For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In the third quarter of 2024, Fluoropolymers (PTFE) prices in the North American region experienced a significant decline, with the USA showing the most pronounced changes. This downward trend was driven by several factors, including moderated demand from key sectors such as automotive and construction, as well as supply chain disruptions and rising production costs, all of which exerted pressure on market prices. In particular, the USA reported a notable 3% decrease from the previous quarter, reflecting the challenging market environment. Seasonality also played a role, resulting in a 2% price variance between the first and second halves of the quarter.
Overall, the price change compared to the same quarter last year remained stagnant at 0%, indicating a consistent downward trajectory in recent market performance. This stagnation highlights the ongoing struggles within the market and the impact of external factors on pricing.
By the end of the quarter, the price for Fluoropolymers (PTFE) Fine Powder CFR New York in the USA was recorded at USD 12,970/MT. This figure underscores the prevailing negative sentiment in the pricing environment. The overall landscape has been characterized by a steady decline, reflecting the challenging dynamics and subdued market conditions affecting the Fluoropolymers sector in the region.
APAC
In Q3 2024, the Fluoropolymers (PTFE) market in the APAC region witnessed a significant decline in prices, with China experiencing the most notable changes. Various factors contributed to this downward trend. Firstly, subdued demand from key sectors like automotive and construction played a crucial role in driving prices lower. The oversupply in the market, coupled with weak demand, exerted downward pressure on PTFE prices. Additionally, global economic uncertainties and reduced export demand further dampened market sentiment.China saw a substantial decrease in PTFE prices. The -12% change from the same quarter last year underscored the ongoing price erosion. Moreover, the -5% change from the previous quarter in 2024 highlighted the persistent downward trajectory. The -3% difference between the first and second halves of the quarter emphasized the continued price decline throughout the period. As the quarter concluded, the price stood at USD 6030/MT of PTFE Fine Cut-EXW Dongying in China, reflecting the prevailing negative pricing environment in the region. The overall trend showcased a consistent decrease in prices, indicating a challenging market landscape with limited positive indicators.
Europe
In Q3 2024, the Fluoropolymers (PTFE) market in Europe experienced a significant decline in prices, particularly in Germany, where the most pronounced changes were observed. This downturn was driven by several factors, including weakened demand from critical sectors like automotive and aerospace, along with reduced industrial activity and cautious spending behaviors. Additionally, an oversupply stemming from increased production capacity contributed to the downward pressure on prices, while diminishing export demand exacerbated the surplus and further depressed PTFE prices.The anticipated lower bids for inventory accumulation, coupled with expectations of rising freight charges, adversely affected pricing dynamics. Despite stable pricing trends in the first half of the quarter, a notable 2% decrease was recorded in the latter half, reflecting the overall negative sentiment within the market. When comparing this quarter to the same period last year, where prices remained steady, and the previous quarter in 2024, which saw a 3% decrease, the current quarter-ending price for PTFE Powder form CFR Hamburg in Germany was USD 13,170/MT. This figure underscores the prevailing downward trend in pricing in the region.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
In Q2 2024, the North American Fluoropolymers (PTFE) market experienced a notable downward price trajectory, driven by a confluence of factors. This quarter has been characterized by persistently weak demand from several sectors, including the goods-producing industry, which saw reductions in output, new orders, and employment levels. High inventory levels, combined with trader's ample stockpiles, further exerted downward pressure on prices. Additionally, subdued international demand and stable prices from major exporting regions accentuated this trend.
Focusing on the USA, the PTFE market witnessed the most significant price changes. Overall trends indicate a seasonally adjusted decrease, reflecting a consistent bearish sentiment. The decrease can be attributed to high interest rates and inflationary pressures dampening consumer confidence and purchasing power, significantly impacting demand in the downstream construction and automotive sectors. Inventory management strategies saw merchants maintaining current stock levels, avoiding new orders amid expectations of stable or declining prices.
