Feedstock cost signals
Paraxylene, methanol and processing cost movements can reset the floor for DMT quotations.
QUOTE PLANNING
Dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) quote factors
A DMT quote is only comparable when product requirements and delivery terms use the same basis. Use this page to prepare a decision-ready RFQ.
OVERVIEW
What moves the DMT quote
A useful price discussion starts with grade, package, volume, delivery location and current supply context.
Source and availability
Origin, manufacturing source, available lot and production timing affect what can actually be offered.
Currency and logistics
Imported supply can move with exchange rates, freight, destination and delivery schedule.
Application demand
PBT, film, specialty polyester and recycling projects create different buying patterns.
REFERENCE
Key product information
- Quote basis
- Specification, source, batch, packaging, volume, destination, Incoterm and schedule
- Document basis
- State which COA, SDS/TDS and export documents must be reviewed
- Packaging
- Confirm available format, net weight, palletization and minimum quantity
- Best next step
- Send the application, critical limits and expected demand
PROJECT CHECKLIST
What to confirm
Define application and critical limitsShare package, volume, destination and IncotermState required documents and test methodsConfirm validity, availability and lead time in writing
2026 MARKET DYNAMICS
Global DMT supply rationalization and dual-track pricing
Structural capacity shifts and pricing divergence between fossil and circular grades.
| Market Segment | Nominal Capacity & Operating Rate | Reference Price Band (CIF) | Market Structure & Drivers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional Fossil DMT | Global nominal ~1.25–1.35 Mt/a; Operating rate 65%–70% | $1,400–$1,550 / MT | Tied to paraxylene (PX) and methanol spot movements; used in standard engineering plastics and industrial fibers |
| Circular / High-Purity DMT | Supply constrained (<200 kt/a commercial) | $1,700–$2,000 / MT | Commands 20%–35% green and purity premium driven by EU PPWR mandates, sub-ppm poison limits, and brand ESG goals |
| European Supply Base | Operating rate 40%–50% or permanent cold-idle | Elevated marginal cost | Witten oxidation units squeezed by natural gas costs, power tariffs, and EU ETS carbon compliance costs |
| Asia-Pacific Supply Base | Operating rate 75%–85% (supply anchor) | Competitive export parity | Integrated with large-scale polyester hubs; accelerating import substitution in optical and electronic grades |
CUSTOMS TRADE DATA
China customs import vs export scissors gap (HS Code: 29173910)
2026 first-half customs statistics highlight volume-price divergence and high-end structural deficit.
| Trade Flow | YoY Volume Change | Average Unit Price | Supply Chain Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Imports into China | +39.65% (surge) | $1,680–$1,750 / MT | Non-substitutable demand for premium electronic-grade PBT, CHDM catalytic hydrogenation, and optical film feedstocks |
| Exports from China | -68.88% (sharp contraction) | $1,280–$1,320 / MT | Commodity grades face weak international demand and price competition in standard overseas markets |
| Net Price Spread (Scissors Gap) | Over $400 / MT premium on imports | Clear structural bifurcation | Underscores domestic surplus in commodity grades against strong structural demand for imported high-purity specifications |
FAQ
DMT market dynamics & pricing FAQ
What structural factors drive the 2026 DMT dual-track pricing mechanism?
Global DMT pricing bifurcates into two distinct tiers: conventional fossil-based DMT ($1,400–$1,550/MT CIF) fluctuates with paraxylene and methanol feedstock dynamics, while chemical-recycled and ultra-high-purity hydrogenation grades command $1,700–$2,000/MT CIF. The 20%–35% green and purity premium is supported by EU PPWR statutory post-consumer targets and sub-ppm catalyst poison limits.
How should procurement teams evaluate the 2026 China Customs HS 29173910 import/export scissors gap?
First-half 2026 customs data reveals a sharp trade bifurcation: imports surged +39.65% at average values of $1,680–$1,750/MT, while exports contracted -68.88% at $1,280–$1,320/MT. This spread exceeding $400/MT demonstrates an acute structural domestic deficit in electronic-grade PBT, CHDM synthesis, and optical film feedstocks despite generic commodity surplus.
How do feedstock movements in paraxylene and methanol translate into DMT quotation floors?
Stoichiometrically, producing one ton of DMT via classical oxidation-esterification requires approximately 0.65–0.70 tons of paraxylene and 0.35–0.40 tons of methanol. Energy, steam, and separation costs establish the conversion premium, defining a baseline cost floor for sustainable recurring supply.
RELATED ACTIONS
Continue the qualification
NEXT STEPSamples & small packsReview the trial purpose, batch documents and availability before planning a test.NEXT STEPDownloadable toolsUse the procurement workbook, buyer guide and document-review checklist.NEXT STEPSubmit a structured RFQShare the application, critical limits, volume, packaging, destination and required documents.
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Turn your requirements into a reviewable supply plan
Share your application, target specification, volume and destination — we’ll confirm the next practical step and the available COA or sample basis.