Global plasticiser trade flows are being reshaped by a combination of surging imports, protectionist measures and supply disruptions. Brazil has experienced a sharp rise in plasticiser imports, particularly DOTP from South Korea and China. During January–July 2026, Brazilian DOTP imports reached 22,536 tons, more than three times the 7,226 tons in the same period of 2025 (a 212% increase), while DOP imports rose 24% year-on-year to 8,834 tons and DINP imports rose 17% to 3,080 tons. Combined imports of the three plasticisers more than doubled to 34,450 tons.

In response, Brazil launched an anti-dumping investigation in June 2026 into DINP, DOP and DOTP imports from South Korea, Chile and Colombia. The investigation follows a serious explosion and fire in early August at Chilean producer Panimex’s Quilicura facility, which had traditionally supplied Brazil with an estimated 7,000 tons per month, prompting buyers to seek alternative sources.

India has also taken steps to protect domestic DINP production. Following an application by KLJ Plasticizers and KLJ Petroplast, India’s Directorate General of Trade Remedies concluded in September 2026 that Malaysian DINP had been dumped and the domestic industry suffered material injury, recommending five-year anti-dumping duties ranging from $111/ton to $277/ton. Malaysian imports accounted for roughly 79% of India’s total DINP imports during the investigation period.

In Europe, the picture is reversed. Exceptionally low Rhine water levels this summer created serious transportation difficulties, prompting BASF and Evonik Oxeno to declare force majeure in July. With DINP and DPHP supply constrained and uncertainty persisting into October, European buyers are increasingly looking toward imports, including material from China. Western Europe imported 792 tons of DINP/DIDP from China in January–July 2026, up from 117 tons for all of 2025 and just 54 tons in 2024, signaling growing willingness to source Chinese material. BASF has begun investing over €100 million to modernize its intermodal rail terminal at Ludwigshafen to reduce reliance on river shipping.