What is Dioctyl Terephthalate (DOTP) Market Analysis: Price Trend, Trade Data and Plasticizer Substitution
Analysts Sentiment
Bullish
Neutral
Bearish
What's driving sentiment this week:
Latest published month (2026-07) — Sentiment: Bullish
The most recent published customs observation for HS 291739 is 2026-07 at USD 1,935.11/ton, -9.9% against the previous month and +4.8% against 2025-08.
Reported volume across the fixed 7-economy panel was 196,041 tonnes over the window, 16,337 tonnes a month on average, and the three-month trend is +12.0%.
Next 1–3 Months — Outlook
This page is refreshed from public customs statistics rather than paid price assessments, so the next revision will roll in each newly published month for HS 291739. Direction shown here is a reading of published customs unit values, not a forecast.
Key Market Impact
Customs unit values for this heading are the single most checkable price signal available without a subscription: they combine the product mix actually crossing borders, the average contract level behind those shipments and freight-relevant volume. Treat them as the trade-weighted baseline for the heading, and read the coverage note above before applying them to a single grade.
How About the Price?
Data source: UN Comtrade public trade statistics (https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/M/HS?reporterCode=156,842,699,410,276,528,356,360,764,458,724,40,56,251,380,616,826,124,76,484,792,682,784,704,490,702,643,36,710,818,364,203,348,300,620,372,208,246,752,578,320,508&period=202607&cmdCode=291739&partnerCode=0&flowCode=X&includeDesc=true) | Last updated: 2026-11-03
Demand-side factors
- DOTP demand comes from flexible PVC where an orthophthalate-free plasticizer is required — wire and cable, flooring, automotive interiors, coated fabrics and toys — because it plasticises PVC with the same ester chemistry while falling outside the orthophthalate lines that carry the REACH restrictions, so its call tracks substitution away from DOP rather than PVC output alone.
- Related market pages on this site: Dioctyl Phthalate (the orthophthalate it replaces), Octanol (the C8 alcohol esterified with the acid), Para-Xylene (the aromatic feedstock behind purified terephthalic acid), Trioctyl Trimellitate (the high-temperature plasticiser used in the same cable compounds).
Price Trajectory, latest 12 months (2025-08 to 2026-07)
The monthly customs export unit value for HS 291739 moved from USD 1,846.59/ton in 2025-08 to USD 1,935.11/ton in 2026-07 (+4.8% across the window). The window high was USD 2,172.75/ton in 2026-05 and the low USD 1,642.42/ton in 2026-01. Three-month averages put the latest quarter +12.0% against the previous one, which is classified here as bullish.
The same panel reported USD 377.7 million of export value on 196,041 tonnes over the twelve months, an average of 16,337 tonnes a month. Values are customs returns for the stated HS heading, so they capture the traded mix of that heading rather than a single quoted grade.
The EU side of the same heading is one month fresher than the panel above: Eurostat Comext records EU27 imports of HS 291739 from outside the EU at USD 1,680.39/ton in 2026-08 (EUR 1,449.48/ton at the ECB monthly reference rate), -4.6% against 2026-07, on 15,616 tonnes; the twelve months to 2026-08 totalled 232,004 tonnes. On the 12 months the two datasets share (2025-08 to 2026-07), three-month blocks that far apart moved +6.9% on the export panel and +9.1% on the EU import side, so the two agree on direction. Import values are recorded on a CIF-type basis by a single bloc, so the level is not comparable with the export panel — the comparison above is directional.
2026-08 is deliberately not in the series: of the 7 economies that make up this page's fixed panel, 5 had filed both value and net weight for this heading when the page was rebuilt on 2026-11-03, while the heading drew 15 filers in total that month; 2026-09 drew 0 filings for this heading, 0 of them from panel members, and 2026-10 drew 0 (0 from the panel). Splicing a partly-filed month onto a fixed panel would move the unit value through composition alone, so the window stays at 2026-07 until the whole panel for 2026-08 has reported.
HS 291739 is the residual line for aromatic polycarboxylic acids and their derivatives not specified elsewhere in 2917.3, so DOTP shares it with TOTM, the other terephthalate and trimellitate esters and the aromatic anhydrides that have no dedicated six-digit line; DOP and DEHP are separated in 291732, the other orthophthalate esters in 291734, and terephthalic acid and dimethyl terephthalate in 291736 and 291737. The series is therefore an other-aromatic-ester composite that contains DOTP but cannot be read as a DOTP quote.
Supply-side factors
- Fixed reporting panel of 7 economies: CAN (124), CZE (203), MYS (458), NLD (528), POL (616), IND (699), SWE (752). The panel is held constant in every month of the window so month-to-month movement is not a composition effect.
