The Isophthalic Acid Price Trend increased significantly across major international markets in Q2 2026 due to higher raw material costs, supply disruptions, rising transportation expenses, and geopolitical uncertainty. The conflict between Iran and Israel created concerns about crude oil and petrochemical supplies, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz.
These developments increased the costs of naphtha, benzene, and meta-xylene, which are important raw materials used in isophthalic acid production. As a result, Isophthalic Acid Prices increased in South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, China, India, the USA, Brazil, and other major markets.
However, prices started moving in different directions during June as production recovered, raw material availability improved, and buyers became more careful with their purchasing decisions.
Isophthalic Acid Price Trend in Q2 2026
The second quarter of 2026 was a period of significant price movement for the isophthalic acid market. Producers faced higher manufacturing expenses, while buyers had to manage rising procurement costs and uncertain delivery schedules. Changes in crude oil prices affected the wider petrochemical industry, increasing the cost of several materials required for isophthalic acid production.
Freight rates and marine insurance expenses also increased because of uncertainty surrounding international shipping routes. These additional costs affected international trade and made imported material more expensive for buyers in several regions.
Production conditions further influenced the market. Maintenance shutdowns, lower operating rates, and limited feedstock availability reduced supply flexibility in some countries. Producers adjusted their selling offers to account for higher manufacturing expenses and changing availability.
At the same time, demand from coatings, PET resins, unsaturated polyester resins, construction materials, automotive components, and packaging applications continued to support market activity. These industries use isophthalic acid in products that require specific chemical and performance properties.
However, higher prices encouraged some buyers to delay fresh purchases and use existing inventories. This change in buying behaviour became more visible toward the end of the quarter, when improved supply conditions helped prices decline in several markets.
Isophthalic Acid Prices in South Korea
South Korea recorded a 40% increase in isophthalic acid prices in Q2 2026 compared with the previous quarter. Higher crude oil, naphtha, benzene, and meta-xylene costs contributed to this increase. Uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz also raised concerns about transportation expenses and petrochemical supply chains.
Production conditions added further pressure to the market. Lotte Chemical's temporary Yeosu shutdown reduced regional availability, while concerns about benzene and xylene supply made it more difficult for buyers to predict future costs.
Demand from coatings, PET resins, unsaturated polyester resins, and construction applications remained supportive. These industries continued to require raw materials for their regular manufacturing activities, helping maintain firm market conditions.
However, the market experienced a correction in June 2026. Isophthalic Acid Prices decreased by 8% compared with May as production resumed, feedstock availability improved, and suppliers became better positioned to meet demand. Buyers also reduced purchases after building inventories during the earlier period of rising prices.
This movement showed how improved production and lower immediate purchasing requirements can reduce price pressure even after a strong quarterly increase.
Isophthalic Acid Prices in Taiwan
Taiwan recorded a 46% increase in isophthalic acid prices in Q2 2026 compared with Q1, making it the second-highest quarterly increase among the markets covered in this article.
Higher crude oil and naphtha costs increased the expenses associated with petrochemical production. The conflict between Iran and Israel and concerns about shipping through the Strait of Hormuz also contributed to higher freight, energy, and insurance costs.
Formosa Petrochemical announced force majeure on certain petrochemical supplies and operated crackers at lower rates, creating additional uncertainty around regional feedstock availability. These developments contributed to higher production costs and firmer export offers.
Demand from coatings, polyester resins, PET modification, and unsaturated polyester applications continued to support purchasing activity. Manufacturers required consistent raw material supplies to maintain production, despite the higher prices.
In June 2026, prices declined by 2% compared with May. Improved feedstock availability, more stable production rates, and slower downstream purchasing reduced some of the upward pressure. Suppliers also adjusted export offers to reflect changing market conditions.
Isophthalic Acid Prices in Japan
Japan recorded a 44% increase in isophthalic acid prices during Q2 2026 compared with the previous quarter. Volatility in crude oil markets and concerns about possible shipping disruptions increased the costs of benzene, meta-xylene, freight, and manufacturing.
