Market Overview
The mainstream phthalic anhydride market closed with largely stable prices but minor declines in the latest trading session. Upstream, the price of raw material orthoxylene remained steady, while industrial naphthalene prices showed slight weakness. Overall cost-side support was moderate. Downstream buyers showed reduced enthusiasm for procurement, leading to an overall subdued trading atmosphere.
Key Factors Influencing Current Price Movements
* **Cost:** Prices for the key raw material, orthoxylene, held firm, while the industrial naphthalene market operated on a stable-to-weak basis. This resulted in generally moderate cost-side support for phthalic anhydride production.
* **Supply:** Supply levels remained relatively unchanged. While some production units were undergoing scheduled maintenance, other previously halted facilities resumed operations.
* **Demand:** Demand-side conditions softened. Operating rates at downstream industries were stable to slightly lower, and purchasing interest in the market was generally tepid.
**Market Outlook**
The phthalic anhydride market is expected to see (subdued/lackluster activity) in the near term. The price of orthoxylene is anticipated to remain stable, while industrial naphthalene prices may continue their stable-to-weak trend, maintaining generally moderate cost pressure. With operating rates at some downstream sectors potentially decreasing and purchasing enthusiasm likely to stay limited, trading activity is forecast to remain (quiet). Consequently, phthalic anhydride prices are predicted to trade in a (subdued/lackluster) manner.
Post time: Feb-05-2026