- Monthly unit value range over the window: USD 1,642.42 to USD 2,172.75/ton.
- Latest month, 2026-07: USD 1,935.11/ton, -9.9% against the previous month, on 16,066 tonnes.
Basis: these are customs unit values for the stated HS heading, not quoted spot, contract or assessed prices, and no paid price assessment is used or redistributed on this page. Every figure can be re-checked at the API links listed at the end of this page.
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Data Sources
Every monthly endpoint used for the series on this page, the EU cross-check, the exchange rate used to express it in dollars and the HS classification reference:
- https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/M/HS?reporterCode=156,842,699,410,276,528,356,360,764,458,724,40,56,251,380,616,826,124,76,484,792,682,784,704,490,702,643,36,710,818,364,203,348,300,620,372,208,246,752,578,320,508&period=202508&cmdCode=291739&partnerCode=0&flowCode=X&includeDesc=true
- https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/M/HS?reporterCode=156,842,699,410,276,528,356,360,764,458,724,40,56,251,380,616,826,124,76,484,792,682,784,704,490,702,643,36,710,818,364,203,348,300,620,372,208,246,752,578,320,508&period=202509&cmdCode=291739&partnerCode=0&flowCode=X&includeDesc=true
- https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/M/HS?reporterCode=156,842,699,410,276,528,356,360,764,458,724,40,56,251,380,616,826,124,76,484,792,682,784,704,490,702,643,36,710,818,364,203,348,300,620,372,208,246,752,578,320,508&period=202510&cmdCode=291739&partnerCode=0&flowCode=X&includeDesc=true
- https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/M/HS?reporterCode=156,842,699,410,276,528,356,360,764,458,724,40,56,251,380,616,826,124,76,484,792,682,784,704,490,702,643,36,710,818,364,203,348,300,620,372,208,246,752,578,320,508&period=202511&cmdCode=291739&partnerCode=0&flowCode=X&includeDesc=true
- https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/M/HS?reporterCode=156,842,699,410,276,528,356,360,764,458,724,40,56,251,380,616,826,124,76,484,792,682,784,704,490,702,643,36,710,818,364,203,348,300,620,372,208,246,752,578,320,508&period=202512&cmdCode=291739&partnerCode=0&flowCode=X&includeDesc=true
- https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/M/HS?reporterCode=156,842,699,410,276,528,356,360,764,458,724,40,56,251,380,616,826,124,76,484,792,682,784,704,490,702,643,36,710,818,364,203,348,300,620,372,208,246,752,578,320,508&period=202601&cmdCode=291739&partnerCode=0&flowCode=X&includeDesc=true
- https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/M/HS?reporterCode=156,842,699,410,276,528,356,360,764,458,724,40,56,251,380,616,826,124,76,484,792,682,784,704,490,702,643,36,710,818,364,203,348,300,620,372,208,246,752,578,320,508&period=202602&cmdCode=291739&partnerCode=0&flowCode=X&includeDesc=true
- https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/M/HS?reporterCode=156,842,699,410,276,528,356,360,764,458,724,40,56,251,380,616,826,124,76,484,792,682,784,704,490,702,643,36,710,818,364,203,348,300,620,372,208,246,752,578,320,508&period=202603&cmdCode=291739&partnerCode=0&flowCode=X&includeDesc=true
- https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/M/HS?reporterCode=156,842,699,410,276,528,356,360,764,458,724,40,56,251,380,616,826,124,76,484,792,682,784,704,490,702,643,36,710,818,364,203,348,300,620,372,208,246,752,578,320,508&period=202604&cmdCode=291739&partnerCode=0&flowCode=X&includeDesc=true
- https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/M/HS?reporterCode=156,842,699,410,276,528,356,360,764,458,724,40,56,251,380,616,826,124,76,484,792,682,784,704,490,702,643,36,710,818,364,203,348,300,620,372,208,246,752,578,320,508&period=202605&cmdCode=291739&partnerCode=0&flowCode=X&includeDesc=true
- https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/M/HS?reporterCode=156,842,699,410,276,528,356,360,764,458,724,40,56,251,380,616,826,124,76,484,792,682,784,704,490,702,643,36,710,818,364,203,348,300,620,372,208,246,752,578,320,508&period=202606&cmdCode=291739&partnerCode=0&flowCode=X&includeDesc=true
- https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/M/HS?reporterCode=156,842,699,410,276,528,356,360,764,458,724,40,56,251,380,616,826,124,76,484,792,682,784,704,490,702,643,36,710,818,364,203,348,300,620,372,208,246,752,578,320,508&period=202607&cmdCode=291739&partnerCode=0&flowCode=X&includeDesc=true
- https://comtradeapi.un.org/files/v1/app/reference/HS.json
- Eurostat Comext DS-045409, EU27 extra-EU imports, monthly: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/api/comext/dissemination/statistics/1.0/data/DS-045409?format=JSON&freq=M&reporter=EU27_2020&partner=EXT_EU27_2020&flow=1&indicators=VALUE_IN_EUROS&indicators=QUANTITY_IN_100KG&product=291739&sinceTimePeriod=2025-07
