The Naphthalene Price Trend showed a strong upward movement during the second quarter of 2026, with refined naphthalene prices increasing across China, India, and Vietnam.

Between April and June, prices rose as demand from chemical manufacturing, dyes, pigments, plastics, and construction-related industries remained steady.

Across these markets, quarterly price increases ranged from 15% to 25%, reflecting healthy industrial consumption, inventory replenishment, and changes in supply conditions.

Although raw material costs created occasional pressure, balanced supply and consistent buying activity helped maintain market strength throughout most of the quarter.

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Global Naphthalene Price Trend in Q2 2026

The global refined naphthalene market experienced a firm pricing environment during Q2 2026. Buyers in major Asian markets continued to purchase material for regular industrial use, while manufacturers maintained their requirements for downstream chemical production. This steady demand helped support prices even when feedstock costs and supply conditions changed.

Naphthalene is an important industrial chemical used in the production of phthalic anhydride, dyes, pigments, and several specialty chemical products. Its demand is closely connected to manufacturing activity in industries that depend on these materials. When chemical producers maintain their production schedules, their need for naphthalene generally remains stable.

During the quarter, inventory replenishment also played an important role in supporting market prices. Some buyers increased their purchases to maintain sufficient stock for upcoming production requirements. At the same time, controlled availability and balanced supply conditions prevented the market from experiencing significant oversupply.

China continued to play an important role in regional trade by supplying refined naphthalene to importing markets such as Vietnam and India. However, prices differed between locations because of differences in import costs, domestic distribution expenses, inventory levels, and purchasing patterns.

Overall, the market remained positive throughout Q2 2026, with most major Asian markets recording noticeable quarterly price increases.

Naphthalene Price Chart: Understanding the Quarterly Movement

The Naphthalene Price Chart for Q2 2026 reflected an upward market direction across China, Vietnam, and India. The increase was supported by steady demand from chemical manufacturers, continued purchasing activity, and balanced supply availability.

In April, prices moved higher as buyers continued their regular procurement and manufacturers maintained their consumption requirements. Purchasing activity remained firm, particularly among businesses involved in phthalic anhydride production, dye manufacturing, and other chemical applications.

During May, market conditions continued to receive support from stable industrial demand and inventory management. Buyers needed to maintain sufficient supplies for their production schedules, while sellers benefited from a market that was not experiencing significant excess availability.

In June, prices continued to increase slightly in China and Vietnam, with both markets recording a 2% rise compared with the previous month's average. India recorded a 3% increase on a CIF import basis, while the domestic Mumbai market moved in the opposite direction, declining by 3% as material availability improved and purchasing pressure eased.

These differences show why regional prices do not always move in the same direction, even when markets are connected through international trade.

Naphthalene Price Index: Key Factors Supporting Prices

The Naphthalene Price Index remained supported during Q2 2026 by steady consumption, production costs, and controlled availability in major Asian markets. Several factors contributed to the upward movement.

Demand from Downstream Chemical Industries

Demand from phthalic anhydride manufacturers was one of the important factors supporting refined naphthalene prices. Phthalic anhydride is used in the production of plasticizers, resins, coatings, and other industrial materials. When these downstream industries maintain their production activity, demand for naphthalene can remain firm.

Dyes and pigments also contributed to market consumption. These products are widely used in textiles, paints, coatings, and other manufacturing applications. Consistent industrial requirements helped maintain regular purchasing activity throughout the quarter.

Feedstock Costs and Production Expenses

Raw material costs can influence the overall cost of producing refined naphthalene. Changes in feedstock prices, energy expenses, and plant operating costs may affect the prices offered by suppliers.

During Q2 2026, feedstock-related challenges created occasional cost pressure. However, efficient supply management and balanced market availability helped prevent these challenges from disrupting the market significantly.

Inventory Replenishment and Buyer Activity

Inventory management was another important influence. Industrial buyers generally need to maintain enough material to avoid interruptions in production. When businesses expect stable consumption or anticipate changes in supply conditions, they may increase their purchases.