Mitsubishi Chemical maintained disciplined operating levels despite higher production expenses. Meanwhile, careful production strategies and limited regional availability supported prices during the quarter.
Demand from coatings, PET resins, unsaturated polyester resins, and engineering materials remained relatively stable. This helped maintain market confidence as manufacturers continued to purchase material for their production requirements.
However, prices declined by 9% in June compared with May. Lower benzene and meta-xylene costs, improved production rates, and weaker downstream purchasing contributed to the decline. Export buyers also became more cautious after the earlier increase in prices.
The Japanese market demonstrated that price movements depend on several connected factors. Even when industrial demand remains stable, improvements in feedstock availability and reduced purchasing activity can create downward pressure.
Isophthalic Acid Prices in China
China recorded a 28% increase in isophthalic acid prices in Q2 2026 compared with Q1. Although this increase was lower than those in several other markets, rising production costs and feedstock uncertainty still influenced the market.
Higher crude oil and naphtha prices affected the petrochemical supply chain. Sinopec repeatedly increased its listed benzene prices, while planned maintenance at Sinopec Hainan's aromatics facility constrained xylene availability and added to production cost pressures.
Demand from coatings, PET modification, unsaturated polyester resins, and construction materials remained supportive. Producers continued to manage operating rates carefully as they responded to changes in raw material availability and manufacturing expenses.
In June 2026, prices decreased by 2% compared with May. Improved feedstock availability and slower downstream purchasing reduced the pressure on suppliers. Export offers were also adjusted to reflect the changing balance between supply and demand.
For Chinese buyers, changes in domestic feedstock prices and production activity remained important indicators of the overall market direction.
Isophthalic Acid Prices in Spain
Spain recorded a 38% increase in isophthalic acid prices in Q2 2026 compared with the previous quarter. Higher crude oil prices, freight charges, marine insurance expenses, and manufacturing costs affected the European market.
Benzene availability remained tight, while planned cracker maintenance and reduced operating rates limited the supply of aromatic feedstocks. These conditions supported meta-xylene costs and increased the expenses associated with isophthalic acid production.
Demand from coatings, PET modification, unsaturated polyester resins, and construction applications remained stable. Producers maintained cautious production schedules as they managed changing feedstock costs and uncertain supply conditions.
In June 2026, prices decreased by 3% compared with May. Lower feedstock pressure, improved plant availability, and recovering inventories helped ease supply concerns. Downstream buyers also reduced procurement as they assessed existing stock levels and upcoming requirements.
The Spanish market highlighted the influence of European petrochemical production and international logistics on industrial raw material prices.
Isophthalic Acid Prices in Brazil
Brazil recorded a 45% increase in isophthalic acid prices in Q2 2026 compared with the previous quarter. The country's dependence on imported material exposed buyers to higher export offers, production expenses, and transportation costs.
South Korean suppliers faced higher benzene and meta-xylene costs, while cautious operating rates affected the availability of export material. The conflict between Iran and Israel and uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz also contributed to higher freight, insurance, and vessel transit expenses.
Demand from PET resins, coatings, unsaturated polyester resins, and construction-related applications remained stable. This supported procurement activity despite the increase in import costs.
Unlike several other markets, Brazil recorded a further increase in June. Isophthalic acid prices rose by 1% compared with May as steady import arrivals, balanced inventories, and stable downstream demand helped maintain firm conditions.
For Brazilian buyers, international export prices and the cost of bringing material into the country remained important factors when planning future purchases.
Isophthalic Acid Prices in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia recorded a 37% increase in isophthalic acid prices in Q2 2026 compared with the previous quarter. Dependence on South Korean imports exposed local buyers to higher production costs and reduced regional supply flexibility.
Lotte Chemical's temporary Yeosu shutdown and cautious operating rates contributed to concerns about availability. Higher crude oil, naphtha, benzene, and meta-xylene costs also increased manufacturing expenses for exporting suppliers.
Freight, bunker fuel, and marine insurance costs added further pressure to imported material prices. Demand from coatings, polyester resins, construction materials, and packaging applications supported purchasing activity during the quarter.