- ECB euro reference rate, monthly average (EXR/M.USD.EUR.SP00.A): https://data-api.ecb.europa.eu/service/data/EXR/M.USD.EUR.SP00.A?format=csvdata&startPeriod=2025-07&endPeriod=2026-10
Substitutes & Alternatives
| Substitute | Replacement Scenario / How It Substitutes |
|---|---|
| Diisononyl Phthalate (DINP) | A high-molecular-weight ortho-phthalate plasticizer used in flexible PVC for flooring, cables, and automotive parts. Can substitute for DOTP in applications where DINP is not yet restricted, offering similar plasticizing efficiency and lower cost. Requires no reformulation in most PVC compounds. However, DINP faces increasing regulatory scrutiny (REACH authorization candidate), limiting its long-term viability as a substitute. |
| Diisodecyl Phthalate (DIDP) | A high-molecular-weight phthalate plasticizer with very low volatility, used in wire and cable insulation and automotive PVC. Can partially substitute for DOTP in high-temperature cable applications where low volatility is critical. Drop-in at similar loading levels, but subject to the same regulatory pressure as other ortho-phthalates. |
| Dioctyl Adipate (DOA / DEHA) | An aliphatic diester plasticizer offering superior low-temperature flexibility (Tg depression). Substitutes for DOTP in cold-climate cable jacketing, refrigerator gaskets, and flexible packaging films where low-temperature performance is the primary requirement. Often used in blends with DOTP to balance cost and low-temperature properties. Requires formulation adjustment as DOA has higher volatility and lower permanence than DOTP. |
| Acetyl Tributyl Citrate (ATBC) | A citrate-based bio-derived plasticizer used in medical-grade PVC (blood bags, tubing), food packaging films, and toys. Substitutes for DOTP in applications requiring FDA/EU food-contact or medical device compliance and where bio-based content is valued. Higher cost and lower permanence than DOTP; typically used at similar or slightly higher loading levels. Partial replacement in blends with DOTP is common to balance performance and cost. |
Related PetroApex Market Pages
- Para Xylene — the aromatic feedstock oxidised to terephthalic acid.
- Octanol — the C8 alcohol esterified with terephthalic acid to make DOTP.
- Dioctyl Phthalate — the ortho-phthalate that DOTP is bought to replace.
- Trioctyl Trimellitate
Regulatory Status
| Region | Regulation / Policy Name | Issuing Authority | Year (enacted or latest revision) | Key Requirement / Threshold | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU | REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 | European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) | 2007 (Candidate List ongoing) | Identification ongoing for SVHC (Article 57 criteria); no inclusion on Candidate List or Authorisation List | ECHA public activities and candidate list references |
| US | TSCA Section 6(a) Phthalates Risk Evaluation | US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) | 2025 (final evaluations completed) | Evaluations cover phthalate plasticizers including DCHP (related); no unreasonable risk determination for DOTP under conditions of use | EPA Phthalates page (epa.gov) |
| US | CPSIA Section 108 Phthalate Ban | Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) | 2011 (permanent provisions) | 0.1% concentration prohibition in toys/childcare articles for DEHP, DBP, BBP (DOTP excluded) | CPSC final rule 76 FR 68150 |
| US | FDA Food Additive Regulations (21 CFR) | US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) | 2022 (revocation final) | Revokes authorizations for 23 specific phthalates; DOTP not among revoked or restricted for food contact | FDA final rule 87 FR 64140 |
| China | Measures for Environmental Management of New Chemical Substances | Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) | 2010 (amended) | IECSC inventory listing; no specific restrictions or thresholds for DOTP in plasticizers/toys/food contact | MEE official chemical inventory |
| Global | Antidumping Duty Orders | US Department of Commerce (Commerce) | 2025 (orders issued) | Anti-dumping orders imposed on DOTP imports from Malaysia, Poland, Taiwan, Türkiye; no duties on China-origin imports | USITC and Federal Register notices |
Key Influence Events
DOTP is a clear, oily liquid used primarily as a general-purpose plasticizer for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other polymers, offering good thermal stability, low volatility, and excellent electrical insulation properties.
Top Countries Production Capacity
Production Process of Dioctyl Terephthalate (DOTP) Market Analysis: Price Trend, Trade Data and Plasticizer Substitution
DOTP is a clear, oily liquid used primarily as a general-purpose plasticizer for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other polymers, offering good thermal stability, low volatility, and excellent electrical insulation properties.
