Phthalic Anhydride Price Trend

Phthalic Anhydride Price Trend, Index and Forecast

Track real-time and historical phthalic anhydride prices across global regions. Updated monthly with market insights, drivers, and forecasts.

Phthalic Anhydride Prices March 2026

Phthalic Anhydride Price Index (USD/KG): 

The chart below highlights monthly phthalic anhydride prices across different regions.

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Market Overview Q1 Ending March 2026

Northeast Asia: The phthalic anhydride prices in Northeast Asia reached 0.94 USD/KG in March 2026. The upward pricing movement registered between December and March 2026 was 8.0%. Healthy demand from the plasticizer, alkyd resin, and unsaturated polyester production industries helped sustain strong buying interest in phthalic anhydride and underpinned bullish market prices in the Northeast Asian region. Higher upstream feedstock costs for orthoxylene at regional production facilities continued to put upward pressure on regional market prices. Tight domestic supply conditions resulting from planned maintenance work at regional production facilities also helped sustain strong buying interest from regional downstream industries, further fueling the upward trend in regional market prices.

Europe: The phthalic anhydride prices in Europe reached 1.40 USD/KG in March 2026. The downward pricing movement registered between December and March 2026 was 2.1%. Marginally softening demand from the plasticizer, alkyd resin, and specialty coating manufacturing sectors tempered procurement activity and contributed to mild bearish conditions across European markets throughout the review period. Adequate import cargo availability from Asian supplying regions maintained sufficient supply conditions and placed modest downward pressure on prevailing European market rates during the quarter. Slightly declining upstream orthoxylene feedstock costs at regional production facilities reduced manufacturing expenses and weakened the cost support for existing phthalic anhydride price levels.

Middle East: The phthalic anhydride prices in the Middle East reached 1.26 USD/KG in March 2026. The downward pricing movement registered between December and March 2026 was 4.5%. The softening demand for exports from key Asian and African import hubs contributed to lower phthalic anhydride off take volumes, thereby fueling bearish price sentiment in Middle Eastern markets. Favorable production output from key manufacturing hubs ensured surplus availability in regional markets, thereby increasing price pressure on ruling prices. Weaker prices of key orthoxylene feedstock used in regional production contributed to lower production costs, thereby reducing the price floor for ruling prices.

Southeast Asia: The phthalic anhydride prices in Southeast Asia reached 0.86 USD/KG in March 2026. The downward pricing movement registered between December and March 2026 was 5.5%. Weakened demand from the plasticizer, paint, and specialty resin manufacturing sectors reduced procurement activity and contributed to bearish phthalic anhydride market conditions across Southeast Asia during the review period. Competitive import cargo availability from Northeast Asian and Middle Eastern supplying nations exerted consistent downward pressure on prevailing regional market rates, limiting suppliers' ability to sustain existing price levels. Declining upstream orthoxylene feedstock costs at key producing facilities reduced manufacturing expenses and further eroded the cost floor supporting prevailing regional price levels during the quarter.

North America: The phthalic anhydride prices in North America reached 1.27 USD/KG in March 2026. The downward pricing movement registered between December and March 2026 was 3.1%. Softening demand from the plasticizer, alkyd resin, and specialty coating sectors reduced procurement activity and contributed to bearish phthalic anhydride market conditions across North American markets throughout the review period. Adequate domestic production output from regional manufacturing facilities maintained sufficient supply conditions and placed consistent downward pressure on prevailing market rates during the quarter. Declining upstream orthoxylene feedstock costs at domestic production facilities reduced manufacturing expenses and weakened the cost support for existing phthalic anhydride price levels throughout the period.

Market Overview Q4 Ending December 2025

Northeast Asia: The phthalic anhydride prices in Northeast Asia reached 0.87 USD/KG in December 2025. The downward pricing movement registered between September and December 2025 was 7.6%. The price decline was primarily driven by weakened downstream demand from the plasticizers and unsaturated polyester resin manufacturing sectors, which moderated procurement volumes amid subdued construction and automotive industry activity across the region. Declining upstream orthoxylene feedstock costs further eroded production cost support for regional manufacturers. Elevated inventory levels among major producers intensified competitive discounting strategies to accelerate stock clearance, while surplus production capacity from recently expanded facilities amplified supply side pressure. Additionally, tepid export enquiries from traditional trading partners provided limited offtake support, sustaining bearish pricing conditions throughout the quarterly period.

