The Isophthalic Acid Price Trend in Q3 2026 showed a broad downward movement across major global markets, including South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Spain, India, and Indonesia. Weak downstream demand, comfortable inventories, and strong competition among Asian exporters placed pressure on prices throughout much of the quarter.
Manufacturers of unsaturated polyester resin, PET resin, coatings, and other industrial products adopted cautious purchasing strategies, reducing fresh buying activity.
Isophthalic acid is an important chemical raw material used in the production of unsaturated polyester resins, coatings, PET-related applications, and specialty polymers. Its pricing is influenced by feedstock costs, international trade, freight expenses, and demand from downstream manufacturing industries. During Q3 2026, lower export offers from Asian suppliers contributed to declining prices in several importing markets.
However, September brought a partial recovery in many regions. Rising crude oil and mixed xylene costs, higher freight expenses, and inventory replenishment ahead of seasonal demand supported price increases. Taiwan, Spain, and India experienced weaker recovery conditions as ample inventories and sluggish purchasing continued to limit market improvement.
Isophthalic Acid Price Trend in Q3 2026
The global Isophthalic Acid Price Trend remained under pressure during most of Q3 2026. The correction followed the higher prices and supply-related premiums observed during the previous quarter. As supply conditions improved, buyers reduced their urgency to purchase and increasingly relied on existing inventories.
During July and August, demand from resin, coatings, PET packaging, and construction-related industries remained weak. Seasonal slowdowns, summer holidays in Europe, and monsoon conditions in India affected industrial procurement. At the same time, Korean, Chinese, and Taiwanese suppliers competed aggressively for export orders, creating additional downward pressure on international offers.
Feedstock costs provided some support but were not strong enough to reverse the overall quarterly decline. Crude oil and mixed xylene prices remained elevated amid renewed Middle East tensions and shipping disruptions. Nevertheless, weak downstream consumption and sufficient material availability continued to dominate market sentiment.
In September, the market experienced a recovery across several regions. Higher feedstock costs, increased freight and insurance expenses, and restocking activity ahead of seasonal demand encouraged suppliers to raise offers. However, the strength of the recovery varied between countries depending on inventory conditions, import dependence, and downstream purchasing activity.
South Korea Isophthalic Acid Prices: FOB Busan, 99.5% Industrial Grade
South Korea recorded a 13.72% decline in Isophthalic Acid prices in Q3 2026 compared with Q2 2026. The downward movement reflected the reduction of supply-related premiums from the previous quarter and weaker export demand.
Manufacturers of unsaturated polyester resin, PET bottle resin, and powder coatings across Asia used inventories accumulated during the earlier supply uncertainty. This reduced the need for fresh purchases during July and August. Korean producers maintained relatively steady operating rates, while comfortable material availability and limited export enquiries encouraged suppliers to reduce their offers.
Although crude oil and mixed xylene costs remained firm following renewed Middle East tensions, feedstock support was insufficient to overcome weak buying interest. Consequently, the Isophthalic Acid Price Trend in South Korea remained bearish through most of the quarter.
September brought a recovery as higher crude oil prices and renewed shipping concerns increased production and transportation costs. Restocking interest also improved among regional buyers.
In September 2026, South Korean Isophthalic Acid prices increased by 6.0% compared with August. The improvement indicated a stronger market response to rising feedstock costs and renewed procurement activity.
Taiwan Isophthalic Acid Prices: FOB Kaohsiung, 99.5% Industrial Grade
Taiwan experienced the steepest quarterly decline among the markets covered, with Isophthalic Acid prices falling by 19.54% in Q3 2026 compared with Q2 2026.
Strong competition from Korean and Chinese suppliers placed considerable pressure on Taiwanese exporters. Producers reduced their export offers to maintain plant operations and compete for orders in important Asian markets. At the same time, PET bottle resin and unsaturated polyester resin manufacturers delayed purchases as they relied on existing inventories.
The high prices recorded during Q2 also contributed to the sharp correction. Buyers became more cautious after the earlier supply-related price increases, resulting in lower procurement activity during July and August.
The Isophthalic Acid Price Trend in Taiwan remained weak throughout the quarter. In September 2026, prices declined by a further 0.7% compared with August. Ample inventories and continued export competition outweighed the support from higher crude oil and aromatics costs.
Japan Isophthalic Acid Prices: FOB Tokyo, 99.5% Industrial Grade
Japan recorded a 13.75% decline in Isophthalic Acid prices during Q3 2026 compared with the previous quarter. Lower export offers and moderate domestic consumption contributed to the downward movement.
Japanese suppliers faced competition from lower-priced Korean and Taiwanese material in Southeast Asian and Indian markets. This encouraged exporters to adjust their offers to remain competitive. Domestic demand from coatings, unsaturated polyester resin, and specialty polymer manufacturers also remained modest during the summer period.
Many regional buyers continued using stocks accumulated during Q2, reducing fresh enquiries and limiting opportunities for price recovery. As a result, the Isophthalic Acid Price Trend in Japan remained under pressure for most of the quarter.
