For the Quarter Ending June 2026
o-Xylene Prices in North America
- In USA, o-Xylene Price Index rose 16.57% quarter-over-quarter, driven by export demand and refinery constraints.
- The average o-Xylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1064.67/MT, influenced by feedstock shifts.
- o-Xylene Spot Price weakened late June as lower crude reduced extraction costs and pressured offers.
- o-Xylene Production Cost Trend eased with lower WTI, narrowing reformate replacement costs, reducing cost pressure.
- o-Xylene Demand Outlook remains subdued as phthalic anhydride and plasticizer procurement stays cautious amid uncertainty.
- o-Xylene Price Forecast indicates range-bound movement as export enquiries and domestic inventories offset cost signals.
- o-Xylene Price Index volatility reflected inventory builds, Gulf Coast operating rates and shipping insurance premiums.
- Brazil and India enquiries supported offers, tightening Gulf Coast export cargo availability and boosting confidence.
Why did the price of o-Xylene change in June 2026 in North America?
- WTI crude fell late June, lowering reformate replacement costs and weakening cost support for o-Xylene.
- Comfortable Gulf Coast supply and refinery rates increased availability, reducing urgency and pressuring spot prices.
- Reduced phthalic anhydride and plasticizer procurement tempered demand, amplifying bearish momentum across June manufacturing activity.
o-Xylene Prices in APAC
- In Japan, the o-Xylene Price Index rose by 20.44% quarter-over-quarter, driven by tighter regional supply.
- The average o-Xylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 2704.33/MT, reflecting stable range-bound trading.
- Buying interest supported the o-Xylene Spot Price amid balanced inventories and modest upstream feedstock improvements.
- Short-term o-Xylene Price Forecast remains cautious given range-bound trading and limited export enquiry from buyers.
- Stable naphtha costs moderated the o-Xylene Production Cost Trend, limiting upside pressure on domestic margins quarter.
- Derivative demand remained steady while the o-Xylene Demand Outlook faces seasonal softness in mixed-xylene processing.
- Inventory drawdowns in export hubs supported the o-Xylene Price Index, sustaining tighter physical market sentiment.
- Major Japanese plant operating rates remained stable, constraining supply flexibility despite limited export demand from Asia.
Why did the price of o-Xylene change in June 2026 in APAC?
- Balanced domestic supply with steady operating rates limited available spot volumes, tightening regional availability slightly.
- Stable naphtha and feedstock pricing restrained production cost volatility, reducing immediate upward pressure on quotations.
- Range-bound trading, modest downstream demand, and cautious buying prevented significant directional price movements in June.
South Korea
- In South Korea, the o-Xylene Price Index rose by 41.2% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting supply constraints and derivative restocking.
- Balanced inventories and restored refinery rates kept the o-Xylene Spot Price range-bound despite export demand.
China
- In China, the o-Xylene Price Index rose by 41.4% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting tight imports and spring-demand.
- o-Xylene Spot Price peaked in April then eased as availability improved and buyers paused purchases.
o-Xylene Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the o-Xylene Price Index rose by 27.09% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting tighter import parity conditions.
- The average o-Xylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1462.33/MT, reflecting import dependence overall.
- o-Xylene Spot Price tightened due to precommitted cargoes, limiting prompt availability and supporting seller discipline.
- The o-Xylene Price Forecast indicates firmness as import replacement costs and downstream runs remain supported.
- o-Xylene Production Cost Trend remained subdued as Brent eased, modestly constraining feedstock-driven extraction costs overall.
- o-Xylene Demand Outlook is steady as phthalic anhydride and plasticiser sectors maintain typical operating schedules.
- o-Xylene Price Index momentum reflected defended offers and limited arbitrage, sustaining a firmer negotiation backdrop.
- Inventory accumulations at terminals increased seller flexibility but Rhine barging constraints supported delivered price resilience.
Why did the price of o-Xylene change in June 2026 in Europe?
- Tight import availability and seller offers raised landed costs, tightening prompt supply and elevating bids.
