and environmental compliance expenses.
Naphthalene Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the Naphthalene Price Index rose by 9.05% quarter-over-quarter, driven by higher energy, feedstock and export restocking.
- The average Naphthalene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1113.00/MT on FOB Hamburg assessments.
- Naphthalene Spot Price firmed in March as the Price Index rose amid prompt availability tightening.
- Naphthalene Production Cost Trend climbed due to higher electricity and natural-gas expenses squeezing producer margins.
- Naphthalene Price Forecast shows modest upside risk from export restocking and constrained import lead times.
- Naphthalene Demand Outlook improved overseas while domestic weakness persisted, sustaining the Price Index on balance.
- Naphthalene Price Index gains reflected stable inventories at Hamburg and steady export enquiries from Benelux.
- Naphthalene Spot Price was supported by disciplined seller offers and higher logistics and insurance costs.
Why did the price of Naphthalene change in March 2026 in Europe?
- Higher winter electricity and natural-gas prices raised distillation conversion costs, directly increasing German producers' cash-costs.
- Export restocking from Benelux and Italy absorbed cargoes, tightening prompt supply, supporting the Price Index.
- Near-nameplate operating rates with few outages limited surplus volumes, reducing downward pressure on spot markets.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
• In USA, the Naphthalene Price Index rose by 0.61% quarter-over-quarter, supported by import parity stability.
• The average Naphthalene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1808.00/MT, reflecting CFR landed economics.
• Naphthalene Spot Price remained range-bound as freight rose, Gulf Coast inventories and demand matched arrivals.
• Naphthalene Price Forecast indicates upside risk from winter energy costs and East Asian export volumes.
• Naphthalene Production Cost Trend rose as European distillers faced higher winter tariffs lifting export floor.
• Naphthalene Demand Outlook remains steady with construction and phthalic anhydride offtake supporting Gulf Coast levels.
• Naphthalene Price Index experienced limited volatility; balanced inventories and smooth port throughput capped price movement.
• Export demand softness and plasticizer substitution constrained upside despite import premiums and inland logistics delays.
Why did the price of Naphthalene change in December 2025 in North America?
• East Asian export tightening and higher winter costs raised landed CFR parity and importer offers.
• Ocean freight capacity tightened for January sailings, raising delivered costs and nudging CFR values upward.
• Downstream demand stayed stable but cautious procurement limited aggressive restocking, tempering price appreciation in December.
APAC
• In Japan, the Naphthalene Price Index rose by 13.25% quarter-over-quarter, driven by tighter feedstock supply.
• The average Naphthalene price for the quarter was approximately USD 695.00/MT, per FOB Osaka assessments.
• Naphthalene Spot Price tightened as domestic sellers prioritized contract volumes, reducing available exportable spot parcels.
• The Naphthalene Price Forecast points to firming driven by seasonal demand and constrained export availability.
• Naphthalene Production Cost Trend rose on elevated coking coal and LNG-indexed power, pressuring domestic margins.
• The Naphthalene Demand Outlook stayed supportive from construction admixtures and electronics intermediate requirements, sustaining offtake.
• Naphthalene Price Index stability benefited from normal plant operations, adequate terminal inventories, and port logistics.
• Export competition, a firmer yen influenced Naphthalene Price Index, reducing arbitrage and supporting domestic offers.
Why did the price of Naphthalene change in December 2025 in APAC?
• Reduced coal-tar generation tightened supply as blast furnace output curbed coal-tar and limited feedstock availability.
• Stronger export enquiries from Southeast Asia and electronics sectors accelerated purchases, depleting spot exportable inventories.
• Higher landed coking coal and LNG-linked power costs raised production expenses, supporting upward FOB pricing.
Europe
• In Germany, the Naphthalene Price Index rose by 2.68% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting firmer feedstock-driven margins overall.
• The average Naphthalene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1020.67/MT, reinforcing seller discipline broadly.