Comparing the same quarter last year, PTFE prices in Q2 2024 dropped by 13.1%, highlighting a substantial year-over-year decline. From the previous quarter's end in 2024, prices recorded a decrease of 2%, with a similar decline observed between the first and second halves of Q2 2024. These consistent reductions underscore a negative pricing environment. The quarter concluded with a price of USD 13,420/MT for PTFE Fine Powder CFR New York, reflecting a stable yet persistently decreasing market sentiment throughout Q2 2024.
APAC
In Q2 2024, the pricing of Fluoropolymers (PTFE) in the APAC region has been characterized by a consistent decline. First, subdued demand from downstream industries has exerted significant pressure on prices. The slowdown in the electric vehicle (EV) market, particularly due to reduced consumer spending and heightened competition, has resulted in diminished orders for PTFE, which is extensively used in EV manufacturing. Additionally, geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties, such as fluctuating global trade dynamics, have further compounded the sluggish demand. Manufacturing activity has also seen a reduction, with many industries grappling with higher input costs and logistical challenges, thereby influencing PTFE production and procurement strategies.
Focusing on China, which has experienced the most significant price changes, the overall trend in Q2 2024 has been decidedly negative. Prices exhibited a seasonal dip, reflecting a -22.8% decline from the same quarter last year and a -3.5% reduction from the previous quarter in 2024. The correlation between reduced industrial activity, challenges in the EV sector, and the general economic climate has reinforced the bearish market sentiment. The quarter-ending price for PTFE Fine Cut-EXW Dongying in China stood at USD 6430/MT, underscoring the overall negative pricing environment.
Europe
In Q2 2024, the European Fluoropolymers (PTFE) market has experienced a consistent decline in prices, influenced by key factors that have permeated the industry. The ample availability of PTFE, coupled with strategic inventory management by industry players, has further reinforced the oversupply scenario. This is compounded by subdued purchasing activity among goods producers, driven by ongoing destocking efforts and a cautious market sentiment. Focusing exclusively on Germany, the nation has witnessed the most substantial fluctuations in PTFE pricing, reflecting broader market trends. Despite Germany's significant role in the automotive sector, a notable decline in demand from this industry has exacerbated the bearish pricing environment. Seasonal adjustments and the broader market's stability issues have also contributed to the negative sentiment in PTFE prices. Reflecting on year-over-year data, PTFE prices have decreased by 20.9% from the same quarter last year and recorded a 2% drop from the previous quarter in 2024. Additionally, a comparison between the first and second halves of the quarter reveals a further 2% decline, underscoring the persistent downward momentum. The latest price at the quarter's end stands at USD 13,620 per metric ton of PTFE Powder on a CFR Hamburg basis. This continuous decrease in prices highlights a negative pricing environment, driven by substantial supply and reduced demand.
For the Quarter Ending March 2024
North America
The Fluoropolymers (PTFE) market in North America again showcased a bullish trend throughout the first quarter of 2024. One of the key factors that affected the market was the sustained demand from the automotive industry. This sector continued to show consistent demand for PTFE, contributing to the overall bullishness of the market along with the tight spot flow.
In terms of regional dynamics, the United States witnessed the most significant price changes in the North American market. This was primarily due to the transition of the season, which led to an uptrend in the market. The change in the season resulted in increased sales of new vehicles, further driving the demand for PTFE. Moreover, the rising freight challenges during February 2024, prevented domestic customers from large purchases during this timeframe.
The Houthi strikes continued in January despite the Operational Prosperity Guardian naval task force which has led to an intensified US response and UK deliberations about striking Houthi forces in Yemen which eventually increased the freight rates from Asia to the USA during this timeframe.