- Rhine barging cost increases and war-risk insurance concerns raised logistics expenses, affecting replacement cost dynamics.
- Downstream demand from phthalic anhydride and plasticiser sectors supported procurement despite softer crude-linked cost signals.
For the Quarter Ending March 2026
o-Xylene Prices in North America
- In the USA, the o-Xylene Price Index rose by 2.93% quarter-over-quarter, driven by tighter Gulf output.
- The average o-Xylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 913.33/MT on Gulf Coast FOB.
- o-Xylene Spot Price tightened in March as thin merchant availability lifted regional Price Index momentum.
- o-Xylene Price Forecast shifted higher, reflecting supply constraints and pressure driven by rising crude costs.
- o-Xylene Production Cost Trend climbed as higher naphtha, energy, and insurance raised aromatics extraction costs.
- o-Xylene Demand Outlook stayed balanced with phthalic anhydride and plasticizer consumption offsetting weaker PET offtake.
- o-Xylene Price Index gains reflected constrained Gulf Coast output and limited import arbitrage, limiting relief.
- Major Gulf Coast producers' steady operating rates reduced merchant pools, supporting firm offers, and limited liquidity.
Why did the price of o-Xylene change in March 2026 in North America?
- Reduced Gulf Coast refinery throughput tightened mixed-xylene feed availability, directly constraining domestic o-xylene supply levels.
- Rising crude, naphtha, freight, and insurance costs raised production import expenses, applying upward price pressure.
- Thin merchant availability and stronger export enquiries amplified seller leverage, supporting firmer FOB discussions and offers.
o-Xylene Prices in APAC
- In Japan, the Orthoxylene Price Index fell by 3.04% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting demand weakness and easing feedstock costs.
- The average Orthoxylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 2245.33/MT, supported by a stable domestic supply.
- O-xylene Spot Price remained range-bound as regional inventories and imports from Korea limited upward pressure.
- O-xylene Price Forecast suggests mixed short-term signals with tightening around maintenance and seasonal demand upticks.
- O-xylene Production Cost Trend saw modest support from firmer mixed-xylene and freight, offsetting crude weakness.
- O-xylene Demand Outlook remains subdued domestically while export enquiries from China and India counterbalance the offtake.
- O-xylene Price Index movements were influenced by balanced refinery runs, import parity, and cautious restocking.
- Inventory and export demand dynamics kept spot liquidity thin, constraining volatility despite upstream cost spikes.
- Major producer operational shifts and scheduled turnarounds tighten prompt availability, supporting price resilience in Japan.
Why did the price of Orthoxylene change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Balanced domestic supply and steady imports maintained availability in March, limiting upward pressure on prices.
- Slightly firmer mixed-xylene and freight costs added marginal cost pressure but failed to ignite strong rallies.
- Cautious downstream buying and comfortable inventories reduced spot demand, keeping the market range-bound during March.
o-Xylene Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the o-Xylene Price Index rose by 1.47% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting logistics and energy cost rises.
- The average o-Xylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1150.67/MT, reflecting stable early-year trading.
- o-Xylene Spot Price remained range-bound as exporters maintained cargo flows and terminal inventories stayed adequate.
- o-Xylene Production Cost Trend saw upward pressure from firmer crude, rising energy costs, and supporting offers.
- o-Xylene Demand Outlook stayed subdued as phthalic anhydride sectors purchased cautiously, limiting immediate spot accumulation.
- o-Xylene Price Forecast signalled short-term firmness as logistical and insurance premiums tightened import economics in Germany.
- o-Xylene Price Index reflected late quarter bullish momentum driven by tighter seaborne availability and port congestion.
- Rising freight and insurance increased landed costs, reduced arbitrage, supporting firmer export offers into Germany.
Why did the price of o-Xylene change in March 2026 in Europe?
- Tighter seaborne availability and port congestion elevated freight premiums, increasing landed costs for German importers.
- Muted demand from phthalic anhydride and plasticizer sectors limited offtake, keeping spot buying cautious overall.
- Firmer crude and energy prices raised reformate extraction costs, adding upward pressure on o-Xylene prices.
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.
