Dioctyl phthalate (DOP) prices in Germany, the highest-cost reporting region, rose 2.0% in Q2 2026 to USD 2,030.00/MT from USD 1,990.00/MT in Q1, extending a steady climb that stands apart from the weakness seen elsewhere since early 2025, according to Expert Market Research. Steady if unspectacular PVC consumption across German and broader European construction and automotive sectors, combined with stable regional supply, kept Europe on a resilient upward path.

South Korea posted the sharpest regional gain, up 3.3% to USD 1,260.00/MT, as disciplined production among major suppliers mitigated the oversupply that weighed on the market through 2025 and strong export inquiries, particularly to the United States, supported the recovery. US prices rose 2.5% to USD 1,660.00/MT as easing import-parity pressure allowed modest gains, while Chinese prices advanced 3.0% to USD 1,185.00/MT, the lowest of the four regions, as elevated inventories from 2025 continued to work down. The global average rose from USD 1,453.00/MT in Q1 to USD 1,491.50/MT in Q2, a 2.6% gain.

For H2 2026, Expert Market Research expects a global average of USD 1,430.00–1,600.00/MT, described as a sideways-to-mild recovery rather than a sharp rebound, contingent on phthalic-anhydride and 2-ethylhexanol feedstock movements. Germany is seen holding USD 2,010–2,150/MT as the premium market, with the United States at USD 1,630–1,760/MT, South Korea at USD 1,240–1,360/MT and China at USD 1,160–1,270/MT. The main upside risk is a faster-than-expected recovery in construction-linked PVC demand, particularly in Asia.