World Analysis – Toluene & Mixed Xylenes

Long-term outlook to 2060

Toluene is a key aromatic hydrocarbon produced primarily through the catalytic reforming of naphtha and the steam cracking of paraffinic hydrocarbons. It is also generated as a byproduct from styrene and coke production. Toluene serves multiple roles across the petrochemical value chain, being widely used as a high-octane, low-vapor-pressure gasoline blendstock and as an effective solvent for paints, coatings, adhesives, elastomers, inks, dyes, and cleaning agents. Additionally, toluene is a key feedstock in transalkylation and disproportionation processes used to produce benzene and mixed xylenes. Key downstream derivatives include toluene di-isocyanate (TDI), used extensively in polyurethane foams for mattresses, furniture, automotive seating, insulation, elastomers, and coatings, and benzoic acid, a precursor for plasticizers, preservatives, artificial flavorings, insect repellents, phenol, and topical antiseptics.

Mixed xylenes (C₈H₁₀) comprise paraxylene, orthoxylene, metaxylene, and ethylbenzene, and are produced via catalytic reforming, toluene disproportionation/transalkylation, and steam cracking. These streams are typically separated into individual isomers for downstream applications. Paraxylene, the largest-volume isomer, is primarily used to manufacture polyester fibers and PET bottles. Orthoxylene is converted into phthalic anhydride for plasticizer production, while metaxylene is used to produce isophthalic acid, a key raw material in high-performance PET packaging and soft-drink bottles. Similar to toluene, mixed xylenes also serve as versatile solvents in paints, coatings, sealants, elastomers, inks, dyes, and adhesives.

Long-term outlook to 2060

The World Analysis – Toluene & Mixed Xylenes provides an in-depth assessment of the global toluene & mixed xylenes market, providing comprehensive analysis and strategic insights into the key developments shaping long-term supply, demand, trade, and pricing outlooks. This service equips industry participants with the analytical foundation needed to navigate market volatility and anticipate structural shifts across the global toluene & mixed xylenes value chain.

Subscribers gain access to a full suite of reports, data files, analytical tools, and visualization modules, available online and downloadable from our website, including:

• A strategic report outlining critical insights and the future trajectory of global and regional markets

• Online Data Browser access to supply, demand, and capacity databases

• Continuously updated company/shareholder capacity listings, capacity integration analysis, and rankings of top producers/consumers, including surplus/deficit capacity profiles

• A comprehensive Data Appendix (Excel) featuring supply/demand and capacity tables, plus a dashboard with standard visualizations for all countries and regions

• Excel data files with long-range supply/demand graphics and price forecasts through 2060, along with detailed trade grids showing country- and region-level trade flows with 5- and 10-year projections

• An interactive online dashboard visualizing capacity, integration, supply/demand balances, trade flows, and price, cost, and margin forecasts

• Explanatory Notes detailing data sources, methodology, assumptions, units, conversion factors, and full World Analysis deliverables

• Energy and macroeconomic assumptions used in the long-term outlook

• Price assessment methodology and forecasting framework

In addition to the main product, Methanol, capacity and textual analysis are provided for the following products:

• Acetic Acid
• Biodiesel
• Chloromethanes
• Dimethyl ether
• Formaldehyde
• Gasoline Blending
• Methanol-to-olefins / Methanol-to-Propylene
• Methyl methacrylate
• Methyl tert-butyl ether
• Methylamine
• Methanol as a marine bunker fuel

This World Analysis provides detailed intelligence on capacities, production, demand, and trade across all major producing and consuming countries, regions, and global hubs. While robust data collection underpins the historical and forward views, the true value of the service lies in the expert interpretation and market analysis applied by our global team.

Data verification is a central pillar of our approach. Direct engagement with key industry participants ensures that our conclusions reflect real-world market behavior and deliver the most accurate, realistic forward outlook for the global toluene & mixed xylenes industry.

Long-term outlook to 2060