Europe: The phthalic anhydride prices in Europe reached 1.43 USD/KG in December 2025. The upward pricing movement registered between September and December 2025 was 8.8%. The notable price appreciation was primarily driven by escalating upstream orthoxylene feedstock costs, which significantly elevated production expenses for regional manufacturers throughout the quarter. Tightened supply conditions resulting from scheduled maintenance turnarounds at key production facilities further constrained regional availability. Sustained demand from the plasticizer, alkyd resin, and unsaturated polyester resin sectors maintained robust procurement activity amid stable downstream consumption. Additionally, elevated energy costs associated with oxidation processes reinforced upward cost pressures across the supply chain, while limited import alternatives due to elevated international pricing and freight expenses restricted buyers' sourcing flexibility, maintaining bullish pricing momentum throughout the quarter.

Middle East: The phthalic anhydride prices in the Middle East reached 1.32 USD/KG in December 2025. The upward pricing movement registered between September and December 2025 was 12.1%. The significant price increase was driven by strong demand from the plasticizer and construction chemical production industries, which boosted procurement activity amid rising infrastructure projects across the region. Rising upstream orthoxylene feedstock costs increased production costs for area businesses, supporting the upward pricing trend. Tightened supply conditions, driven by capacity constraints at key manufacturing facilities, further reduce available spot market volumes, intensifying procurement rivalry among downstream clients.

Southeast Asia: The phthalic anhydride prices in Southeast Asia reached 0.91 USD/KG in December 2025. The downward pricing movement registered between September and December 2025 was 7.9%. The notable price correction was attributed to subdued demand from the plasticizer and polyester resin manufacturing sectors, which moderated procurement volumes amid cautious spending patterns and slowing industrial activity across the region. Softening upstream orthoxylene feedstock costs substantially reduced production costs, enabling regional manufacturers to lower prices. Increased import availability from competitively priced cargoes exerted additional downward pressure on prevailing market rates, while elevated stockpile positions among key distributors dampened restocking urgency.

North America: The phthalic anhydride prices in North America reached 1.31 USD/KG in December 2025. The upward pricing movement registered between September and December 2025 was 5.0%. Strong demand from the plasticizer, alkyd resin, and unsaturated polyester resin manufacturing sectors, which maintained robust procurement volumes throughout the quarter, supported the modest price increase. Firm pricing support was provided by upstream orthoxylene feedstock costs, which increased local firms' manufacturing costs. Downstream users' procurement rivalry was heightened by tighter supply conditions resulting from capacity constraints at specific production sites. Furthermore, stable consumption from the construction chemical and coating intermediate segments maintained strong offtake fundamentals, sustaining moderately bullish pricing momentum throughout the quarter.

Market Overview Q3 Ending September 2025

Northeast Asia: In Northeast Asia, the market for phthalic anhydride was impacted by a combination of oversupply and weaker downstream demand, particularly from industries such as textiles and solvents. The price decrease indicates a shift in market dynamics, where production rates had outpaced consumption. This was exacerbated by disruptions in logistics and inconsistent export demand. The region’s manufacturing activity, influenced by weather-related challenges and fluctuating costs of key feedstocks, also contributed to the price movement, leading to a less favorable market outlook.

Europe: In Europe, phthalic anhydride (PA) prices saw a sharp decline, largely due to weakened demand from downstream unsaturated polyester resins (UPR) and plasticizers markets. Construction activity across Germany, Italy, and Spain slowed amid tightening credit conditions, reducing UPR consumption. On the supply side, producers in Central and Eastern Europe maintained steady operations, but increased competition from cheaper Asian imports pressured margins. Elevated energy costs, particularly natural gas volatility, continued to inflate production expenses, yet the inability to pass these costs downstream forced suppliers to lower offers.

Middle East: The Middle East reported the steepest price contraction, with Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar being the main contributors. Feedstock orthoxylene availability remained adequate, but subdued export demand from Asia and Africa restrained trade flows. Regional PA producers faced higher freight costs due to container shortages and Red Sea route disruptions, which increased delivery lead times. However, these logistical hurdles could not offset the weak offtake from domestic plasticizer and alkyd resin manufacturers, which reduced operating rates following construction sector slowdowns. Currency stability in the Gulf kept import costs stable, but lack of downstream demand led to aggressive discounting by suppliers.

Southeast Asia: In Southeast Asia, PA prices declined, marking a relatively moderate drop compared to other regions. Key producers in Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia maintained balanced production levels despite fluctuating orthoxylene costs. Seasonal slowdown in demand from paints, coatings, and construction sectors weighed on consumption, but localized recovery in automotive coatings helped cushion the fall. Import competition from Chinese cargoes exerted additional pressure, though higher port duties in Vietnam and Indonesia moderated inflows. Currency fluctuations against the US dollar raised import costs, but strong regional trade integration within ASEAN allowed competitive intra-regional flows.

