Track Isophthalic Acid Price Report Historical and Forecast

Executive Summary

The global Isophthalic Acid market witnessed sustained downward pressure through the third quarter ending September 2025, as oversupply, subdued demand, and macroeconomic uncertainties shaped price trajectories across major regions. North America experienced one of the sharpest declines, driven by abundant Asian imports, high inventories, and tepid procurement from PET converters. APAC markets-including China and South Korea-saw similar declines as comfortable inventories, stable mixed-xylene feedstock, and muted post-summer downstream demand capped market sentiment. Europe, too, navigated through soft downstream consumption, high distributor stock levels, and competitive Asian offers that weighed on spot prices.

Quarterly insights from Q4 2024 through Q3 2025 show a consistent pattern of sluggish demand from the packaging and polyester resin sectors, escalating competition due to global oversupply, and the influence of geopolitical trade barriers that altered traditional trade flows. Production cost trends remained largely stable, supported by steady meta-xylene availability and easing freight rates, though port congestion, container repositioning delays, and compliance-related costs added periodic pressure.

Looking ahead, the Isophthalic Acid Price Forecast signals range-bound movement with the possibility of mild rebounds driven by seasonal restocking and improved end-user segment activity. However, broader demand weakness-especially in PET, coatings, UPR, and specialty polymers-continues to limit upside potential. Procurement strategies remain cautious, with buyers relying increasingly on just-in-time purchasing to counter volatility.

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Introduction

Isophthalic Acid, a critical intermediate chemical used primarily in PET resin, unsaturated polyester resins (UPR), coatings, plasticizers, and adhesives, remains deeply influenced by the global petrochemical supply chain, consumer packaging trends, and industrial demand cycles. The commodity's pricing is closely tied to feedstock availability, logistics conditions, regional manufacturing economics, and buying patterns in major downstream segments.

The 2025 market landscape reflects a convergence of oversupply conditions, moderate production costs, subdued seasonal demand, and heightened competition from Asian producers. From the U.S. Gulf Coast to Europe's industrial hubs and APAC's major export centers, Isophthalic Acid prices have shown subdued momentum driven by structural demand weakness and ample supply-side flexibility.

This PR-style analysis consolidates quarterly movements, identifies the drivers behind price shifts, and outlines future expectations for global buyers. It further explores procurement behavior, supply conditions, and industry-wide production cost dynamics, concluding with insights into how ChemAnalyst supports companies with real-time market intelligence and actionable pricing forecasts.

Global Price Overview

The global Isophthalic Acid market sustained a predominantly bearish trajectory through Q3 2025. High inventories, stable feedstock flows, and muted demand from downstream PET packaging and industrial applications guided overall price sentiment across major regions. While isolated periods of volatility were observed-particularly in North America due to freight surges and temporary supply disruptions-the broader market remained flat to declining.

In Q3 2025:

North America saw a 5.38% decline in its Isophthalic Acid Price Index due to abundant import arrivals and slow PET converter demand.
South Korea recorded a 3.3% downturn, reflective of persistent oversupply and fading post-summer seasonal demand.
Europe observed a mild decline driven by high stock levels, competitive Asian offers, and weak consumption across coatings, PET resin applications, and automotive-linked polymers.
Cost structures were relatively stable globally, as mixed-xylene feedstock prices remained steady, and production runs remained consistent across major facilities. Freight rate reductions-particularly trans-Pacific routes-helped lower landed costs in North America, while in Europe, rising inland freight and compliance-related expenses partially offset gains from stable feedstocks.

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Regional Analysis

North America Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Performance

In the U.S., Isophthalic Acid prices continued their downward slide in Q3 2025, with the Price Index falling 5.38% quarter-over-quarter. The average CFR Texas assessment settled around USD 1107.67/MT. The softness in prices owed largely to:

Excessive imports arriving from Asia
High distributor inventories
Tepid demand from PET resin converters
Moderately steady production cost trends
Spot prices remained under pressure due to abundant availability and cautious procurement behavior. With PET converters operating conservatively and maintaining hand-to-mouth purchasing, buyers exerted strong downward pressure on offers.

Why Did Prices Fall in September 2025 (North America)?

High Supply: Large Asian export inflows and stable domestic production boosted supply.
Lower Freight: Easing ocean freight rates reduced landed costs, encouraging lower import offers.
Muted Demand: Downstream procurement was weak, and high inventories limited the urgency to purchase.

Q2 2025 Recap

In June 2025, the Isophthalic Acid Price Index dropped 6.6%, settling at USD 1,194/MT CFR Texas.
Yet, prices strengthened slightly in July due to:

A seasonal uptick in PET bottle manufacturing for summer
Temporary supply constraints from Asian shipping disruptions
Higher landed costs amid freight rate hikes (GRIs)
Demand improved from beverage producers and FMCG packaging as holiday season preparations picked up.

Key factors influencing Q2:

Strong reliance on imports from Japan and South Korea
Freight cost escalation
Tariff truce with China improving short-term trade flow

Q1 2025 Historical Review

The first quarter of 2025 saw dramatic fluctuations:

January: Prices rose due to stockpiling and anticipation of summer demand.
February: Market turned bearish as inventories ballooned and winter consumption weakened.
March: Prices settled lower amid oversupply and weak packaging demand.
Seasonality, logistics bottlenecks, and buyer conservatism shaped overall sentiment.

Q4 2024 Market Backdrop

North America experienced a subdued Q4 2024. Weak packaging sector demand and stagnant market momentum led to progressive declines through November and December. Ample supply added further downward pressure.

