Introduction

Paraxylene is primary raw material used for manufacturing of Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA) and Dimethyl-Terephthalate (DMT). Both, PTA and DMT are used in manufacturing Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) saturated Polyester polymers and production of Polyester staple fibre and filament. The global production of Paraxylene in the year 2014 is estimated at 38,757.0KT and the consumption is at the level of 39,400.0KT. The total registered trade of Paraxylene is estimated to be 54,494.5KT in the year 2014.

Global Paraxylene Market

PARAXYLENE: DEMAND-SUPPLY GAP ANALYSIS (2014)

Source: Fibre2Fashion Analysis, Secondary Research

Asia being the biggest consumer of Paraxylene had the biggest demand supply gap of -3,800 KTin 2014, as shown in the figure above. In 2014, China; accounting for 47% of global Paraxylene consumption, was the major contributor to this demand supply gap in Asia. China mainly imported Paraxylene manufactured in the Middle East to fulfil its deficit. Asia being one of the fastest growing regions in the World attracted majority of the Paraxylene manufacturers to expand their operation in the region to gain from the growing demand in the region, especially in China.

F E Asian Market

  • Paraxylene prices were in the range of US$ 750-940/ton from January 2015 to December 2015. In FOB Korea the highest prices were reported in May 2015 in the Asia market. However, the lowest prices were recorded in December 2015 during the last 12 months.
  • The prices went down by 31.3 % Y-O-Y. The average price of Paraxylene for last 12 months was at US$ 825/ton. PX market declined in Month of December in Asian market due to pessimistic market sentiments, sluggish buying interest and weak upstream energy values.

S E Asian Market

  • Paraxylene prices were in the range of US$ 765-960/ton from January 2015 to December 2015.
  • In S E Asia the highest prices were reported in May 2015 in the South East Asia. However, the lowest prices were recorded in December 2015 during the last 12 months.
  • Average price of Paraxylene during the year 2014 was witnessed at US$ 1225/ton, while in 2015 it was assessed at US$ 845/ton. The prices went down by 30.8 % Y-O-Y.

European Market

  • Paraxylene prices were in the range of US$ 675-860/ton from January 2015 to December 2015. In European Market the highest prices were reported in June 2015 in the European market.
  • However, the lowest prices were recorded in December 2015 during the last 12 months. Average price of Paraxylene during the year 2015 was witnessed at US$ 772/ton, while in 2014 it was assessed at US$ 1134/ton.
  • The prices went down by 31.8 % Y-O-Y. In European market, selling offers for PX was in the range of US$ 675/ton to US$ 860/ton in the year 2015.

USA Market

  • Paraxylene prices were in the range of US$ 712-925/ton from January 2015 to December 2015 in US Market the highest prices were reported in March 2011 in the global market.
  • However, the lowest prices were recorded in July 2015 during the last 12 months. Average price of Paraxylene during the year 2015 was witnessed at US$ 814/ton, while in 2014 it was assessed at US$ 1158/ton.
  • The prices went down by 29.6 % Y-O-Y. The average price of Paraxylene for last 12 months was at US$ 814/ton.