In September 2026, Japanese Isophthalic Acid prices increased by 2.2% compared with August. Higher crude oil and aromatics costs, together with limited restocking by Asian buyers, supported the monthly improvement.
Spain Isophthalic Acid Prices: FOB Barcelona, 99.5% Industrial Grade
Spain recorded an 11.51% decline in Isophthalic Acid prices in Q3 2026 compared with Q2 2026. Weak European demand and competition from lower-priced Asian material were the main factors behind the decrease.
Demand from unsaturated polyester resin, PET packaging, and coatings manufacturers remained subdued during the quarter. The summer holiday period, particularly in August, reduced industrial activity and purchasing requirements. Spanish exporters also faced competitive pressure in Mediterranean and Latin American markets, encouraging lower export offers.
Although higher energy and aromatics costs provided some underlying support, comfortable inventories and weak downstream consumption prevented a meaningful price recovery.
The Isophthalic Acid Price Trend in Spain therefore remained bearish during Q3 2026. In September, prices declined by another 1.5% compared with August. Sluggish post-summer demand and sufficient inventories continued to outweigh the impact of higher feedstock costs.
China Isophthalic Acid Prices: FOB Shanghai, 99.5% Industrial Grade
China recorded a relatively moderate 3.44% decline in Isophthalic Acid prices in Q3 2026 compared with Q2 2026. Steady domestic consumption from PET bottle resin and unsaturated polyester resin manufacturers helped limit the quarterly correction.
However, heavy summer rains and slower construction activity affected downstream purchasing during July and August. Buyers adopted a cautious approach, while softer demand placed some pressure on domestic and export offers.
Compared with other Asian markets, China's smaller quarterly decline reflected the support provided by local consumption. Domestic manufacturers continued to absorb a significant portion of available material, reducing the impact of weaker international demand.
In September 2026, Chinese Isophthalic Acid prices increased by 7.5% compared with August. Higher crude oil and mixed xylene costs supported supplier offers, while restocking ahead of the National Day holiday strengthened procurement activity. These factors contributed to a stronger monthly recovery in the Chinese market.
Brazil Isophthalic Acid Prices: CIF Santos, 99.5% Industrial Grade
Brazil recorded a 4.80% decline in Isophthalic Acid import prices during Q3 2026 compared with Q2 2026, based on imports from South Korea.
Lower Korean export offers reduced replacement costs for Brazilian importers. However, long-distance freight expenses and war-risk insurance charges limited the decline in landed prices. These additional costs remained important because international shipping disruptions increased uncertainty for importers.
Demand from unsaturated polyester resin manufacturers serving the fibreglass, marine, and construction industries remained moderate. Importers also maintained sufficient inventories, reducing the need for immediate purchases.
The Isophthalic Acid Price Trend in Brazil therefore moved downward through most of the quarter. In September 2026, prices recovered by 9.2% compared with August. Firmer Korean offers, higher bunker costs, and inventory replenishment ahead of the southern hemisphere building season supported the increase.
Saudi Arabia Isophthalic Acid Prices: CIF Jeddah, 99.5% Industrial Grade
Saudi Arabia recorded a 9.62% decline in Isophthalic Acid prices in Q3 2026 compared with Q2 2026, based on imports from South Korea.
Lower Korean export prices reduced import procurement costs, while resin and coatings manufacturers continued using inventories accumulated during the previous quarter. This reduced fresh purchasing activity and contributed to weaker market conditions.
Shipping uncertainty also affected procurement decisions. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz and concerns surrounding Red Sea shipping routes encouraged buyers to remain cautious about cargo bookings. Higher transportation risks and changing freight conditions added uncertainty to the import market.
Despite these challenges, lower export offers kept the overall Isophthalic Acid Price Trend in Saudi Arabia under pressure during most of Q3.
In September 2026, prices increased by 10.0% compared with August. Higher freight and insurance expenses, alongside stronger construction-related resin demand, supported the recovery in landed import values.
USA Isophthalic Acid Prices: CIF Houston, 99.5% Industrial Grade
The USA recorded a comparatively small 1.85% decline in Isophthalic Acid prices during Q3 2026 compared with Q2 2026, based on imports from South Korea.
Lower Korean export offers were largely offset by elevated trans-Pacific freight and insurance expenses. This helped maintain relatively stable landed import values despite weaker pricing in several Asian markets.
Demand from unsaturated polyester resin manufacturers serving boat building, bathware, and corrosion-resistant pipe applications provided additional support. These industrial uses maintained a steady requirement for isophthalic acid, helping prevent a sharper decline in import prices.
The Isophthalic Acid Price Trend in the USA remained broadly stable during the quarter. In September 2026, prices increased by 7.3% compared with August. Higher Korean export offers, increased transportation costs, and restocking by resin and coatings manufacturers ahead of Q4 supported the monthly recovery.
Indonesia Isophthalic Acid Prices: CIF Jakarta, 99.5% Industrial Grade
Indonesia recorded a 13.37% decline in Isophthalic Acid import prices in Q3 2026 compared with Q2 2026, based on imports from South Korea.
