According to the Business Society Commodity Market Analysis System, the price of plasticizer DOP fluctuated and rose in January. As of January 16, the DOP price was 7,492.50 yuan per ton, representing an increase of 2.27% compared to 7,325.84 yuan per ton on January 1. The operating load of plasticizer DOP enterprises remained stable, with an operating rate of around 63%, ensuring stable DOP production. The prices of isooctanol and phthalic anhydride increased, leading to higher raw material costs and consequently an increase in DOP production costs. The combination of rising costs and ample supply contributed to the fluctuating rise in plasticizer prices.

The operating rate of plasticizer DOP manufacturers slightly declined in January, dropping to 63%, resulting in reduced DOP production and supply. Despite this, the upward momentum for DOP prices remains.

According to the Business Society Commodity Market Analysis System, as of January 16, the price of isooctanol was 7,033.33 yuan per ton, representing an increase of 1.69% compared to 6,916.67 yuan per ton on January 1. Following the completion of equipment maintenance, the operating load of isooctanol enterprises improved, with the operating rate reaching 95%, ensuring sufficient supply. The significant increase in propylene prices further strengthened the cost support for isooctanol. The fluctuating rise in isooctanol prices has increased production costs for plasticizers, thereby amplifying the upward momentum for DOP.

In January, the market for phthalic anhydride experienced a fluctuating rise. As of January 16, the price of ortho-phthalic anhydride was 6,266.67 yuan per ton, representing a significant increase of 5.03% compared to 5,966.67 yuan per ton on January 1. Starting from late December, phthalic anhydride prices rebounded after a decline, and the upward trend continued into January. The substantial increase in phthalic anhydride prices has raised DOP production costs, further strengthening the support for plasticizer price increases.

Looking ahead, analysts from the Business Society Plasticizer Product Data Analysis team believe that, on the cost side, the fluctuating rise in isooctanol prices and the significant increase in phthalic anhydride prices will further support higher DOP production costs. On the supply side, the operating rate of plasticizer enterprises remains weak but stable, ensuring steady production and ample supply. Given the rising costs, coupled with sufficient supply and limited demand, it is expected that DOP prices will consolidate strongly in the future.