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Isophthalic acid is produced by the catalytic oxidation of m-xylene, yielding an aromatic dicarboxylic acid used predominantly in unsaturated polyester resin production. The largest demand pull comes from fibreglass composite manufacturing, followed by marine and industrial coating applications, and PET bottle resin modification. m-Xylene feedstock costs, composite and coating sector demand, and regional production capacity all feed into the price.
Global isophthalic acid prices tracked close to the USD 1.02 to USD 1.22 per KG range projected for 2026, as m-xylene firming and resin demand supported the tone. US prices averaged USD 1.25 per KG in Q1 2026, up 5.9 percent from Q4 2025, as firmer m-xylene feedstock costs from Middle East aromatic disruptions elevated production expenses while recovering fibreglass composite and specialty coating procurement maintained consistent buying. China's large capacity kept it the most affordable source, while Germany remained the highest-cost reporting region.
Isophthalic acid prices held a firm tone through August 2026, tracking close to the Q1 2026 levels across all tracked regions, as firmer m-xylene feedstock costs and recovering fibreglass composite and coating demand continued to support the market.
The balance of supply and demand for isophthalic acid through the rest of 2026 leans moderately firm. m-Xylene feedstock costs firmed from Middle East aromatic supply disruptions. Fibreglass composite and unsaturated polyester resin sector demand is recovering with improving marine, automotive, and construction activity.
The main upside risk is a sustained m-xylene cost increase alongside a broad composite and construction sector recovery. The main downside risk is continued Chinese isophthalic acid capacity additions and weak European construction demand that limits global price recovery.
| Region | 2026 Price Range (USD/KG) | Outlook |
| Global Average | 1.02 - 1.22 | m-Xylene firming and resin demand support the tone |
| United States | 1.12 - 1.32 | Steady composite and coating demand holds it firm |
| China | 0.82 - 1.02 | Large capacity keeps it the most affordable source |
| Germany | 1.40 - 1.60 | High feedstock and energy costs keep it the most expensive |
| India | 1.06 - 1.26 | Growing composite and construction demand holds a firm middle |
US isophthalic acid prices averaged USD 1.25/KG in Q1 2026, up 5.9% from USD 1.18/KG in Q4 2025. Firmer m-xylene feedstock costs from Middle East aromatic disruptions elevated production expenses. Recovering fibreglass composite and specialty coating procurement maintained consistent buying through the quarter.
Why did the price of Isophthalic Acid change in Q1 2026 in the United States?
Firmer m-xylene feedstock costs from Middle East aromatic supply disruptions raised the oxidation production cost floor. Recovering fibreglass composite and marine coating sector procurement lifted buying from resin formulators. Higher freight and insurance premiums elevated the landed cost of imported isophthalic acid grades.
Chinese isophthalic acid prices averaged USD 0.90/KG in Q1 2026, up 5.9% from USD 0.85/KG in Q4 2025, the lowest among the tracked markets. Post-Lunar New Year fibreglass composite and resin sector restocking lifted procurement. Firmer m-xylene costs raised the production floor despite large domestic oxidation capacity.
Why did the price of Isophthalic Acid change in Q1 2026 in China?
Post-holiday fibreglass composite and unsaturated polyester resin restocking lifted procurement. Firmer m-xylene feedstock costs raised the production cost floor. Large domestic oxidation capacity kept China the most competitive source despite the recovery.
German isophthalic acid prices averaged USD 1.50/KG in Q1 2026, up 5.6% from USD 1.42/KG in Q4 2025, the highest among the tracked markets. Higher m-xylene and energy costs elevated European production expenses. Recovering composite and specialty coating sector demand maintained consistent buying through the quarter.
Why did the price of Isophthalic Acid change in Q1 2026 in Germany?
Higher m-xylene and energy costs elevated European isophthalic acid production expenses. Middle East aromatic disruptions added import cost premiums to m-xylene feedstock. Recovering fibreglass composite and specialty alkyd coating demand maintained consistent procurement.
Indian isophthalic acid prices averaged USD 1.16/KG in Q1 2026, up 5.5% from USD 1.10/KG in Q4 2025. Growing fibreglass composite and construction panel demand supported buying. Firmer import-linked m-xylene costs raised the production floor through the quarter.
Why did the price of Isophthalic Acid change in Q1 2026 in India?
Growing fibreglass composite and construction panel demand lifted procurement. Firmer import-linked m-xylene feedstock costs raised the production floor. Middle East freight premiums elevated the landed cost of imported isophthalic acid and m-xylene.
US isophthalic acid prices averaged USD 1.18/KG in Q4 2025, recovering from the Q3 softening. Autumn composite and coating season demand lifted procurement. Firmer m-xylene costs held the production floor elevated near USD 1.18/KG.
Why did the price of Isophthalic Acid change in Q4 2025 in the United States?
Autumn fibreglass composite and marine coating season demand lifted procurement from resin formulators. Firmer m-xylene feedstock costs maintained the elevated production floor. The market recovered from the Q3 softening near USD 1.18/KG.
Chinese prices averaged USD 0.85/KG in Q4 2025, recovering from the Q3 dip. Autumn composite and construction demand lifted buying. Stable m-xylene costs held the market near USD 0.85/KG.
Why did the price of Isophthalic Acid change in Q4 2025 in China?
Autumn composite and construction demand lifted procurement from domestic resin formulators. Stable m-xylene feedstock costs maintained the production cost floor. The market recovered from the Q3 dip near USD 0.85/KG.
German prices averaged USD 1.42/KG in Q4 2025, recovering from the Q3 level. Autumn composite and specialty coating demand and firm energy costs held the production floor near USD 1.42/KG.