APAC
The APAC region faced challenges in the Fluoropolymers (PTFE) market during the first quarter of 2024. Factors such as moderate demand from the electronics industry, increased input prices, and a modest supply of PTFE affected the market dynamics. Despite no reported plant shutdowns, the pricing dynamics were disrupted multiple times due to tight spot flow. China, being the largest market for PTFE in the region, witnessed a hike in prices due to moderate demand from the electronics and automotive sectors, showing a positive correlation with automotive industry demand. The need for PTFE, a crucial component of many automotive paints and coatings, remained strong amidst China's steady increase in downstream EV sales. According to CAAM data, China exported 443,000 automobiles in January 2024, making up 18.2% of the country's total sales. While, compared to the same quarter the previous year, PTFE prices in China experienced a significant decline of 17%. Moreover, the supply of PTFE cargo was hampered due to the post-festival as several production outages within the region have disrupted the usual flow of PTFE materials. The eight-day Lunar New Year holidays saw a lot of activity, although the rate of growth of new business remained mostly unchanged from January.
Europe
During the first quarter of 2024, the Fluoropolymers (PTFE) market in Europe demonstrated a bullish trend once more. The market was impacted by several important variables, one of which was the automotive industry's persistent need. Together with the restricted spot flow, this industry's persistent demand for PTFE added to the market's general bullishness. The increasing freight difficulties prevented domestic clients from big purchases. As a ripple effect, rates for freight increased, with Asia-North rates up 173% in Europe, and double in Asia-Mediterranean, and carriers were adding fees of $500 to $2,700 for each container during January 2024. With the high sales from the downstream automotive sector which registered, 870k new car registrations in February, the PV selling rate in Western Europe increased to 12.8 million units annually. Furthermore, the trading activities among the significant manufacturing units were raised as well to cope with the high demand. Compared to the same quarter in the previous year, prices increased by 25%, reflecting the overall market stability. Prices also experienced a 5% increase compared to the previous quarter.
For the Quarter Ending December 2023
North America
Fluoropolymers (PTFE) pricing in the North American region continued its uptrend throughout Q4 and eventually addressed a hike of 10.45% from the previous quarter.
The upward price trend was attributed to higher import costs from overseas markets and strong demand from downstream electronic and related industries. Additionally, there was significant buying interest from consumers in the automotive sector, particularly due to their increasing focus on electric vehicles in the US market.
Simultaneously, ocean rates to eastern U.S. ports experienced a 5.6% increase from the preceding month. Some shippers were opting for alternative trade routes, steering clear of the Suez Canal route due to the potential threat of rebel attacks. This shift has led to heightened transportation costs, contributing to the elevated costs of importing PTFE from the Chinese market. The Cost and Freight (CFR) price for PTFE fine powder at the New York port in the USA was evaluated at USD 13474 per metric ton. The percentage change in price from last year's same quarter was 23%.
APAC
The current quarter of 2023 for Fluoropolymers (PTFE) in the APAC region was characterized by a mixed market sentiment with price increases during October followed by a declining trend till December.
October witnessed a remarkable price upturn amid strong demand for PTFE from both the domestic and international automotive sectors during this period. Furthermore, the holiday season in the country has had an impact on manufacturing activities, leading to certain production units operating at a reduced capacity. Consequently, there has been a shortage of materials in the Chinese market which surged the price trend.
However, the prices of PTFE plunged throughout November and December due to sufficient supply, subdued demand, and low purchasing activities. Moreover, in terms of the economy stated by NBS, the official PMI for China declined from 49.4 in November to 49 in December further depicting a lull trading atmosphere. The latest quarter-ending price for PTFE Fine Cut-EXW Dongying in China was USD 6640/MT. Despite market challenges, the supply chain for PTFE remained largely undisrupted, and ample material availability may lead to decreased prices within the region.
Europe
Fluoropolymers (PTFE) pricing in the Europe Region during Q4 2023 was impacted by several factors to showcase a bullish trend throughout the given timeframe.
October saw consistent buying interest from the end-user automotive sector, propelled by the increasing consumer preference for electric vehicles as the elevated costs associated with imports from overseas markets and robust demand from downstream electronic and related industries contributed to the upward price movement.