In June 2026, prices decreased by 6% compared with May. Improved import arrivals, better inventory availability, and easing feedstock pressure reduced the need for buyers to secure additional material at higher prices.
The market showed how changes in overseas production and shipping conditions can influence purchasing costs in import-dependent regions.
Isophthalic Acid Prices in the USA
The USA recorded a 47% increase in isophthalic acid prices in Q2 2026 compared with Q1, the largest quarterly increase among the markets covered in the supplied data.
Dependence on South Korean imports exposed American buyers to higher raw material costs and tighter export availability. Rising benzene and meta-xylene prices increased production expenses, while energy and transportation costs added to the overall import burden.
Demand from coatings, PET copolymers, automotive components, construction materials, and unsaturated polyester resins continued to support market activity. Manufacturers in these industries required consistent material supplies to maintain their production schedules.
In June 2026, prices increased by another 2% compared with May. Improved cargo arrivals and cautious downstream purchasing did not fully remove the impact of elevated import replacement costs.
This movement demonstrated that better product availability does not always result in an immediate price decline. When suppliers continue to face high production and shipping expenses, their selling offers may remain firm.
Isophthalic Acid Prices in Indonesia
Indonesia recorded a 38% increase in isophthalic acid prices in Q2 2026 compared with the previous quarter. Dependence on South Korean imports made local buyers sensitive to changes in export prices, raw material costs, and international freight rates.
Higher benzene and meta-xylene costs increased production expenses for exporting suppliers. Maintenance activities and restricted cargo availability also affected regional supply conditions. At the same time, geopolitical uncertainty increased concerns about marine insurance, bunker fuel, and shipping expenses.
Demand from coatings, PET modification, unsaturated polyester resins, construction, automotive, and marine applications remained stable. These industries continued to support the need for regular raw material supplies.
In June 2026, prices declined by 7% compared with May. Better import arrivals, improved feedstock availability, and recovering inventories helped ease the market. Buyers also became more selective about placing new orders after the earlier price increase.
For Indonesian manufacturers, monitoring supplier offers and inventory levels remained important for managing procurement costs.
Isophthalic Acid Prices in India
India recorded a 42% increase in isophthalic acid prices in Q2 2026 compared with Q1. The increase was mainly linked to higher import costs, as buyers depended on South Korean supplies affected by rising manufacturing expenses and cautious operating rates.
The Iran–Israel conflict and concerns about the Strait of Hormuz increased uncertainty in crude oil markets. Higher freight and marine insurance expenses added to import costs, while limited regional cargo availability supported firm supplier offers.
Demand from coatings, PET modification, unsaturated polyester resins, construction materials, automotive components, and marine applications remained supportive. Manufacturers continued to require isophthalic acid for their regular operations, even as procurement costs increased.
In June 2026, prices declined by 7% compared with May. Improved shipping conditions, recovering import arrivals, and lower feedstock pressure helped ease supply concerns. Buyers also reduced procurement as they used existing inventories and waited for clearer market signals.
For Indian manufacturers and procurement teams, international prices, shipping expenses, and supplier availability remained important factors in managing raw material purchasing decisions.
Isophthalic Acid Price Chart and Price Index Analysis
The Isophthalic Acid Price Chart for Q2 2026 would show a strong upward movement across all ten markets discussed in this article. The quarterly price increases ranged from 28% in China to 47% in the USA. Taiwan recorded a 46% increase, Brazil rose by 45%, Japan increased by 44%, and India recorded a 42% rise. South Korea, Spain, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia also experienced significant quarterly increases.
The Isophthalic Acid Price Index helps explain how market conditions change over time by tracking price movements against a defined reference period. Changes in feedstock costs, production availability, transportation expenses, and downstream demand can all influence the direction of the index.
June presented a more varied picture. Prices declined in South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Spain, China, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and India. Brazil and the USA recorded small monthly increases instead. These differences show that local supply conditions and import requirements can produce different price movements, even when countries face similar international developments.
