The volume of p-xylene traded globally in 2015 was up 8% from 2014, indicating a significant increase in global demand. A strong expansion of trade within the Asia-Pacific region, lower imports into the region,  much higher imports into North America and reduced exports were prominent trends during the year.

Based on earliest available data, which is approximately 90% complete, global trade volume in 2015 was 17 million tons, up 8% from the prior year.

The volume of p-xylene traded within the Asia-Pacific region rose 15%, to over 12 million tons, while imports dropped 11%, to over 2.5 million tons.

North America’s exports during the year, 1.1 million tons, were down by 31% mainly on lower volumes to Latin America, followed by Asia-Pacific. Imports jumped 65%, to nearly 0.5 million tons, and included supplies from Europe, the Middle East (up from minor volumes the year before) and Asia-Pacific.

From: International Trader Publications’ World Trade Review of 2015 for p-xylene.