At the same time, ocean rates to eastern European ports rose by 5.6% in December, from the previous month. Further, some shippers were avoiding the Suez Canal route amidst the potential threat of rebel attacks causing them to look for alternate trade routes. This has further caused a rise in transportation costs and resulted in expensive imports of PTFE from the Chinese market. Among the European countries, Germany experienced a significant price change in PTFE, with prices rising by 16% compared to the previous quarter. The latest/quarter-ending price of PTFE Powder form CFR Hamburg in Germany in Q4 2023 was USD 13694/MT.
For the Quarter Ending September 2023
North America
The Fluoropolymers market in the North American region experienced a decline in price during the initial month of this quarter however, the prices increased significantly as the quarter progressed. The price of PTFE remained in a declining pattern in July due to the sufficient availability in the US market. Despite the increase in auto sales volume in the US, the consumption of PTFE was reduced due to the enough product supply to meet the domestic demand. The new orders from the merchants remained on a declining trend as the backlogs remained stable in June despite tight credit conditions and high-interest rates in the country. However, in August and September, the PTFE prices displayed robustness in the US market, propelled by the continuous growth of the downstream automotive and electrical industries. The surging adoption of electric vehicles has instigated a significant surge in domestic sales, consequently leading to a notable increase in the demand for PTFE within the market. Additionally, the costs of freight charges from Asia to the US maintained their elevated levels throughout this period contributing to the price surge.
APAC
The PTFE market in the Asian region prevailed mixed sentiments during the third quarter of 2023. The prices declined significantly in the initial two months of the third quarter, primarily due to subdued demand from downstream industries. The weaker performance of PTFE was attributed to the subsiding consumer spending on most applications like consumer electronics as well as in the automotive sector. Meanwhile, China's extensive manufacturing sector had been experiencing a contraction since April. The PMI survey indicates some improvements in economic activity for August, yet the overall economic momentum remains weak, necessitating additional policy support to prevent a potential slowdown later in the year. Major banks have revised their economic growth forecasts for the year, projecting figures below the government's target of around 5%. This adjustment reflects the challenges posed by a deteriorating property market, sluggish consumer spending, and a decline in credit growth. As a response, authorities have implemented interest rate reductions and committed to implementing further support measures. However, a marginal shift in PTFE price was observed during September 2023. The prices increased by a marginal increment of 1%. The surging adoption of electric vehicles has instigated a significant surge in domestic sales, consequently leading to a notable increase in the demand for PTFE within the market.
Europe
The European PTFE market exhibited mixed market sentiments during the third quarter of 2023. The prices increased during the initial and last month of the quarter; however, prices declined during August 2023. In July and September, the PTFE prices displayed robustness in the European market, propelled by the continuous growth of the downstream automotive and electrical industries. The surging adoption of electric vehicles has instigated a significant surge in domestic sales, consequently leading to a notable increase in the demand for PTFE within the market. Additionally, as per data from various market sources, The German new-car market continued to recover in July, with the country's more new-vehicle registrations. New car registrations have increased and are mainly supported by the slow reduction of the order backlog. However, in August, the prices declined amidst ample material available in the German market. Further, cheaper imports from China and, declining international trade and investment continue to exert a significant impact on German's trade dynamics.For the Quarter Ending June 2023
North America
The price of Fluoropolymers remained an inclining trend in the US market due to demand improvement from the downstream industries throughout this second quarter of 2023. The consumption of PTFE in the automotive industry gradually increased and the demand for the product improved in the market. The freight charges from the Asia to US was fluctuating, further influenced the PTFE market. The automotive industry sales remained increasing trend throughout the second quarter of 2023, indicating the consumption of PTFE was high in this industry. The customer has been able to absorb the increase in transaction prices in the industry along with the rate increase. New vehicle sales in the United States for top global automakers rose in the second quarter on improving supply and strong demand, signaling that rising interest rates have not yet had a meaningful impact on purchases. The ChemAnalyst found the cost of PTFE was USD 12050/MT on a CFR New York at the end of second quarter of 2023.
