Northeast Asia Isophthalic Acid Prices Movement Sep 2026
The Isophthalic Acid Prices in Northeast Asia reached USD 1.24/KG in September 2026, declining 1.6%. Softer downstream procurement and cautious buying from polyester resin and coating manufacturers moderated market activity. Adequate regional supply and stable import availability limited price pressure, while upstream meta-xylene and xylene costs influenced producer quotations during September.
??? ??? ????-???? ?????? ????????: https://www.imarcgroup.com/isophthalic-acid-pricing-report/requestsample
????: The analysis can be tailored to align with the customer's specific needs.
What is Isophthalic Acid?
Isophthalic Acid is a colorless, crystalline aromatic dicarboxylic acid with the molecular formula C8H6O4. It is primarily produced through the oxidation of meta-xylene and serves as an important intermediate for polyester resins, coatings, fibers, PET-related materials, and high-performance polymers. Its chemical resistance, durability, and thermal performance make it valuable across automotive, construction, marine, packaging, and industrial applications.
Latest Isophthalic Acid Prices – September 2026
In September 2026, the Isophthalic Acid price in Northeast Asia stood at USD 1.24/KG, registering a 1.6% decline. The movement reflected softer procurement conditions and cautious downstream buying, while adequate regional availability limited upward price pressure.
For comparison, IMARC's latest indexed August 2026 benchmark for Northeast Asia was USD 1.26/KG, up 3.3% from the preceding period.
Isophthalic Acid Price Trend in September 2026
The Isophthalic Acid price trend turned slightly softer in Northeast Asia during September. Downstream buyers adopted a cautious procurement approach amid mixed demand from polyester resins, coatings, and specialty polymer applications.
The market also remained sensitive to upstream aromatic feedstock costs. Meta-xylene is the principal feedstock for Isophthalic Acid production, making changes in crude oil, naphtha, refinery operations, and aromatic availability important influences on production economics.
Isophthalic Acid Price Index and Supply Analysis
The Isophthalic Acid price index reflected a modest correction during September 2026. Supply remained broadly adequate, limiting the possibility of significant price escalation despite fluctuations in upstream feedstock markets.
IMARC's Q1 2026 assessment showed that stable import cargo availability helped restrict price increases in Northeast Asia, while measured restocking from resin and coating manufacturers provided underlying market support.
Meanwhile, the broader aromatic chain remained exposed to crude and refinery developments. In Q2 2026, m-xylene prices in China reached USD 676/ton, while South Korea recorded USD 681/ton, with refinery operations, feedstock economics, and downstream Isophthalic Acid demand influencing market conditions.
Factors Affecting Isophthalic Acid Prices
- Meta-Xylene Feedstock Costs
Meta-xylene is the key raw material for Isophthalic Acid production. Changes in crude oil, naphtha, refinery economics, and m-xylene availability directly influence manufacturing and replacement costs.
- Polyester Resin Demand
Demand from unsaturated polyester resin manufacturers remains a major price determinant. Strong procurement from resin producers can tighten availability and support supplier quotations.
- PET and Packaging Applications
Isophthalic Acid is used as a comonomer in modified PET and related polymer systems. Changes in packaging and beverage-container demand can therefore influence consumption requirements.
- Coatings and Construction Activity
Demand from corrosion-resistant coatings, industrial coatings, fiberglass-reinforced plastics, and construction materials affects regional purchasing patterns.
- Automotive and Marine Industries
Automotive components, marine structures, composite materials, and protective coatings use Isophthalic Acid-based resins because of their durability and chemical resistance.
- Refinery and Production Operations
Maintenance shutdowns, operating rates, and production adjustments at aromatic and Isophthalic Acid facilities can influence regional availability and spot prices.
- Freight and Import Availability
For import-dependent markets, ocean freight, port conditions, currency movements, and cargo availability can alter landed costs and procurement decisions.
Isophthalic Acid Supply and Demand Dynamics
The market remained relatively balanced in September 2026. Adequate supply and cautious procurement prevented a stronger price increase, while demand from polyester resins, PET-related materials, coatings, and composite applications continued to provide a consumption base.
Earlier in 2026, IMARC reported stable import availability in Northeast Asia, while other market assessments noted that downstream buyers were often purchasing according to immediate requirements rather than aggressively building inventories.
Latest Isophthalic Acid Market News – September 2026
Asian petrochemical markets remained exposed to elevated crude-linked feedstock costs during September. ICIS reported that crude prices above $100/barrel pushed Asian petrochemical prices higher despite relatively weak demand, creating margin pressure for downstream producers.
In the United States, the Isophthalic Acid market had already experienced softer momentum in late August as improved spot availability and cautious downstream buying outweighed earlier logistics and replacement-cost pressures.
These developments indicate that Isophthalic Acid pricing continues to be shaped by the combination of upstream aromatic costs, supply availability, and the ability of downstream resin and coating manufacturers to absorb higher input expenses.
Current Isophthalic Acid Demand
Current demand is concentrated across several industrial applications:
- Unsaturated polyester resins
- Fiberglass-reinforced plastics
- PET and modified PET materials
- Industrial and protective coatings
- Automotive components
- Marine composites
- Construction materials
- Pipes, tanks, and chemical-resistant equipment
- High-performance fibers and specialty polymers
Demand remains particularly connected to industries requiring materials with enhanced durability, chemical resistance, thermal stability, and corrosion resistance.
Future Isophthalic Acid Demand
The long-term demand outlook remains supported by expanding polyester resin, PET, packaging, coatings, and high-performance polymer applications. IMARC estimates that the global Isophthalic Acid industry was valued at USD 3.3 Billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 5.1 Billion by 2034, representing a CAGR of 4.84% during 2026–2034.
