July 28 news
U.S. and Iran Send Signals of De-escalation
On July 24, Trump formally ordered the U.S. military to halt its daily airstrikes against Iran’s homeland and overseas proxy targets, bringing to an end 13 consecutive days of bombing that had begun on July 7 with the outbreak of a new round of conflict. The U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations stated publicly that the suspension of strikes was intended to create room for diplomatic negotiations.
Iran has simultaneously announced a reciprocal ceasefire. On the Iranian side, it was stated that, given the U.S. side’s failure to launch strikes for two consecutive nights, Iran is immediately halting its retaliatory attacks against U.S. military bases and ships. The United States and Iran have now entered a phase of temporary ceasefire, with both sides suspending their mutual retaliatory actions and cross-border airstrikes that had lasted for more than ten days. However, this de-escalation represents only a tactical, short-term pause rather than a permanent reconciliation; the overall situation remains fragile.
Prices of 2-Ethylhexanol Stabilize After Hike in China
According to the commodity market analysis system, the price of 2-ethylhexanol on July 28 was 8066.67 CNY/ton, a significant increase from 6733.33 CNY/ton on July 7, with a price increase of 19.80%. Since the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, the price of 2-ethylhexanol has risen sharply. As the United States and Iran signaled a de-escalation, the price of 2-ethylhexanol stabilized on July 28.
Phthalic anhydride prices in China have stabilized after an increase.
According to the commodity market analysis system, as of July 28, the price of ortho-phthalic anhydride in China was 9,283.33 CNY per ton, a significant increase from 7,733.33 CNY per ton on July 6, with a price increase of 20.04%. At the beginning of July, the conflict in the Middle East escalated, leading to a substantial rise in the price of phthalic anhydride. Recently, the United States and Iran have signaled a de-escalation, and since July 24, the upward trend in the phthalic anhydride market has slowed, with prices stabilizing.
Plasticizer DOP prices rise sharply then the upward trend slows down in China
According to the commodity market analysis system, as of July 28, the DOP price was 8,867.50 CNY/ton, up from 8,009.16 CNY/ton on July 7, with a price increase of 10.72%. Due to the escalation of geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East, the price of 2-ethylhexanol increased significantly. Recently, the United States and Iran have signaled a easing of tensions, causing the DOP price increase to slow down.
Hidden Danger: This ceasefire is extremely fragile, and the risk of renewed conflict is very high.
This ceasefire does not constitute a formal, written, permanent cease-fire agreement. It is merely a verbal, synchronized pause—neither the top leaders of the two countries have signed any cease-fire document, and thus it carries no binding force. Moreover, the June memorandum that preceded this round of hostilities has already been shattered, leaving the situation devoid of institutional safeguards. What’s more, the core differences remain completely unresolved: fundamental contradictions such as Iran’s nuclear program, U.S. comprehensive sanctions, the delineation of spheres of influence in the Middle East, and Israel’s security concerns continue to stand in stark opposition. Israel has also persistently pressured the United States not to make concessions to Iran, making it highly likely that the negotiation process will be delayed. In the past, the two sides have repeatedly engaged in periods of conflict followed by brief pauses; after temporary easing, they often resume fighting due to maritime frictions or proxy conflicts. Industry insiders generally predict that this current window of opportunity will be difficult to sustain over the long term.
Outlook for the Future
Data analysts believe that the recent signals of easing tensions between the United States and Iran have led to a significant drop in crude oil prices, which has been transmitted downstream, resulting in a slowdown in the price increases of phthalic anhydride and 2-ethylhexanol, and stabilizing plasticizer prices. However, the pressure for price declines in the plasticizer industry chain products is increasing. Nevertheless, this ceasefire is extremely fragile, with a high risk of renewed conflict, limiting the room for price decreases in the plasticizer industry chain products. It is expected that the prices of plasticizer industry chain products will remain in a weak consolidation at high levels.