It is also important to compare prices on the same commercial basis. Export prices quoted on an FOB basis generally exclude the main international freight and insurance costs paid by the buyer. Import prices quoted on a CIF basis include the cost of the goods, insurance, and freight to the destination port. Differences in pricing terms, product specifications, and delivery locations can affect comparisons between markets.
Businesses tracking the Isophthalic Acid Price Chart should therefore consider both the percentage change in prices and the underlying market conditions. Looking at quarterly and monthly movements together can help buyers understand whether a price increase is continuing or beginning to moderate.
Key Factors Affecting the Isophthalic Acid Price Trend
Raw Material Costs
Crude oil, naphtha, benzene, and meta-xylene prices influence the cost of isophthalic acid production. When these inputs become more expensive, manufacturers may increase selling prices to cover higher operating expenses. When raw material costs decline, production expenses may ease, although the effect on finished product prices can take time to appear.
Production and Plant Maintenance
Plant shutdowns, maintenance schedules, and reduced operating rates can affect the amount of material available in the market. When production falls while buyers continue to require supplies, sellers may increase their offers. The return of facilities to normal operations can improve availability and reduce supply pressure.
Freight and Insurance Expenses
International shipping costs can significantly affect the final price paid by importers. Higher freight rates, fuel expenses, and marine insurance premiums increase the delivered cost of material. These factors are particularly important for countries that depend on overseas suppliers.
Downstream Industrial Demand
Coatings, polyester resins, PET modification, construction, automotive, and packaging applications contribute to demand for isophthalic acid. When industrial production is strong, buyers may require more material. When demand weakens or finished-product inventories increase, purchasing activity can slow and place downward pressure on prices.
Inventory and Purchasing Behaviour
Inventory levels influence the timing of purchases. During periods of uncertainty, companies may build additional stocks to protect themselves against supply shortages. Once these stocks become sufficient, buyers may reduce new orders. This change can contribute to price corrections, especially when production and import availability improve at the same time.
Isophthalic Acid Price Forecast: Market Factors to Watch
The direction of Isophthalic Acid Price Forecast after Q2 2026 will depend on changes in feedstock costs, production rates, shipping conditions, and demand from downstream industries. The strong quarterly increases indicate that the market faced considerable cost pressure, while the declines recorded in June across most monitored markets suggest that prices can soften when supply conditions improve.
Crude oil and naphtha prices will remain important indicators because they influence the wider petrochemical supply chain. Buyers should also monitor benzene and meta-xylene availability to understand potential changes in manufacturing costs.
Plant operating rates and maintenance schedules will be equally important. The return of facilities to normal production can improve availability and encourage more competitive offers. However, unexpected shutdowns, renewed feedstock shortages, or transportation disruptions could place upward pressure on prices again.
International freight rates and marine insurance expenses will continue to influence delivered import costs. Buyers in India, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and the USA should pay particular attention to export offers, shipment timing, and the cost of replacing existing inventories.
Demand from coatings, polyester resins, PET-related applications, construction, and automotive manufacturing will also shape market conditions. If demand remains stable while supply improves, prices may become more balanced. If demand strengthens while feedstock availability tightens, suppliers may face renewed upward pressure.
For procurement teams, regular monitoring of the Isophthalic Acid Price Trend, supplier offers, raw material costs, and import availability can support better purchasing decisions. The forecast remains conditional on future market developments, and the quarterly price increases recorded in Q2 2026 should not be treated as a guarantee of continued increases.
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About Price Watch™
Price Watch™ is an India-based, independent raw material price reporting agency that provides real-time price forecasts and data-driven insights into global raw material markets. Price Watch™ specializes in tracking raw material prices, analyzing market trends, and delivering timely updates on plant shutdowns, supply disruptions, capacity expansions, and demand-supply dynamics. The Price Watch™ platform empowers manufacturers, traders, and procurement professionals to make faster, smarter decisions. Leveraging AI-powered forecasting and over a decade of historical data, Price Watch™ transforms market volatility into actionable opportunity.
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