Growth in automotive composites, infrastructure, industrial coatings, marine applications, and packaging is expected to provide additional consumption opportunities. Increasing interest in lightweight and durable materials may further support specialty polymer applications.
Previous Year Isophthalic Acid Price Comparison
For a like-for-like comparison, the same region, grade, Incoterm, currency basis, and assessment methodology should be used. IMARC's indexed data shows the Northeast Asian price at USD 1.03/KG in December 2025, compared with USD 1.26/KG in August 2026. This represents an increase of approximately 22.3% over that period.
The September 2026 benchmark of USD 1.24/KG therefore indicates that prices remained substantially above the December 2025 level, despite the month-on-month September correction.
Isophthalic Acid Price Outlook 2026
The Isophthalic Acid price outlook for the remainder of 2026 will largely depend on the interaction between meta-xylene costs, crude oil prices, refinery operations, downstream resin demand, and regional availability.
A firm upstream aromatic market could provide cost support, while weak construction, coatings, or composite demand could limit the ability of producers to pass higher costs through to customers. Conversely, stronger PET, packaging, automotive, and marine demand could improve procurement activity.
Overall, the market is expected to remain sensitive to feedstock and downstream demand developments, with regional differences likely to persist.
Major Uses of Isophthalic Acid
Polyester Resins
Isophthalic Acid is widely used in unsaturated polyester resins, particularly where improved mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and durability are required.
Coatings
It supports the manufacture of corrosion-resistant and high-performance coatings for industrial, marine, automotive, and construction applications.
Fiberglass-Reinforced Plastics
Isophthalic Acid-based resins are used in fiberglass-reinforced products such as pipes, tanks, panels, and structural components.
PET and Polymer Modification
It can function as a comonomer in modified PET and other polyester systems to improve selected performance characteristics.
Automotive Applications
Its derivatives are used in composite parts, coatings, and other durable materials for automotive applications.
Marine and Industrial Equipment
Its chemical and corrosion resistance makes it useful in marine structures, chemical storage systems, industrial tanks, and related equipment.
Most Asked FAQs About Isophthalic Acid
- What is the Isophthalic Acid price in September 2026?
The Northeast Asia benchmark was USD 1.24/KG in September 2026, showing a 1.6% decline.
- What is the main feedstock for Isophthalic Acid?
Meta-xylene (m-xylene) is the principal feedstock used to manufacture Isophthalic Acid through oxidation.
- What industries consume Isophthalic Acid?
Major consuming industries include polyester resins, coatings, PET-related materials, automotive, construction, marine, packaging, and specialty polymers.
- What factors influence Isophthalic Acid prices?
Key factors include meta-xylene costs, crude oil and naphtha prices, refinery operations, production capacity, inventories, freight, import availability, and downstream demand.
- Is Isophthalic Acid used in PET?
Yes. It is used as a comonomer to modify PET and related polyester materials, supporting applications where specific performance characteristics are required.
- What is Isophthalic Acid mainly used for?
Its major applications include unsaturated polyester resins, coatings, fiberglass-reinforced plastics, modified PET, fibers, automotive components, marine materials, and industrial products.
- What is the global Isophthalic Acid market outlook?
IMARC projects the global market to grow from USD 3.3 Billion in 2025 to USD 5.1 Billion by 2034, at a projected 4.84% CAGR during 2026–2034.
Key Takeaway
The Isophthalic Acid price in Northeast Asia stood at USD 1.24/KG in September 2026, down 1.6%. The market remained influenced by softer downstream procurement, adequate availability, and movements in meta-xylene and broader aromatic feedstock costs. Over the longer term, polyester resins, coatings, PET modification, composites, automotive, construction, and marine applications are expected to sustain market demand.
Speak to An Analyst:
https://www.imarcgroup.com/request?type=report&id=22428&flag=C
Key Coverage:
- Market Analysis
- Market Breakup by Region
- Demand Supply Analysis by Type
- Demand Supply Analysis by Application
- Demand Supply Analysis of Raw Materials
- Price Analysis
- Spot Prices by Major Ports
- Price Breakup
- Price Trends by Region
- Factors influencing the Price Trends
- Market Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities
- Competitive Landscape
- Recent Developments
- Global Event Analysis
How IMARC Pricing Database Can Help
The latest IMARC Group study, “Isophthalic Acid Prices, Trend, Chart, Demand, Market Analysis, News, Historical and Forecast Data 2026 Edition,” presents a detailed analysis of Isophthalic Acid price trend, offering key insights into global Isophthalic Acid market dynamics. This report includes comprehensive price charts, which trace historical data and highlights major shifts in the market.
The analysis delves into the factors driving these trends, including raw material costs, production fluctuations, and geopolitical influences. Moreover, the report examines Isophthalic Acid demand, illustrating how consumer behavior and industrial needs affect overall market dynamics. By exploring the intricate relationship between supply and demand, the prices report uncovers critical factors influencing current and future prices.
Explore pricing intelligence across 500+ commodities: https://www.imarcgroup.com/pricing-intelligence
About Us:
IMARC Group is a global management consulting firm that provides a comprehensive suite of services to support market entry and expansion efforts. The company offers detailed market assessments, feasibility studies, regulatory approvals and licensing support, and pricing analysis, including spot pricing and regional price trends. Its expertise spans demand-supply analysis alongside regional insights covering Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. IMARC also specializes in competitive landscape evaluations, profiling key market players, and conducting research into market drivers, restraints, and opportunities. IMARC’s data-driven approach helps businesses navigate complex markets with precision and confidence.
Contact us:
IMARC Group
134 N 4th St. Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA
Email: [email protected]
Tel No: (D) +91 120 433 0800
United State: +1-631-791-1145