Specs & Grades
| Property | Typical Value / Range | Unit | Grade / Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid | — | All grades |
Data Sources
Price and volume figures are derived from the directly verified public sources below. The customs unit values are USD/ton; they are not subscription price assessments. Numeric assay rows were removed because no public product-grade source is cited for them - confirm grade-level specifications with the supplier. Every monthly endpoint used for the series on this page is listed below, together with the HS classification reference.
- https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/M/HS?reporterCode=156,842,699,410,276,528,356,360,764,458,724,40,56,251,380,616,826,124,76,484,792,682,784,704,490,702,643,36,710,818,364,203,348,300,620,372,208,246,752,578,320,508&period=202508&cmdCode=291739&partnerCode=0&flowCode=X&includeDesc=true
- https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/M/HS?reporterCode=156,842,699,410,276,528,356,360,764,458,724,40,56,251,380,616,826,124,76,484,792,682,784,704,490,702,643,36,710,818,364,203,348,300,620,372,208,246,752,578,320,508&period=202509&cmdCode=291739&partnerCode=0&flowCode=X&includeDesc=true
- https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/M/HS?reporterCode=156,842,699,410,276,528,356,360,764,458,724,40,56,251,380,616,826,124,76,484,792,682,784,704,490,702,643,36,710,818,364,203,348,300,620,372,208,246,752,578,320,508&period=202510&cmdCode=291739&partnerCode=0&flowCode=X&includeDesc=true
- https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/M/HS?reporterCode=156,842,699,410,276,528,356,360,764,458,724,40,56,251,380,616,826,124,76,484,792,682,784,704,490,702,643,36,710,818,364,203,348,300,620,372,208,246,752,578,320,508&period=202511&cmdCode=291739&partnerCode=0&flowCode=X&includeDesc=true
- https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/M/HS?reporterCode=156,842,699,410,276,528,356,360,764,458,724,40,56,251,380,616,826,124,76,484,792,682,784,704,490,702,643,36,710,818,364,203,348,300,620,372,208,246,752,578,320,508&period=202512&cmdCode=291739&partnerCode=0&flowCode=X&includeDesc=true
- https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/M/HS?reporterCode=156,842,699,410,276,528,356,360,764,458,724,40,56,251,380,616,826,124,76,484,792,682,784,704,490,702,643,36,710,818,364,203,348,300,620,372,208,246,752,578,320,508&period=202601&cmdCode=291739&partnerCode=0&flowCode=X&includeDesc=true
- https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/M/HS?reporterCode=156,842,699,410,276,528,356,360,764,458,724,40,56,251,380,616,826,124,76,484,792,682,784,704,490,702,643,36,710,818,364,203,348,300,620,372,208,246,752,578,320,508&period=202602&cmdCode=291739&partnerCode=0&flowCode=X&includeDesc=true
- https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/M/HS?reporterCode=156,842,699,410,276,528,356,360,764,458,724,40,56,251,380,616,826,124,76,484,792,682,784,704,490,702,643,36,710,818,364,203,348,300,620,372,208,246,752,578,320,508&period=202603&cmdCode=291739&partnerCode=0&flowCode=X&includeDesc=true
- https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/M/HS?reporterCode=156,842,699,410,276,528,356,360,764,458,724,40,56,251,380,616,826,124,76,484,792,682,784,704,490,702,643,36,710,818,364,203,348,300,620,372,208,246,752,578,320,508&period=202604&cmdCode=291739&partnerCode=0&flowCode=X&includeDesc=true
- https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/M/HS?reporterCode=156,842,699,410,276,528,356,360,764,458,724,40,56,251,380,616,826,124,76,484,792,682,784,704,490,702,643,36,710,818,364,203,348,300,620,372,208,246,752,578,320,508&period=202605&cmdCode=291739&partnerCode=0&flowCode=X&includeDesc=true
- https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/M/HS?reporterCode=156,842,699,410,276,528,356,360,764,458,724,40,56,251,380,616,826,124,76,484,792,682,784,704,490,702,643,36,710,818,364,203,348,300,620,372,208,246,752,578,320,508&period=202606&cmdCode=291739&partnerCode=0&flowCode=X&includeDesc=true
- https://comtradeapi.un.org/public/v1/preview/C/M/HS?reporterCode=156,842,699,410,276,528,356,360,764,458,724,40,56,251,380,616,826,124,76,484,792,682,784,704,490,702,643,36,710,818,364,203,348,300,620,372,208,246,752,578,320,508&period=202607&cmdCode=291739&partnerCode=0&flowCode=X&includeDesc=true
- https://comtradeapi.un.org/files/v1/app/reference/HS.json
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