Costs Rise, DOP Prices Fluctuate Higher This Week

November 24, News

This week, the price of plasticizer DOP in China fluctuated and increased.

According to the commodity market analysis system, as of November 24, the DOP price was 6,967.50 CNY/ton, up from 6,883.34 CNY/ton on November 14, with a price increase of 1.22%. The price of 2-ethylhexanol rebounded and increased, leading to an increase in DOP costs, and thus the DOP price rose. This week, the operating load of DOP enterprises in China slightly increased, with an operating rate of 65%, resulting in an increase in DOP production. With the increase in DOP costs and supply, the price of plasticizers fluctuated and increased this week.

This week, the price of 2-ethylhexanol, a raw material, fluctuated and increased in China.

According to the commodity market analysis system, as of November 24, the price of 2-ethylhexanol was 6,250 CNY per ton, a 4.17% decrease from the price of 6,000 CNY per ton on November 14. Some companies have resumed operations of their 2-ethylhexanol production facilities, leading to a slight increase in the operating load of 2-ethylhexanol plants. The operating rate of 2-ethylhexanol is at 80%, and the supply is sufficient. The price of propylene has risen, increasing the cost support for 2-ethylhexanol. This week, with ample supply and increased cost support, the price of 2-ethylhexanol has risen. The cost of plasticizers has also increased, and although there is still downward pressure on DOP, the upward support has strengthened.

This week, the price of phthalic anhydride, a raw material, fluctuated and fell in China.

According to the commodity market analysis system, as of November 24, the price of o-phthalic anhydride in China was 5800 CNY/ton, a decrease of 1.58% from 5893.33 CNY/ton on November 14. The price of phthalic anhydride continued to fall, with the price of o-xylene remaining stable, and costs stabilizing. The operating rate of phthalic anhydride enterprises remained stable, and the supply of phthalic anhydride was sufficient. The operating load of downstream enterprises increased, providing support for the demand for phthalic anhydride. With stable costs and demand support, the price of phthalic anhydride fluctuated downward this week. The cost of plasticizers decreased, and there is still pressure for DOP plasticizer prices to fall this week.

Future Market Expectations

The plasticizer product data analyst notes that, in terms of costs, isooctanol prices are rising, while phthalic anhydride prices remain volatile and declining. As a result, downward pressure on the cost of plasticizer DOP persists, though upward support is strengthening. On the supply side, plasticizer manufacturers have seen a slight increase in operating rates, leading to higher production volumes and ensuring ample supply of plasticizers. Looking ahead, with both abundant supply and rising costs, analysts expect plasticizer DOP prices to fluctuate and trend upward in the near term.