North America: The US construction sector slowdown reduced demand for UPR and coatings, while plasticizer demand weakened amid cautious downstream purchasing. On the supply side, feedstock orthoxylene prices softened due to declining crude oil benchmarks, translating into lower PA production costs. However, high inland logistics expenses, rail freight bottlenecks, and port congestion on the Gulf Coast inflated distribution costs. Imports from Asia further pressured domestic producers, forcing price adjustments despite elevated compliance costs for safety and environmental regulations.

Phthalic Anhydride Price Trend, Market Analysis, and News

IMARC's latest publication, “Phthalic Anhydride Prices, Trend, Chart, Demand, Market Analysis, News, Historical and Forecast Data Report 2026 Edition,” presents a detailed examination of the phthalic anhydride market, providing insights into both global and regional trends that are shaping prices. This report delves into the spot price of phthalic anhydride at major ports and analyzes the composition of prices, including FOB and CIF terms. It also presents detailed phthalic anhydride prices trend analysis by region, covering North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa. The factors affecting phthalic anhydride pricing, such as the dynamics of supply and demand, geopolitical influences, and sector-specific developments, are thoroughly explored. This comprehensive report helps stakeholders stay informed with the latest market news, regulatory updates, and technological progress, facilitating informed strategic decision-making and forecasting.

Phthalic Anhydride Industry Analysis

The global phthalic anhydride industry size reached USD 4.9 Billion in 2025. By 2034, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 7.5 Billion, at a projected CAGR of 4.74% during 2026-2034. The market is driven by the rising demand in construction materials, paints and coatings, and automotive applications, expansion in Asia Pacific chemical intermediates production, and the role of phthalic anhydride in producing plasticizers, alkyd resins, and unsaturated polyester resins.

Latest developments in the Phthalic Anhydride Industry:

• January 2025: A recent study reported the synthesis of phthalimides from phthalic anhydride and L-amino acids, yielding potent antimicrobial agents. Compounds HUPF and HUPH showed the strongest activity, with notable inhibition against S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans. Molecular docking and DFT analysis confirmed their high reactivity, oral bioavailability, and therapeutic promise for antimicrobial drug development.
   
• June 2023: KLJ Group inaugurated a state-of-the-art Plasticizers and Phthalic Anhydride production facility in Gujarat. The annual production capacity of Phthalate Plasticizers is 300,000 MT and Phthalic Anhydride is 100,000 MT to cater to market demands and expand product range.
   
• November 2021: IG Petrochemicals Ltd. invested Rs. 345 crores in a brownfield expansion to increase Phthalic anhydride capacity by 53,000 MTPA. The primary objective of this expansion is to meet the growing demand for Phthalic anhydride and address any supply gaps in the market.
   
• June 2021: Thirumalai Chemicals launched its Phthalic Anhydride plant in Dahej, Gujarat, with a capacity of 24,000 TPA, primarily targeting users in Western India. The investment of Rs 135 Crores, sourced from internal accruals and bank borrowings, underscores their commitment to expansion.

Product Description

Phthalic anhydride is a white crystalline compound classified as an aromatic acid anhydride, primarily derived from the catalytic oxidation of orthoxylene. It serves as a key intermediate in the chemical industry, ranking among the most widely consumed derivatives of orthoxylene. Its defining property lies in its reactivity with alcohols and polyols, enabling the production of phthalate plasticizers, alkyd resins, and unsaturated polyester resins. In industry, phthalic anhydride enhances performance by improving plastic flexibility, coating durability, and resin strength, making it indispensable in construction, automotive, paints, and consumer goods manufacturing.

Report Coverage

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report presents a detailed analysis of phthalic anhydride pricing, covering global and regional trends, spot prices at key ports, and a breakdown of FOB and CIF prices.
• The study examines factors affecting phthalic anhydride price trend, including input costs, supply-demand shifts, and geopolitical impacts, offering insights for informed decision-making.
• The competitive landscape review equips stakeholders with crucial insights into the latest market news, regulatory changes, and technological advancements, ensuring a well-rounded, strategic overview for forecasting and planning.
• IMARC offers various subscription options, including monthly, quarterly, and biannual updates, allowing clients to stay informed with the latest market trends, ongoing developments, and comprehensive market insights. The phthalic anhydride price charts ensure our clients remain at the forefront of the industry.