February 4th News — On February 4th, the phthalic anhydride market in Shandong showed a weak consolidation trend. The mainstream negotiated price for o-xylene-based phthalic anhydride was 6,000–6,200 yuan/ton, while the mainstream negotiated price for naphthalene-based phthalic anhydride was 5,550–5,900 yuan/ton. The price of raw material o-xylene remained stable, while the price of industrial naphthalene fluctuated downward, leading to a decrease in the production cost of phthalic anhydride. Downstream plasticizer prices fluctuated lower, with stable equipment operation at phthalic anhydride plants. The operating rate of phthalic anhydride enterprises remained low and stable, resulting in tight supply in the phthalic anhydride market. Plasticizer enterprises maintained steady production loads, but rigid demand support weakened. The outlook for phthalic anhydride suggests a weak consolidation trend. Chempricehub Analysis: Phthalic Anhydride, Bull-Bear Score: -1 The price of raw material o-xylene remained stable, while industrial naphthalene prices fluctuated downward, leading to a decrease in phthalic anhydride production costs. Downstream plasticizer prices declined, weakening demand support. Phthalic anhydride plants maintained stable operations, with tight supply but insufficient rigid demand. The outlook suggests weak consolidation, exerting a generally bearish impact on spot prices. O-Xylene, Bull-Bear Score: 0 Prices remained stable with no significant fluctuations. Supply and demand were balanced, resulting in a neutral impact on spot prices with no clear bullish or bearish signals. Industrial Naphthalene, Bull-Bear Score: -1 Prices fluctuated downward, reflecting ample market supply or reduced demand. Cost pressure eased, but this exerted a generally bearish impact on spot prices. Plasticizer, Bull-Bear Score: -1 Prices fluctuated downward, indicating weak downstream demand. Enterprises maintained steady production loads, but rigid demand support was insufficient, exerting a generally bearish impact on spot prices.