Dioctyl phthalate (DOP) price May 2023 and forecast (see chart below)
- USA:US$1.95/KG, -0.5% down
- Europe:US$1.98/KG, -1% down
- China:US$1.39/KG, -1.4% down
- SEA:US$2.01/KG, 3.1% up
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Dioctyl phthalate (DEHP) price index
This post is a summary of the Dioctyl phthalate (DEHP) price developments. The price developments of Dioctyl phthalate (DEHP) are expressed in US$ prices converted FX rates applicable at the time when the price was valid. Dioctyl phthalate (DEHP) price index developments are calculated from multiple separate sources of data to ensure statistical accuracy.
The outlook for Dioctyl phthalate (DEHP) prices, on the second tab, is generated from different inputs including:
- Very recent price developments of immediate cost drivers of Dioctyl phthalate (DEHP) prices
- Recent price developments of underlying feedstocks which drive the price of Dioctyl phthalate (DEHP)
- Market futures for both cost drives and feedstocks of Dioctyl phthalate (DEHP) prices
- Adjustment of current supply/demand imbalances in the Dioctyl phthalate (DEHP) market
- Longer term trends in likely demand conditions
Further information on the Dioctyl phthalate price chart
Here is some further information
What is dioctyl phthalate
Dioctyl phthalate (also known as DEHP or di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate) is a type of phthalate, which is a class of chemicals that are used as plasticizers to make plastics more flexible and durable. DEHP is commonly used in the manufacture of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic products, such as pipes, wire and cable coatings, and inflatable products. DEHP has been used in a wide range of products, including flooring, wall coverings, toys, and medical devices, but its use has been restricted in some countries due to concerns about its potential health effects.
Some studies have suggested that DEHP may be harmful to human health, particularly for pregnant women and developing fetuses. DEHP is classified as a possible human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and has been linked to developmental and reproductive effects in animals. It is also classified as an endocrine disruptor, meaning it can interfere with the normal functioning of the body’s hormones.
In recent years, there has been increasing concern about the use of DEHP and other phthalates in consumer products, and some countries have implemented regulations to limit their use. If you are concerned about exposure to DEHP, you can try to avoid products that contain PVC or that are made with phthalates, and you can look for products that are labeled as phthalate-free.
How is DEHP produced
Dioctyl phthalate (DEHP) is produced through a process called esterification, which involves the reaction of an alcohol with a carboxylic acid. To produce DEHP, the alcohol used is 2-ethylhexanol and the acid is phthalic acid. The reaction is typically carried out in the presence of a catalyst, such as sulfuric acid, and the resulting product is purified through distillation.
The overall process for producing DEHP involves several steps, including the preparation of the reactants, the esterification reaction, and the purification of the product. The reactants are typically obtained through chemical synthesis from petroleum-derived feedstocks. The esterification reaction typically takes place in a reactor at a high temperature and under high pressure. The purified DEHP product is typically a clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic odor.
What is DEHP used for
Dioctyl phthalate (DEHP) is a chemical that is commonly used as a plasticizer in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic products. Plasticizers are chemicals that are added to plastics to make them more flexible and durable. DEHP is used in a wide range of PVC products, including pipes, wire and cable coatings, inflatable products, and other industrial and consumer products.
DEHP is also used in a variety of other products, including flooring, wall coverings, toys, and medical devices. In the medical industry, DEHP is commonly used in the production of intravenous (IV) bags, tubing, and other medical devices. DEHP is added to PVC to make it more flexible and easier to shape, which makes it useful for these applications.
Further reading
- Wikipedia for general, history, production and usage information
- PubChem for chemistry and property information
Market size information
It is difficult to provide a precise estimate of the size of the market for dioctyl phthalate (DEHP) as the market data is not readily available and can vary over time. DEHP is a chemical that is used as a plasticizer in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic products. PVC is a widely used plastic material, and DEHP is one of the most commonly used plasticizers for PVC. As a result, the market for DEHP is likely to be significant, but it is difficult to provide a more precise estimate without more detailed data.
The demand for DEHP and other plasticizers is driven by the demand for PVC and other plastic products. The global PVC market is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, driven by increasing demand in the construction, automotive, and medical sectors. This may lead to an increase in the demand for DEHP and other plasticizers.
According to https://oec.world/ :Dioctyl orthophthalates are the world’s 3174th most traded product.
In 2020, the top exporters of Dioctyl orthophthalates were South Korea ($87.2M), Malaysia ($48.7M), Chinese Taipei ($46.3M), Vietnam ($25.7M), and China ($17.3M).
In 2020, the top importers of Dioctyl orthophthalates were Egypt ($40M), Vietnam ($23M), Peru ($16.4M), Kenya ($15M), and China ($14.4M).
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Notes on the price-data
- We aim to update the data series on the 9th and 24th of each month (but we do not always make it for each chart)
- The data for the current month and recent history are fine-tuned over time.
- We are continually improving our data collection and processing methods
- Pricing data will be updated from time to time as we improve the accuracy
- We will improve our price trend algorithm before December 31, 2023.
- There will be continuous fine-tuning of the trend and forecast algorithm until end of December 2023.
- As part of that process, we will add many additional indexes in the final quarter of 2023
- This the index trend of the price of the product group in general and not a single specification in particular
- The source of the data are exclusively public non-confidential sources
- We combine public publications, import/export records, company announcements, and sources of ad-hoc public information.
- The chart shows the price trend, nearly always taken from many statistically-correlated sources
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