Japan & South Korea PX Exports Hold Steady in 2025, China Demand Drives Shift

Japan’s PX exports in 2025 totaled ~2.14 million tons, down 0.5% YoY, with China taking 73% (+2% YoY), Taiwan 23% (–2%), and South Korea 4%.

Japan’s PX supply remains largely contract-based, ensuring stable deliveries even during force-majeure disruptions via inventories or spot sourcing.

South Korea’s PX exports reached ~4.94 million tons in 2025, up 0.8% YoY, with shipments to China rising 10.8% YoY.

South Korea’s PX exports to the US fell 33.8%, while shipments to Brazil dropped to zero, and exports to Taiwan declined YoY.

In 2026, Japan’s PX operating rate is seen at ~75% with downside risk, while South Korea’s rate is estimated at ~74% with upside on strong margins and stable supply.