• Naphthalene Spot Price moves were modest as export demand softened while domestic consumption remained steady.
• Naphthalene Production Cost Trend showed upward pressure as higher coal-tar and energy inputs squeezed margins.
• Inventory levels at Hamburg terminals supported the Naphthalene Price Index, limiting downside despite export inquiries.
• The Naphthalene Demand Outlook improved modestly as phthalic and dye sectors resumed activity, boosting offtake.
• Naphthalene Price Forecast signalled mild upside given tighter supply and continued steady industrial demand momentum.
• Stable producer utilizations and maintenance preserved supply, while freight stability maintained competitive Hamburg FOB offerings.
Why did the price of Naphthalene change in December 2025 in Europe?
• Rising coal-tar and energy costs increased producer cash costs, allowing modest pass-through into FOB offers.
• Selective diversion of coal-tar fractions into pitch reduced exportable material, tightening Hamburg available spot parcels.
• Downstream restarts improved domestic offtake while cautious international buyers delayed purchases, balancing upward price pressure.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In USA, the Naphthalene Price Index fell by 1.16% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting softer downstream demand conditions.
• The average Naphthalene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1797.00/MT reported on CFR Houston basis.
• Naphthalene Spot Price showed weekly volatility as import inflows and tariffs altered the domestic Price Index trajectory.
• The Naphthalene Price Forecast projects range-bound movement reflecting modest feedstock shifts and production cost trend pressures.
• Naphthalene Demand Outlook remains subdued due to weak construction and plasticizer sectors, constraining upward Price Index momentum.
• Elevated inventories and steady exports from Europe moderated seller pricing power despite occasional supply disruptions supporting price spikes.
• Coal tar feedstock shifts and crude oil softness influenced the Naphthalene Production Cost Trend and input cost pass-through.
• Major producer maintenance and international tariff changes intermittently tightened availability, shaping short-term Price Index and spot dynamics.
Why did the price of Naphthalene change in September 2025 in North America?
• Tighter imports from Europe and sudden tariffs reduced availability, increasing import tightness and upward pressure.
• Firm coal tar and higher freight costs elevated production cost trend, translating into upward seller offers.
• Seasonal late-summer construction strength marginally improved offtake while overall downstream demand remained cautious and subdued industrial activity tempered sustained buying.
APAC
• In Japan, the Naphthalene Price Index fell by 1.29% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting subdued export and domestic demand.
• The average Naphthalene price for the quarter was approximately USD 613.67/MT, supported by steady coal tar availability.
• Naphthalene Spot Price remained range-bound while Price Index reflected balanced supply and modest export-driven strength and support.
• Naphthalene Price Forecast suggests mild upside unless downstream phthalic anhydride demand weakens further materially in coming months.
• Naphthalene Production Cost Trend was restrained by stable coal tar prices, though yen depreciation added input cost pressure.
• Naphthalene Demand Outlook remains cautious as construction and PA sectors exhibit subdued procurement and inventory management.
• Inventory levels were adequate but export interest intermittently tightened supply, elevating the Price Index late in September.
Why did the price of Naphthalene change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Stronger Southeast Asian export demand tightened domestic availability, lifting Naphthalene Price Index and FOB indications.
• Stable coal tar supply and steady refinery runs moderated Production Cost Trend, limiting sharper price increases.
• Subdued downstream procurement and inventory management in phthalic anhydride and construction sectors softened demand pressures.
Europe
• In Germany, the Naphthalene Price Index rose by 0.81% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting balanced supply and modest demand.
• The average Naphthalene price for the quarter was approximately USD 994.00/MT, reflecting range-bound spot activity.
• Recent Naphthalene Spot Price readings were range-bound, supported by adequate inventories and moderate export demand.
• Naphthalene Production Cost Trend rose due to higher crude and coal-tar derivative input prices, pressuring margins.
• Naphthalene Price Forecast suggests mild upside into autumn, contingent on construction demand and feedstock availability.