Such replenishment activity helped support demand during the quarter. At the same time, buyers continued to consider their existing stock levels and purchasing budgets, which limited the possibility of uniformly strong demand across all locations.

International Trade and Regional Availability

Trade flows also influenced the market. China remained an important source of refined naphthalene for regional buyers, including those in Vietnam and India.

However, imported material prices include additional costs such as freight, insurance, port handling, and domestic distribution. Differences in these expenses, along with local inventory conditions, contributed to the variation in regional price movements.

China Naphthalene Price Trend in Q2 2026

China recorded a 24% increase in refined naphthalene prices on an FOB Shanghai basis during Q2 2026 compared with the previous quarter's average. The increase reflected steady demand from phthalic anhydride production, dyes, pigments, and the wider chemical manufacturing sector.

China's industrial base remained an important source of demand. Manufacturers continued to require refined naphthalene for downstream applications, while regular procurement supported market activity.

In April, prices moved upward as buyers maintained their purchasing schedules and supply availability remained controlled. This combination helped strengthen the market at the beginning of the quarter.

During the following months, stable industrial consumption and supply management continued to support prices. Export availability from China also played an important role in maintaining regional supply flows, particularly for importing markets in Asia.

In June 2026, refined naphthalene prices in China increased by a further 2% compared with the previous month's average. This modest monthly increase indicated that the market remained firm, although the pace of movement was more limited than the overall quarterly rise.

The Chinese market therefore experienced a strong quarterly increase followed by a smaller price gain toward the end of the period.

Vietnam Naphthalene Price Trend in Q2 2026

Vietnam recorded a 24% increase in refined naphthalene prices on a CIF Haiphong basis during Q2 2026 compared with the previous quarter's average. The market received support from demand across specialty chemicals, pigments, dyes, and construction-related applications.

Vietnam depends on imported material for the relevant market supply, making international trade conditions an important part of domestic price formation. The cost of material arriving from China, together with freight expenses and import-related charges, influences the prices paid by local buyers.

During April, prices increased as industrial consumption remained steady and buyers continued their regular purchasing activities. Importers maintained their procurement routines to meet the requirements of downstream manufacturers.

Balanced supply conditions also helped prevent significant market disruption. Buyers continued to focus on maintaining adequate inventories, while consistent demand supported the overall price direction.

In June 2026, refined naphthalene prices in Vietnam rose by 2% compared with the previous month's average. The increase reflected stable industrial demand and continued support from supply conditions.

The quarterly rise indicates that Vietnam's market followed the broader upward movement in Asia. However, import costs and purchasing decisions remained important factors in determining the final price paid by domestic consumers.

India Naphthalene Price Trend in Q2 2026

India experienced a positive refined naphthalene price movement during Q2 2026, although the imported and domestic markets showed different levels of change.

On a CIF Nhava Sheva basis, refined naphthalene prices increased by 18% compared with the previous quarter's average. Meanwhile, prices in the Bhiwandi and Mumbai domestic trading market rose by 24% on an ex-Mumbai basis over the same comparison period.

The increase was supported by demand from phthalic anhydride production, dye and pigment manufacturing, and chemical processing industries. These applications continued to provide a base level of consumption, helping suppliers maintain firm market conditions.

Import expenses also played a role in the Indian market. Buyers purchasing overseas material needed to consider freight, handling, and other import-related costs. After arrival, distributor expenses and domestic inventory management further influenced the prices offered to industrial customers.

In April, the Indian market moved upward as purchasing activity strengthened and industrial consumption remained consistent. Buyers continued to secure supplies to meet their production requirements, supporting the positive price direction.

In June 2026, imported refined naphthalene prices in India increased by 3% compared with the previous month's average. This movement reflected steady demand and continuing supply requirements.

The domestic Mumbai market, however, recorded a different trend. Prices declined by 3% in June as material availability improved and purchasing pressure eased. Better availability gave buyers more flexibility and reduced the urgency to purchase at higher prices.

This difference between import and domestic prices highlights the importance of monitoring local inventories and distribution conditions alongside international market movements.

What Influenced Regional Differences in Naphthalene Prices?

