The global Dimethyl Terephthalate (DMT) market performed well during the first quarter of 2026. Most major regions experienced steady price growth as demand from downstream industries remained healthy and supply conditions stayed balanced. Manufacturers continued operating at stable production levels, allowing enough material to reach the market while avoiding excessive inventories. This balanced approach supported gradual price increases throughout the quarter. At the same time, stable raw material costs and consistent crude oil prices helped producers manage manufacturing expenses, giving the market a positive direction.
Demand from polyester and PET manufacturing remained one of the biggest factors supporting the market. These industries continued operating at healthy levels across Asia and several other regions, creating regular demand for DMT. Buyers also became more active during the quarter because they expected prices to continue increasing. Instead of delaying purchases, many companies secured inventories early to avoid paying higher prices later. This steady buying activity helped strengthen overall market confidence.
The dimethyl terephthalate price trend remained positive across most global markets as stable supply, healthy industrial demand, and firm feedstock costs supported gradual price improvements throughout the quarter.
South Korea remained one of the strongest performing markets during Q1 2026. Export prices increased by more than 5% compared with the previous quarter. The market received support from higher PTA prices, which were influenced by lower ethylene production following raw material shortages. Delays in naphtha imports also affected feedstock availability, making production more expensive for manufacturers. Several producers continued operating below normal capacity, reducing regional supply and helping prices move higher.
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March became the strongest month for South Korea. Export prices rose by nearly 14% compared with February as production costs continued increasing. Lower ethylene availability, delayed shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, and tighter regional supply all contributed to the sharp increase. These developments encouraged suppliers to maintain firm export offers throughout the month.
India also experienced strong market performance during the first quarter. Domestic prices increased by nearly 8% compared with the previous quarter as feedstock availability tightened. Delays in paraxylene shipments from Saudi Arabia created additional pressure on manufacturers, while strong domestic demand kept inventories moving steadily. Import offers from China also became more expensive, contributing to higher prices across the local market.
March proved especially active in India as prices increased by around 23% compared with February. Limited product availability combined with healthy purchasing activity created one of the strongest monthly gains among major markets. Buyers continued securing material despite rising costs because they expected supply challenges to continue. Delays in imported cargoes also reduced spot availability, supporting additional price increases.
Indonesia followed a similar pattern as it depended heavily on imports from South Korea. Quarterly prices increased by more than 5% as higher upstream PTA and paraxylene costs raised import offers. Although supply remained available, reduced operating rates in exporting countries limited excess material entering the market. Higher freight costs also contributed to increasing landed prices. Buyers maintained steady procurement to meet ongoing polyester production requirements despite higher import costs.
Japan also reported a positive quarter, supported by higher import costs from South Korea. Prices increased by just over 5% compared with the previous quarter as upstream PTA and paraxylene costs continued rising. Although product availability remained balanced, tighter regional supply and increasing freight expenses pushed import offers higher. Buyers maintained regular purchasing activity to support demand from polyester manufacturers, allowing the market to remain stable throughout the quarter.
March brought another noticeable increase in Japan. Prices climbed by more than 13% from February as higher production costs and stronger supplier confidence influenced the market. Freight costs remained elevated, and exporters maintained firm offers because of limited regional supply. Even though buyers remained cautious, they continued purchasing enough material to meet production requirements.
China also experienced a firm market during Q1 2026. Import prices increased by approximately 5% over the quarter as higher PTA and paraxylene costs supported stronger offers from South Korean suppliers. Supply remained generally sufficient, but tighter regional availability and higher feedstock costs prevented any decline in prices. Buyers continued placing steady orders, particularly from polyester manufacturers that maintained consistent production schedules.
The Chinese market strengthened further during March. Prices increased by more than 13% compared with the previous month as rising production expenses and continued shipping uncertainties increased supplier costs. Higher freight rates added additional pressure, while stable buying activity kept the market balanced. These combined factors helped maintain positive market sentiment throughout the month.
Germany showed a more moderate improvement compared with Asian markets. Domestic prices increased by around 3% during the quarter as higher global LNG prices raised manufacturing expenses. Energy remained one of the biggest cost components for European producers, and disruptions affecting international energy supplies created additional pressure on production. Tighter paraxylene availability also increased PTA production costs, supporting gradual price growth despite moderate downstream demand.
During March, Germany recorded another healthy monthly increase of more than 9%. Rising energy costs, together with continued feedstock pressure, encouraged producers to raise prices further. Although buyers remained careful with purchasing decisions, the overall market stayed positive because production costs continued moving upward.
The United States also experienced a steady increase during the quarter as import prices from Germany gradually strengthened. Prices increased by around 3% over the previous quarter because higher European feedstock and production costs were reflected in export offers. Importers also faced rising freight expenses, making delivered material more expensive. While purchasing activity remained cautious, buyers continued securing sufficient volumes to meet ongoing manufacturing needs.
March saw another notable increase in the United States. Import prices rose by nearly 9% compared with February as European suppliers maintained firm quotations supported by higher production costs and improving market confidence. Logistics expenses and steady import demand also contributed to the positive movement.
Overall, the first quarter of 2026 demonstrated that the global DMT market remained fundamentally healthy. Strong demand from polyester and PET manufacturing, balanced production rates, stable inventories, and higher upstream costs worked together to support prices across most regions. While each country experienced different levels of price growth, the overall market direction remained positive.
Looking ahead, the market will continue to depend on feedstock availability, transportation conditions, energy costs, and downstream industrial demand. If polyester production continues to improve and supply remains balanced, the market could maintain its current strength. However, changes in global shipping conditions or raw material availability may continue influencing future pricing.
Across the global market, dimethyl terephthalate prices remained supported by healthy downstream demand, balanced production, stronger feedstock costs, and stable procurement activity, helping the industry maintain a firm outlook as it entered the next quarter.
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