APAC
The cost of Fluoropolymers witnessed to a declining trend due to slowdown economic activity in the Chinese market throughout the second quarter of 2023. The market value was mainly driven by softer domestic demand and feeble overseas trading activities influenced the negative price pattern of PTFE. The market participant says the delivery time of the material was improved marginally in April without any disruptions. Muted client demand led firms to cut back their production activities at the start of second quarter and companies expressed a reluctance to stock build the product in the market due to the softer environment around the market throughout the quarter. The policymakers in the Chinese market unable to sustain the momentum in second quarter, what they did in first quarter of 2023. The official PMI was still in below 50 threshold limits, indicating the bearish performance of Chinese market. The price of PTFE was hovered around USD 7490/MT on a FOB Shanghai basis at the end of the Second quarter of 2023.
Europe
Throughout the second quarter of 2023, the cost of Fluoropolymers saw an upward trend in German market due to the high-interest rates along with the high consumption of the product in the downstream automotive industry. The freight charges from Asia to Europe was moderately high for the first two months of second quarter of 2023 ultimately pushed the prices of PTFE in the German market. Despite the economic activities slowdown, there was room for average demand for PTFE in the downstream automotive industry. Some automotive manufacturers in Germany saw significant growth in second quarter of 2023, indicating the consumption of PTFE material remained high in this automotive industry. The market participants say the car sales in first half of the year have risen in German market. Compared to previous year, new car registrations are developing positively and significant increase in the entire second quarter. As per ChemAnalyst, the cost of PTFE hovered around USD 11622/MT with quarterly inclination of 6.7% on a CFR Hamburg basis at the end of the second quarter of 2023.
For the Quarter Ending March 2023
North America
The cost of PTFE witnessed an upward trend throughout the first Quarter of 2023 due to high imported cargo from Asian nations. The combination of moderate to high demand and low to moderate supply has created a bullish market for Fluoropolymers (PTFE) Fine Powder. The downstream automotive industry sales were up, and in turn, the demand for PTFE increased in this market. The manufacturing PMI rose gradually in the first Quarter of 2023 compared to the previous quarter. The cost of PTFE hovered around USD 11670/MT on a CFR New York basis during the end of the first quarter.
APAC
The price of PTFE witnessed a mixed trend in Asia-Pacific throughout the first Quarter of 2023. China has reopened its market and introduced new welcoming policies to grow the economy of the country. Further received more orders from the overseas market and saw tight supply in the PTFE market. These factors hiked the cost of the product. Despite the low demand for PTFE, more inquiries from the end-users to stock up on the material in the market led to an increase in the cost of the product. On the other hand, in India, the PTFE market saw an inclined trend throughout the quarter due to high consumption in the downstream industries. The downstream automotive sales rose in the first quarter, which supported the procurement of PTFE material in this market.
Europe
The cost of PTFE witnessed an upward trend throughout the first Quarter of 2023 due to high imported cargo from Asian nations. Additionally, inflation and high-interest rates further provoked the cost of the product. The sluggish global economy affected German exports, but moderate inflation rates were having an adverse impact on consumer spending because of declining buying power and sharply higher interest rates. A wider look at the German automotive sector reveals that production levels are continuing to improve, albeit slowly. The cost of PTFE hovered around USD 11160/MT on a CFR Hamburg basis during the end of the first quarter.
For the Quarter Ending December 2022
North America
The price of Fluoropolymers (PTFE) saw a downward price trajectory throughout the fourth quarter of 2022. The construction and automotive industries had normal demand, and global freight costs also decreased. The high inventories from the traders and typical demand from the downstream industries further decreased the cost of the product. The cheap imported cargo from East Asia, the traders cited low prices for the product. Due to high inflation, the orders from the buyers were reduced, and the product got stockpiled in the market. In the end, as the holidays approached, buying sentiment from the end-use industries declined. The cost of PTFE in December hovered around USD 11040/MT on a CFR New York basis with a declination of 2.6%.
