Dioctyl phthalate

DOP Daily Market Intelligence Report

I. Price Trend
- Recent Price Movements: On July 7, 2026, the Business Society’s DOP benchmark price stood at RMB 7,975.84 per ton, down by RMB 83.32 per ton (approximately 1.03%) from RMB 8,059.16 per ton on July 6. On July 6, the price declined by RMB 191.67 per ton (approximately 2.32%) compared to RMB 8,250.83 per ton on July 3; and on July 3, it fell by RMB 33.34 per ton (approximately 0.4%) relative to RMB 8,284.17 per ton on July 1.
- Monthly Price Trend: Since June 2026, DOP prices have generally trended downward. From RMB 9,142.50 per ton on June 1 to RMB 7,975.84 per ton on July 7, the cumulative decline amounted to RMB 1,166.66 per ton, representing a total drop of approximately 12.76%.

II. Enterprise Quotation Dynamics
- Key Enterprise Quotations:
- Shandong Shengfeng: Prices remained stable on July 7 and July 6; decreased on July 3; increased by RMB 100 per ton on July 1, followed by another decrease on July 3.
- Dongying Yimeide: Prices stabilized on July 7; declined on July 6; remained stable on July 3; decreased by RMB 100 per ton on July 1.
- Zhenjiang Liancheng: Prices stabilized on July 7 and July 6; decreased on July 3; decreased again on July 2.
- Zhejiang Hongbo: Prices stabilized on July 7 and July 6; decreased by RMB 200 per ton on July 3; decreased by RMB 100 per ton on July 2.

III. Market Analysis
- Cost Side:
- Raw Material Prices: The primary raw materials for DOP are isooctanol and phthalic anhydride. Recently, isooctanol prices have shown limited volatility, while phthalic anhydride prices have trended downward with oscillation, weakening cost support for DOP.
- LPG Prices: As an upstream feedstock for isooctanol, international LPG prices declined notably in July 2026—propane and butane quotations dropped significantly month-on-month—exerting further downward pressure on DOP production costs.

- Demand Side:
- Downstream Industries: DOP is primarily used in the production of PVC soft products, including wires & cables, floor coverings, and artificial leather. Currently, downstream industries operate at medium-to-low capacity utilization rates, with weak raw material procurement enthusiasm, failing to provide effective demand support for DOP.
- Export Market: In 2025, DOP exports grew by 9.7% year-on-year, mainly destined for Southeast Asia and the Middle East. In 2026, newly commissioned export capacities are expected to generate incremental export volume; however, their impact on domestic market pricing remains limited in the short term.

- Supply Side:
- Capacity Distribution: The East China region continues to see rising capacity share, driven largely by technical upgrading projects launched by enterprises such as Zhejiang Liansheng Chemical Co., Ltd. Meanwhile, stricter environmental inspections in North China have accelerated the exit of small- and medium-sized capacities.
- Operating Rates: Overall industry operating rates remain low. However, leading enterprises—through integrated vertical layouts and technological upgrades—have demonstrated profitability resilience, providing some degree of price support.

IV. Outlook and Assessment
- Short-Term Outlook: DOP market prices are expected to continue declining weakly in the near term. Ongoing declines in raw material costs and persistently sluggish demand will continue exerting downward pressure; enterprises may further lower quotations to stimulate transaction volumes.
- Medium-Term Outlook: As downstream industries gradually enter their traditional peak season, demand may show marginal improvement. However, given overcapacity on the supply side and uncertainties surrounding export markets, upside potential for DOP prices remains limited, with overall price movement likely remaining range-bound and weak.
- Long-Term Outlook: Entering a new phase characterized by “existing-capacity optimization plus structural expansion,” the DOP industry faces ongoing consolidation pressure. Enterprises that successfully implement technological upgrades, green transformation initiatives, and achieve synergistic effects across the industrial chain stand to gain above-average returns, whereas traditional capacity relying solely on scale expansion faces increasing risk of elimination.