Chemicals, Aromatics
May 20, 2026
CHINA DATA: Orthoxylene exports fall 33% MOM in April
By Sophia Yao
Editor:
HIGHLIGHTS
Taiwan, India top buyers
Prices jump $150/mt MOM amid tight supply
China's orthoxylene exports retreated from an all-time high in March to 28,702 mt in April, down 33% month over month, the latest customs data showed May 20.
Taiwan and India were the two largest buyers of Chinese OX in April, each accounting for 38% of the export volumes, followed by Belgium at 14% and Malaysia at 10%, according to the data.
The shrinking export volumes came amid tightening supply in China due to maintenance. Meanwhile, the hike in OX prices also dampened buying interest from phthalic anhydride producers, according to market participants.
Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, assessed CFR China OX marker up $153.25/mt month over month at an average of $1,284/mt in April, while the April average FOB China price rose $150.25/mt over the same period at $1,282/mt.
| Apr 26 (mt) | Mar 26 (mt) | MOM Change | |
| Belgium | 3,890 | 2,625 | 48% |
| India | 10,805 | 22,002 | -51% |
| Japan | 21 | -100% | |
| Malaysia | 2,981 | 3,481 | -14% |
| Netherlands | 5,753 | -100% | |
| Pakistan | 4,070 | -100% | |
| Taiwan | 11,026 | 4,948 | 123% |
| Total* | 28,702 | 42,901 | -33% |
*Includes destinations with sporadic or small volumes
Source: China Customs Services
