This week, the phthalic anhydride market experienced a significant surge. According to the commodity market analysis system of Business Society, as of January 12, the price of ortho-phthalic anhydride was quoted at 6,283.33 yuan per ton, marking a substantial increase of 5.31% compared to the price of 5,966.67 yuan per ton on January 1. Starting from late December, the price of phthalic anhydride rebounded after a decline, and this upward trend continued throughout the week. The sharp rise in the price of raw material ortho-xylene this week led to increased production costs for phthalic anhydride. Additionally, the operating rate of phthalic anhydride enterprises decreased, resulting in insufficient supply and a significant price increase for phthalic anhydride. **Rising Costs and Insufficient Supply of Phthalic Anhydride** On January 12, Sinopec quoted the price of ortho-xylene at 6,300 yuan per ton, an increase of 500 yuan per ton, or 8.62%, compared to the price of 5,800 yuan per ton on January 1. The substantial rise in ortho-xylene prices has driven up the production costs of phthalic anhydride. This week, the operating load of phthalic anhydride equipment dropped to 63%, leading to reduced production and insufficient supply. **Demand Side: DOP Prices Stop Declining and Begin to Rise** According to the commodity market analysis system of Business Society, as of January 12, the price of DOP was 7,417.50 yuan per ton, showing a slight increase of 1.25% compared to the price of 7,325.84 yuan per ton on January 1. The operating load of plasticizer DOP enterprises remained stable, ensuring steady production, and demand support for phthalic anhydride persists. **Future Market Forecast** Analysts from Business Society specializing in phthalic anhydride product data believe that, in terms of costs, the significant rise in ortho-xylene prices has increased raw material costs, thereby raising the production costs of phthalic anhydride. On the supply side, the reduced operating rates of phthalic anhydride enterprises have led to a decline in production, resulting in insufficient supply. Looking ahead, with rising costs and insufficient supply, coupled with strong demand, it is expected that the price of phthalic anhydride will experience a fluctuating upward trend in the future.