- Global isophthalic acid prices increased during Q1’26, with the sharpest gains in Asia and Europe, while North America remained nearly flat.
- Feedstock pressure was the main upward driver, as crude-linked aromatics and xylene-chain costs strengthened after Iran war-related supply risk and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz lifted energy and freight concerns.
- Downstream demand from resins, coatings, PET, and unsaturated polyester applications supported buying and demand stayed moderate and kept prices range-bound.
Asia
In Asia, isophthalic acid prices rose sharply in Q1’26, supported by higher aromatics feedstock costs and stronger downstream offtake. In China, prices increased from ~USD 930.1/MT in January to ~USD 1,255/MT in March, showing a ~34.93% rise. India followed a similar trend, with prices rising from ~USD 997.3/MT to ~USD 1,310/MT, a ~31.36% increase. Japan also recorded strong gains, as prices moved from ~USD 972.3/MT to ~USD 1,291/MT, up ~32.78%. The Iran war and Strait of Hormuz closure raised crude, freight, and import-cost concerns, which lifted upstream xylene-chain pressure. Demand from PET resins, coatings, and industrial polyester applications helped producers pass on higher costs.
Europe
In Europe, isophthalic acid prices increased strongly during Q1’26. Germany prices rose from ~USD 1,051.8/MT in January to ~USD 1,332/MT in March, recording a ~26.64% increase. The rise was mainly cost-led, with energy-sensitive production, higher freight risk, and tight aromatics-linked feedstock sentiment supporting firm offers. Downstream demand from coatings, alkyd resins, and polyester-based materials remained steady, allowing prices to move upward despite cautious construction-linked consumption.
North America
In North America, isophthalic acid prices remained mostly stable. USA prices increased slightly from ~USD 1,337.4/MT in January to ~USD 1,342/MT in March, showing a ~0.34% rise. Balanced supply and moderate downstream demand limited any sharp movement. Feedstock and freight risks prevented price weakness, but domestic availability kept the market largely range-bound.