Although China, Vietnam, and India all experienced substantial quarterly price increases, their markets did not respond identically to changing conditions.

In China, export activity, industrial consumption, and supplier inventory management were important factors. In Vietnam, imported material costs and the regular purchasing requirements of local manufacturers influenced market direction. In India, the combination of import expenses and domestic distribution conditions created different movements in imported and locally traded material.

The June price changes demonstrate this distinction. China and Vietnam each recorded a 2% monthly increase, while Indian imported prices rose by 3%. At the same time, domestic Mumbai prices fell by 3%.

These movements suggest that international market conditions were only one part of the pricing picture. Local availability, the timing of purchases, distributor inventories, and immediate demand also influenced prices.

For buyers, comparing prices across regions requires attention to the pricing basis. FOB prices generally refer to material supplied for export before the buyer's international freight and other destination costs are included. CIF prices include the cost of goods, insurance, and freight to the named destination. Domestic ex-market prices reflect a different stage of the supply chain.

Understanding these differences helps businesses compare prices more accurately and make better purchasing decisions.

Naphthalene Price Forecast: Market Outlook After Q2 2026

The outlook for refined naphthalene depends on several factors, including downstream industrial demand, raw material costs, supply availability, and international trade conditions.

If phthalic anhydride producers, dye manufacturers, and specialty chemical companies maintain their production levels, demand for refined naphthalene could remain supportive. Continued industrial consumption would help suppliers manage inventories and maintain relatively firm market conditions.

Feedstock prices will also remain important. Higher raw material and operating costs could place upward pressure on selling prices, particularly if suppliers face limited availability. On the other hand, improved supply conditions or weaker downstream purchasing could reduce price pressure.

Regional market developments will be equally important. In importing markets such as Vietnam and India, freight expenses, import availability, and domestic inventories can influence prices even when international prices remain stable.

The different price movements seen in June also suggest that the market should not be treated as uniform across all locations. Imported prices may continue to respond to international supply conditions, while domestic prices can change according to local stock levels and immediate buying interest.

For procurement teams, the practical approach is to monitor feedstock costs, supplier offers, import expenses, and downstream demand together. Comparing the latest prices with quarterly averages can also help businesses identify whether a change reflects a broader market trend or a short-term adjustment.

Any forecast should remain conditional because changes in supply, production activity, and trade conditions can quickly affect the direction of prices.

Conclusion

The Naphthalene Price Trend during Q2 2026 was broadly positive, with refined naphthalene prices increasing across China, Vietnam, and India. China and Vietnam each recorded a 24% quarterly increase, while Indian imported prices rose by 18% and the domestic Mumbai market increased by 24% compared with the previous quarter's average.

Steady demand from phthalic anhydride production, dyes, pigments, and chemical manufacturing industries provided the main support for the market. Inventory replenishment, controlled supply availability, and international trade flows also contributed to the upward movement.

June brought further price increases in China, Vietnam, and India's imported market, although domestic Mumbai prices declined as availability improved and purchasing pressure eased. These differences underline the importance of considering local market conditions rather than relying only on global price movements.

Looking ahead, downstream consumption, feedstock costs, import expenses, and inventory levels will remain important factors to watch. By following the Naphthalene Price Chart and monitoring the Naphthalene Price Index alongside regional supply and demand conditions, businesses can better understand market changes and plan their purchasing strategies.

Overall, Q2 2026 demonstrated how steady industrial demand and balanced supply conditions can support refined naphthalene prices, while regional differences continue to shape the market outlook.

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About Price Watch™

Price Watch™ is an India-based, independent raw material price reporting agency that provides real-time price forecasts and data-driven insights into global raw material markets. Price Watch™ specializes in tracking raw material prices, analyzing market trends, and delivering timely updates on plant shutdowns, supply disruptions, capacity expansions, and demand-supply dynamics. The Price Watch™ platform empowers manufacturers, traders, and procurement professionals to make faster, smarter decisions. Leveraging AI-powered forecasting and over a decade of historical data, Price Watch™ transforms market volatility into actionable opportunity.

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