Lower Korean export offers passed into Indonesian landed prices, as short-haul freight routes were less exposed to Middle East shipping disruptions. PET bottle resin, unsaturated polyester resin, and coatings manufacturers also maintained cautious purchasing strategies, buying mainly to meet immediate production requirements.
Sufficient market availability and limited fresh enquiries kept the market well supplied. Consequently, the Isophthalic Acid Price Trend in Indonesia remained bearish through most of the quarter.
In September 2026, prices increased by 5.6% compared with August. Firmer Korean offers, higher feedstock costs, and replenishment by PET resin producers ahead of year-end beverage packaging demand supported the recovery.
India Isophthalic Acid Prices: CIF Nhava Sheva, 99.5% Industrial Grade
India recorded a 12.11% decline in Isophthalic Acid prices in Q3 2026 compared with Q2 2026, based on imports from South Korea.
Sharply lower Korean export offers and comfortable importer inventories contributed to the quarterly decline. Downstream manufacturers of unsaturated polyester resin, PET resin, and paints restricted fresh bookings during the monsoon season. Slower construction and painting activity reduced immediate raw material requirements.
The combination of sufficient inventories and limited purchasing interest kept import prices under pressure. As a result, the Isophthalic Acid Price Trend in India remained weak through most of the quarter.
In September 2026, prices increased by 5.4% compared with August. Higher Korean cargo offers, increased freight and insurance expenses, and post-monsoon procurement from resin and coatings manufacturers supported the monthly improvement. Buyers also began replenishing inventories ahead of the festive season.
Isophthalic Acid Price Chart Analysis for Q3 2026
The Isophthalic Acid Price Chart for Q3 2026 highlights widespread quarterly declines across the major markets. Taiwan experienced the largest decrease, followed by Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, India, Spain, and Saudi Arabia. Brazil and China recorded comparatively smaller corrections, while the USA remained relatively stable.
The differences between regional price movements reflect variations in supply availability, import dependence, freight costs, and downstream demand. Export competition among Asian producers placed pressure on international offers, while markets with higher transportation expenses experienced some protection against declining export prices.
September brought a recovery in most regions. South Korea, Japan, China, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, the USA, Indonesia, and India recorded monthly increases. Taiwan and Spain remained exceptions, as sufficient inventories and weak purchasing activity continued to limit recovery.
Isophthalic Acid Price Index and Regional Market Performance
The Isophthalic Acid Price Index provides an overview of quarterly and monthly price movements across different international markets. Q3 2026 demonstrated that the market experienced a broad correction, although the extent of the decline varied considerably by location.
Taiwan recorded the largest quarterly decline at 19.54%, while China experienced the smallest decrease at 3.44%. The USA also showed relative stability, with prices falling by only 1.85%. These differences highlight the importance of local supply-demand conditions and transportation costs.
The September movements indicate that rising feedstock costs and restocking activity supported a recovery in several markets. Saudi Arabia and Brazil recorded particularly strong monthly increases, while China also experienced a notable improvement. However, Taiwan and Spain continued to face downward pressure.
Monitoring the Isophthalic Acid Price Index alongside export offers, import costs, and downstream demand can help manufacturers and procurement teams understand regional market differences.
Key Factors Influencing Isophthalic Acid Prices in Q3 2026
Weak Downstream Demand
Reduced purchasing from PET resin, unsaturated polyester resin, coatings, and packaging manufacturers was a major factor behind the quarterly price decline. Summer holidays in Europe and monsoon-related slowdowns in India also affected procurement activity.
Asian Export Competition
Strong competition among South Korean, Chinese, and Taiwanese suppliers encouraged lower export offers. This increased price pressure in importing markets and contributed to the broad correction during July and August.
Crude Oil and Mixed Xylene Costs
Higher crude oil and mixed xylene costs provided limited support during the quarter. However, weak downstream demand initially outweighed feedstock-related price support. Rising costs became more influential in September.
Freight and Shipping Disruptions
Middle East tensions and shipping uncertainty increased freight and insurance expenses. These costs affected landed prices in importing countries, particularly Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and the USA.
Inventory Replenishment
Buyers initially relied on inventories accumulated during Q2, reducing fresh purchasing activity. In September, some manufacturers began replenishing stocks ahead of seasonal demand, contributing to the monthly price recovery.
Isophthalic Acid Price Trend Outlook
The direction of the Isophthalic Acid Price Forecast beyond Q3 2026 will depend on feedstock costs, international supply conditions, and demand from downstream manufacturing industries. Continued increases in crude oil and mixed xylene prices could support producer offers, while higher freight and insurance expenses may influence import costs.
Demand from PET packaging, coatings, unsaturated polyester resin, and construction-related applications will remain important to market performance. A recovery in industrial activity and stronger procurement could support prices, particularly in markets where inventories have declined.
However, strong competition among Asian exporters and comfortable inventories may continue to limit price increases in some regions. Taiwan, Spain, and other markets with weaker purchasing activity may experience different conditions from importing markets where restocking and higher transportation costs provide stronger support.
Tracking Isophthalic Acid Prices, the Isophthalic Acid Price Chart, and the Isophthalic Acid Price Index can help manufacturers, traders, and procurement professionals monitor regional price movements and make informed raw material purchasing decisions.
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