Asia
In Asia, DMT prices exhibited a fluctuating pattern throughout 2024. The first quarter saw a slight uptick driven by increased feedstock costs and moderate demand from polyester producers. By Q2, prices stabilized as production capacities improved and supply chains normalized. However, the third quarter experienced downward pressure due to weak downstream demand and oversupply, particularly in China.
Chinese manufacturers reduced production rates in response to sluggish consumer demand and rising inventory levels. The final quarter continued this bearish trend with prices dropping further as imports from other regions increased and domestic consumption remained subdued.
Europe
European DMT markets displayed a more stable trajectory in 2024. The year began with firm prices supported by tight supply and higher energy costs. During the second quarter, prices marginally increased as production constraints persisted and demand from the packaging sector remained steady.
The third quarter witnessed a slight decline as feedstock costs eased and imports from Asia increased. By Q4, the market softened further with prices trending downward due to weakening demand from downstream industries and economic uncertainties, particularly in Germany and Belgium where industrial activity slowed.
North America
North American Dimethyl Terephthalate market experienced mixed trends throughout 2024. The first quarter saw elevated prices driven by supply constraints and increased production costs. Production disruptions caused by adverse weather conditions in the early months tightened supply significantly. By mid-year, prices stabilized as supply improved and demand remained consistent. The third quarter showed a gradual decline as feedstock costs decreased and imports from Asia increased. The final quarter continued this downward trajectory with prices dropping further due to softening demand from key end-use sectors and ample supply.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, DMT prices are expected to remain under pressure in early 2025 due to ongoing oversupply and weak demand fundamentals. However, potential feedstock cost increases and production rationalizations might provide some support to prices in the later months.
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Asia
During the second half of 2023, dimethyl terephthalate prices in China experienced a slight decline, gradually in the third quarter but steeply in the fourth quarter of 2023. However, the stability in the market during the third quarter was supported by the consistent demand from the PET plastic industry.
But the other market fundamentals such as cost support from the feedstock industries and sluggish development of the Asian industrial sector, particularly in the fourth quarter, exerted a negative influence on the pricing patterns of dimethyl terephthalate.
Europe
Throughout the latter half of 2023, the European dimethyl terephthalate market correlated closely with the pricing movements of terephthalic acid, a feedstock for dimethyl terephthalate production. The decline in terephthalic acid and crude oil prices during Q3 and Q4 contributed to the downfall of dimethyl terephthalate prices. Further, factors such as negative consumer sentiment and inflation pressure, along with disruptions in the Red Sea route due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas crisis, had a significant impact on exports, further leading to inventory rises and supporting the downward spiral of dimethyl terephthalate price trend.
North America
In the US domestic market, dimethyl terephthalate price trends followed the same trajectory as paved by the slowdown seen in Europe. The sharp decline in domestic crude oil prices and disruptions in overseas orders due to drought-like conditions in the Panama Canal during late 2023 significantly contributed to the downward trend in the dimethyl terephthalate market. The persistent downgrading of economic parameters and strict lending policies adopted by the banks also limited the growth rate of the dimethyl terephthalate price trend.
The chemical compound dimethyl terephthalate is a diester made up of terephthalic acid and methanol. It's a white solid that melts into a colourless liquid that may be distilled.
C15H16O2
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT), Packaging, Electrical & Electronics, Automotive
Bisphenol A, 80-05-7, 2,2-Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, 4,4'-Isopropylidenediphenol
SASA Polyester Sanayi A, SK Chemicals co. ltd, Eastman Chemical Company, Fiber Intermediate Products Co., JSC Mogilevkhimvolokno
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database AvailabilityYes
Customization ScopeThe report can be customized as per the requirements of the customer
Post-Sale Analyst Support360-degree analyst support after report delivery
Note: Our supplier search experts can assist your procurement teams in compiling and validating a list of suppliers indicating they have products, services, and capabilities that meet your company's needs.
The disproportionation procedure is the method used to make DMT. ExxonMobil PxMax is comparable. As an intermediate, p-xylene is produced. After that, P-xylene is oxidised, combined with methanol, and lastly esterified to form DMT.
Udeesha Tomar
AVP - Strategy and Solutions
Leading procurement research solutions across chemicals, materials, and food & beverages, with expertise in price forecasting and market analytics.
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