Global Polycarbonate Prices Fall Under Low Demand and Easing Raw Material Costs

During the third week of June 2024, the global Polycarbonate market experienced minor price declines driven by various factors. In China, the price of Polycarbonate decreased by approximately 0.5%, influenced by continued weakness in the feedstock bisphenol A market, which saw little momentum post-festival. The upstream phenol market also showed limited activity, and the trading atmosphere for acetone remained poor. This lack of positive market support for bisphenol A has impacted the overall Polycarbonate market and its cost structure. Early in the week, Polycarbonate consumption was light, with a focus on maintaining production and managing existing inventory. Downstream enterprises reduced their operational loads, weakening their procurement enthusiasm and leading to reduced overall consumption. High prices met buyer resistance, resulting in poor demand support for spot prices.

Similarly, in Saudi Arabia, Polycarbonate prices dropped by approximately 0.5%, primarily due to reduced production costs. The price of bisphenol A fell by about 0.7% last week, contributing to the downward trend. Additionally, declining crude oil prices over recent weeks provided further cost support to the Polycarbonate market. Demand from the automobile and construction industries remained average, while supply levels were moderate to high. Consequently, the price of Polycarbonate Injection Grade FOB Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) hovered around USD 1820 per metric ton.

In the US, Polycarbonate prices saw a significant decrease of approximately 6%, also driven by lower production costs and a 1% decline in bisphenol A prices last week. The ongoing drop in crude oil prices added to the cost support. Despite average demand from the automobile and construction sectors, supply levels were moderate to high, leading to the price of Polycarbonate Injection Grade DDP US Gulf (USA) settling around USD 2308 per metric ton.

In Mexico, the Polycarbonate market followed the global trend, with prices decreasing by about 5.7%. This decline was influenced by cheaper imports from the USA, Saudi Arabia, and China. The US saw a 1% drop in bisphenol A prices, further contributing to the bearish trend. The falling crude oil prices provided additional cost support. Demand from downstream industries remained average, with moderate to high supply levels. As a result, the price of Polycarbonate Injection Grade CFR Veracruz (Mexico) hovered around USD 2455 per metric ton.

According to ChemAnalyst, the price of Polycarbonate is expected to rise in the global market in the coming week as market players re-engage after a subdued start to the month. Additionally, the prices of feedstock Bisphenol A and upstream Propylene are anticipated to increase, likely to be driven by bullish energy values and improving buying sentiments in the Asian region.