• Naphthalene Demand Outlook remains subdued overall, though seasonal construction and paint sector orders provided periodic support.
• Elevated inventories and competitive exports constrained the Naphthalene Price Index, limiting sharper domestic price appreciation.
• Major producers operated reliably without outages; intermittent port congestion intermittently influenced Naphthalene Spot Price movements.
Why did the price of Naphthalene change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Balanced domestic supply from coal-tar distillation coupled with seasonal construction demand produced modest net upward pressure.
• Rising crude and coal-tar derivative costs increased production cost trend, supporting firmer offers despite muted offtake.
• Port congestion and international export competition intermittently tightened spot availability while buyers managed inventories cautiously.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Naphthalene Price Index in the U.S. recorded a quarter-on-quarter increase of 1.3% in Q2 2025, with the product assessed at USD 1830/MT CFR Houston by end of June.
• This upward movement in Naphthalene Spot Price was primarily supported by steady demand from downstream phthalic anhydride and plasticizer sectors, reflecting a bullish trend in market fundamentals.
• Supply remained balanced, with no major disruptions, while firm feedstock costs (especially from coal tar) underpinned the Naphthalene Production Cost Trend, contributing to the marginal rise in pricing.
• Procurement activity by end-users remained consistent, with buying strategies shaped by stable production levels and expectations of moderate summer demand.
• The Naphthalene Demand Outlook remains optimistic, with downstream converters maintaining routine operating rates and maintaining active procurement cycles.
• For July 2025, prices are expected to remain firm due to tightened inventories and cost-push pressures. Hence, the Naphthalene Forecast suggests continued bullishness through early Q3.
APAC
• The Naphthalene Price Index in China saw a quarter-on-quarter increase of 9.8% in Q2 2025, with prices rising to USD 846/MT CFR Qingdao by late June.
• Why did the price of Naphthalene change in July 2025 in China?
• Early July showed a notable price increase due to reduced operating rates at coking units—triggered by environmental inspections and feedstock coal tar supply tightness—which amplified the Naphthalene Production Cost Trend.
• Demand from downstream phthalic anhydride (PA) producers remained robust, especially as they ramped up output in anticipation of seasonal construction demand in Q3.
• Rising freight costs and supply-chain congestion, coupled with limited exports from South Korea, added further pressure to supply, sustaining the region’s bullish trend.
• The Naphthalene Spot Price in the third week of June hit USD 855/MT, reflecting risk premiums factored in by traders anticipating ongoing tightness.
• The Naphthalene Demand Outlook for July remains positive, driven by restocking activity and healthy offtake from resin and plasticizer industries.
• The Naphthalene Forecast for the coming weeks suggests further upside potential, subject to feedstock volatility and logistics normalization.
Europe
• The Naphthalene Price Index in Germany rose by 1.3% quarter-on-quarter, with prices climbing to USD 990/MT FOB Hamburg by the end of June 2025.
• Why did the price of Naphthalene change in July 2025 in Germany?
• Early July pricing remained firm, sustained by moderate upstream cost inflation from coal tar and persistent logistical bottlenecks at ports like Hamburg and Bremerhaven, reflecting a bullish trend in regional sentiment.
• Despite subdued demand from the construction sector, downstream PA and dye manufacturers continued routine procurement, ensuring stable baseline consumption.
• Rising global oil prices and cautious inventory management by importers contributed to the Naphthalene Production Cost Trend, which in turn supported flat-to-upward pricing pressure.
• The Naphthalene Spot Price stayed at USD 990/MT in the final week of June, underpinned by limited port throughput and steady regional production.
• The Naphthalene Demand Outlook is neutral to mildly optimistic, with expectations of gradual recovery in construction and chemicals by late Q3, subject to macroeconomic stabilization.
• The Naphthalene Forecast remains bullish, with price stability likely to persist in July amid constrained logistics and controlled production planning.
