DOP (dioctyl phthalate) prices in China climbed during October before consolidating as rising feedstock costs collided with weak downstream demand, according to SunSirs commodity market data. The national DOP price reached RMB 10,808.33 per tonne on October 20, up 3.75% from RMB 10,417.50 per tonne on October 1. After touching a one-year high, the rally lost momentum and the market entered a consolidation phase as participants turned more cautious.

Cost support strengthened on both main raw materials. Isooctanol prices rose to RMB 9,700 per tonne by October 20, up 6.40% from RMB 9,116.67 per tonne at the start of the month, driven by propanol cost pressure and regional supply divergence. Phthalic anhydride (ortho-xylene route) climbed 5.99% to RMB 10,616.67 per tonne on higher ortho-xylene and crude oil costs and post-holiday maintenance that tightened supply, pushing the material clearly above the RMB 10,000 mark.

On the supply side, DOP operating rates recovered from a low of about 43% to 56%–57% by October 19–20, yet output remained relatively modest and market pressure was limited. On the demand side, September’s disappointing “peak season” in PVC, limited property-sector improvement and persistently weak offtake kept buyers to essential restocking only. SunSirs analysts expect the DOP market to keep fluctuating at a high level, with cost providing a floor and demand an effective ceiling; any further rise would require a meaningful recovery in end-product demand.