APAC Market Analysis

South Korea: Q3 2025 Trends

The South Korean market observed a 3.3% quarter-over-quarter decline in its Price Index in Q3 2025. FOB Busan pricing averaged USD 944.67/MT, driven by:

Steady meta-xylene inflows
High plant operating rates
Weak demand after the early-summer beverage consumption peak
Spot markets softened as inventories remained ample and energy tariffs stayed flat.

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Why Did Prices Decline in APAC (September 2025)?

Continuous feedstock inflows increased supply
Post-peak seasonal decline in PET resin demand
High inventories capped supplier pricing power
Logistical delays constrained shipments, affecting export competitiveness

China: Q2 2025 Dynamics

China's Isophthalic Acid Price Index dipped 3.3% in June 2025, settling at USD 1,036/MT FOB Qingdao.

Prices remained steady due to:

Balanced supply-demand fundamentals
Moderate domestic PET resin consumption
Tariff barriers curbing export flows
China faced a 145% export duty, significantly restricting trade to key markets such as the U.S. and India. Exporters adopted roll-over strategies amid geopolitical uncertainty.

Cost structures remained stable due to steady meta-xylene supply, though port congestion in Qingdao and Ningbo added minor indirect cost pressures.

APAC Q1 2025 Historical Review

Across APAC, Q1 2025 was subdued:

January: Lunar New Year slowdown, minimal transactions
February: Weak PET sector demand, inventory builds
March: Persistent low consumption and pressure from recycled PET alternatives
Downstream hesitation and trade-related uncertainties shaped a conservative purchasing environment.

Q4 2024 APAC Summary

APAC saw bearish momentum in Q4 2024:

Weak PET demand
Falling crude oil prices
Oversupply from meta-xylene
Shutdowns due to overproduction
China's market stabilized toward December but remained under pressure overall.

Europe Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Regional Performance

European Isophthalic Acid markets saw mild declines in Q3 2025. Germany and France showcased slow demand within PET resin, coatings, and UPR sectors. Key pressure points included:

Subdued industrial activity
High inventories at distribution centers
Competitive offers from Asian exporters

The Price Index reflected these bearish fundamentals, though a Q4 rebound is expected due to seasonal restocking.

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Why Did Prices Decline in September 2025 (Europe)?

Slower procurement from coatings and lithium-ion battery manufacturers
Inventory saturation across Central and Western Europe
Lower-priced Asian cargo increasing competition
Stable but high compliance and freight costs

Q2 2025 European Environment

Q2 2025 remained mostly flat, with PET demand in Southern Europe offering limited support. Port delays and container repositioning added modest handling costs, though supply remained steady.

Q1 2025 European Review

Q1 2025 was marked by sluggish demand:

January decline due to post-holiday sentiment and soft PET consumption
February slight pickup from PET bottle manufacturing
March stagnation due to labor strikes and supply chain disruptions
Sustainability regulations promoting recycled PET further limited virgin Isophthalic Acid demand.

Q4 2024 Europe Recap

Europe faced complex dynamics in Q4 2024:

Sluggish PET packaging
Winter season demand drop
Uncertain economic environment
Market-wide hesitation and inventory optimization
Prices softened despite temporary restocking in November.

Production and Cost Structure Insights

Across regions, production costs remained relatively stable due to:

Consistent availability of mixed-xylene
Flat energy costs in APAC
Stable inland freight in Europe
Cost spikes occurred periodically due to:

Port congestion in China
Shipping General Rate Increases (GRIs) affecting the U.S.
Rising compliance costs in Europe
Overall, production economics did not significantly elevate Isophthalic Acid prices, as global supply remained sufficiently high.

Procurement Behavior and Supply Conditions

Procurement Trends

Buyers continue to embrace just-in-time purchasing due to market uncertainty.
PET converters, beverage bottlers, and UPR manufacturers prefer reduced inventory cycles.
Cautious procurement persists amid trade policy uncertainty (e.g., China's 145% export duty).

Supply Conditions

Operating rates remained stable across major producing regions.
Asian supply continues to dominate global trade flows.
Temporary shipping delays affect availability but do not significantly restrict supply.

Trade-Flow Impacts

Asia-to-U.S. flows increased due to lower freight rates.
China's export duties reshaped supply into Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern markets.
European markets faced intensified competition from lower-priced Asian offers.
Tariff truces and logistical disruptions created short-term price volatility.

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Isophthalic Acid Price Forecast

The market is expected to maintain range-bound movement over the coming quarters. Key upside triggers include:

Seasonal restocking
Revival in PET demand
Improved macroeconomic sentiment
Higher freight costs
However, downside risks remain:

Persistently high global inventories
Weak industrial demand in Europe and North America
Competitive pressure from Asian suppliers
Increased use of recycled PET reducing virgin Isophthalic Acid requirements

FAQ:-

Why are Isophthalic Acid prices declining globally?

Because of high inventories, ample Asian supply, flat production costs, and weak downstream demand in PET and coatings sectors.

What factors influence Isophthalic Acid production costs?

Feedstock mixed-xylene availability, freight rates, operational efficiencies, and regional energy tariffs.

How do logistics affect pricing?

Shipping delays, GRIs, port congestion, and inland freight costs directly impact landed costs and supplier pricing flexibility.

Which downstream industries drive demand?

PET packaging, unsaturated polyester resins (UPR), coatings, adhesives, plasticizers, and specialty polymers.

Will prices rise in late 2025?

A mild recovery is likely due to seasonal restocking and improved demand, but gains may be limited by oversupply.

How ChemAnalyst Helps Buyers Make Informed Decisions

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Real-time price tracking across global ports
Demand-supply assessments
Cost structure and production insights
Trade-flow and logistics intelligence
Plant shutdown and capacity monitoring
Reason-based price analysis explaining upward or downward movements
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This release was published on openPR.