Why did the price of Isophthalic Acid change in Q4 2025 in Germany?
Autumn composite and specialty alkyd coating demand lifted procurement. Firm energy and m-xylene costs maintained the elevated production floor. The market recovered from the Q3 level near USD 1.42/KG.
Indian prices averaged USD 1.10/KG in Q4 2025, recovering from the Q3 softening. Growing composite and construction demand supported buying. Firmer m-xylene import costs maintained the production floor near USD 1.10/KG.
Why did the price of Isophthalic Acid change in Q4 2025 in India?
Growing fibreglass composite and construction demand lifted procurement. Firmer m-xylene import costs maintained the production cost floor. The market recovered from the Q3 softening near USD 1.10/KG.
Global isophthalic acid prices rose in Q2 and Q3 2025 on firming m-xylene costs before a Q3 seasonal softening and a strong Q4 and Q1 2026 recovery. The average rose from USD 1.025/KG in Q1 2025 to USD 1.050/KG in Q2 and USD 1.062/KG in Q3, then softened to USD 1.038/KG in Q4, before surging to USD 1.103/KG in Q1 2026, a net gain of about 7.6% over the window. m-Xylene feedstock cycles and composite sector seasonal demand drove the pattern.
| Quarter | Price (USD/KG) | QoQ Change | Direction |
| Q1 2026 | 1.103 | +6.3% | ↑ Rising |
| Q4 2025 | 1.038 | -2.3% | ↓ Falling |
| Q3 2025 | 1.062 | +1.1% | ↑ Rising |
| Q2 2025 | 1.050 | +2.4% | ↑ Rising |
| Q1 2025 | 1.025 | - | - Stable |
| Q2 2026 | In Progress | - | - In Progress |
Isophthalic acid prices showed a Q2-Q3 firming trend before a Q4 seasonal softening through 2025. The global average opened at USD 1.025/KG in Q1 and closed near USD 1.038/KG in Q4, a full-year gain of about 1.3%. Firming m-xylene costs, consistent fibreglass composite and alkyd coating demand, and growing construction and marine sector activity supported the overall upward trend.
US prices firmed from about USD 1.12/KG in Q1 2025 to USD 1.18/KG by Q4, a gain of 5.4%. Consistent fibreglass composite and specialty coating demand and firming m-xylene costs maintained the upward trend despite the brief Q4 seasonal softening.
Chinese prices fell from roughly USD 0.88/KG in Q1 2025 to USD 0.85/KG by Q4, a decline of 3.4%. Large domestic oxidation capacity and soft composite export demand maintained downward pressure. China held the lowest price level throughout the year.
German prices firmed from about USD 1.35/KG in Q1 2025 to USD 1.42/KG by Q4, a gain of 5.2%. Consistent composite and specialty coating demand and firm m-xylene and energy costs supported the market. Germany maintained the highest price level.
Indian prices firmed from roughly USD 1.05/KG in Q1 2025 to USD 1.10/KG by Q4, a gain of 4.8%. Growing fibreglass composite and construction demand drove the consistent firming through the year.
Expert Market Research: Your Source for Real-Time Isophthalic Acid Price Intelligence
Expert Market Research tracks isophthalic acid prices continuously across every major producing and consuming region. The team traces causation through m-xylene feedstock economics, fibreglass composite and specialty coating sector demand cycles, and regional oxidation plant capacity. Contact Expert Market Research today for isophthalic acid pricing data, bespoke market analysis, and strategic procurement advisory.
*While we strive to always give you current and accurate information, the numbers depicted on the website are indicative and may differ from the actual numbers in the main report. At Expert Market Research, we aim to bring you the latest insights and trends in the market. Using our analyses and forecasts, stakeholders can understand the market dynamics, navigate challenges, and capitalize on opportunities to make data-driven strategic decisions.*
Unsaturated polyester resin production for fibreglass-reinforced composites takes the largest share, covering boats, automotive parts, and construction panels. High-performance alkyd and polyester coating formulations, PET resin modification, and specialty adhesives also consume significant volumes.
The Q1 2026 average was USD 1.25/KG in the United States, USD 0.90/KG in China, USD 1.50/KG in Germany, and USD 1.16/KG in India. Germany remains the highest-priced market.
The global average rose from USD 1.025/KG in Q1 2025 to about USD 1.038/KG in Q4, a full-year gain of around 1.3%. A Q2-Q3 m-xylene-driven uptick and Q4 seasonal softening defined the year before the Q1 2026 recovery.
Seasonal softening in fibreglass composite and marine sector procurement reduced the primary demand driver. Adequate m-xylene and isophthalic acid supply allowed buyers to defer restocking, pressing prices lower before the Q1 2026 recovery.
The global average is expected in the USD 1.02 to 1.22/KG range for the rest of 2026, with recovery on firmer m-xylene feedstock costs and growing fibreglass composite and construction sector demand globally.
Germany sits highest on m-xylene and energy costs, the United States and India hold a firm middle on composite and coating demand, and China prices lowest on large domestic m-xylene oxidation capacity.
This report is updated monthly. For real-time pricing intelligence, contact the Expert Market Research team directly.
Prices respond mainly to m-xylene feedstock costs, fibreglass composite and coating sector demand, and oxidation plant capacity utilisation. Middle East aromatic supply events and marine and construction sector activity are key near-term signals.
Asia Pacific leads with China holding the largest m-xylene oxidation capacity, followed by North America and Europe. Any m-xylene or aromatic feedstock shift ripples across isophthalic acid markets within one to two quarters.
Buyers can use quarterly trends and forecasts to time resin and coating contracts around composite season cycles, build cover when m-xylene signals tightening, and monitor Middle East aromatic supply as the primary feedstock cost signal.
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