APAC
The price of PTFE in APAC experienced mixed price trends throughout the fourth Quarter of 2022. In China, the demand for the PTFE market declined due to the weak demand from the downstream industries. Some manufacturers have cut off the production rate due to the low buying sentiments from the end-use industries. The government imposed the zero COVID restriction in China during Q4, which affected the trading activities in the domestic and overseas markets. At the same time, In India, the price of PTFE saw a stable price trend for the H1 of Q4 and fell in the last month of Q4 due to the destocking of the material at a low price. The cost of PTFE in December hovered around USD 8713/MT on a FOB Shanghai basis, with a decline of 5%.
Europe
The price of PTFE saw a mixed price trend throughout the fourth Quarter of 2022. The demand from the downstream automotive, construction and other key driving sectors were weakened in the region. Due to the high inflation and volatile natural gas prices, consumers were pessimistic about the European economy. The availability of the material was abundant, and the port congestions declined in the region. With the high imported cost from East Asia, the traders quoted a high price trend in December. The cost of PTFE in December hovered around USD 40446/MT CFR Hamburg basis with an inclination of 7%.
For the Quarter Ending September 2022
North America
Towards the third Quarter of 2022, the price of Fluoropolymers fluctuated in the North American region. In the first two months of the Quarter, the price declined because the domestic market for downstream industries weakened, and the suppliers stockpiled the product, constraining Fluoropolymers' cost. In the last month of Q3, the price of Fluoropolymers saw an upward trajectory owing to the market rebounding slightly and the moderate demand from the downstream automotive and electronic & electrical sectors in the region. The supply chain has been disrupted due to some ports in the USA being congested and delayed in delivering the materials to their destination.
Asia Pacific
During the third Quarter of 2022, the price of Fluoropolymers fell in July due to a price decline from feedstock fluorspar and the weak demand from the downstream electronics & electrical sectors. Further high inventory from the manufacturers has pushed down the price of Fluoropolymers in the Asian market. Last two months, the price saw an upward trajectory due to increased consumption from the automobile industry, bolstered by arriving off the festive season in India. With the high demand from the downstream sectors, the manufacturers have raised their quotation in the Asian market
Europe
In Europe, in the first half of the third Quarter of 2022, the Fluoropolymers decreased slightly due to weak market sentiments from the downstream electricals and electronics. The automotive sector supported the downward trend of PTFE in the German market. During the last month of the third Quarter of 2022, the price of PTFE rose, bolstered by the high operating cost to produce the product owing to the price increase in natural gas. Due to the port congestions in several German ports, the supply chain was disrupted in the country, and the product's inventory level declined in major exporting countries like Italy, Netherlands, and Belgium.
For the Quarter Ending June 2022
North America
The North American market saw a surge in the prices of Polytetrafluoroethylene during Q2,2022, with prices ranging from USD 11675.00/ton Fluoropolymers (PTFE) CFR New York and a quarterly escalation of 1.1%, as recorded by Chem Analyst pricing team data. Higher energy prices transfer value in the economy from energy consumers to energy producers. The combination of a rebound in economic activity, and continued strain from supply chain disruptions, is increasing upward pressure on prices. Rising inflation in the region, contributed by the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, causes prices to surge.
Asia
Polytetrafluoroethylene prices vary in the Asian market, with prices rising in China and falling in the Indian market in the second quarter of 2022. China, a major exporter to South Korea and Italy, sees demand for the product. This is increasing due to the expansion of the coatings sector. Whereas importing countries like Germany and the USA started using more of their own made products, reduced PTFE imports from the Indian market. This demand change from the countries caused the fluctuations in the Asian region. The prices ranged from INR 766500/ton PTFE General Moulding 610 Ex-Vadodara in India and USD 10,453/ton PTFE Fine Cut-EXW Dongying in China during June.
Europe
Polytetrafluoroethylene prices surged in the European market during the second quarter of 2022, with prices ranging at USD 9440/ton PTFE Powder form CFR Hamburg in Germany during May and a quarterly escalation of 1% as per recorded by Chem Analyst pricing team data. Escalating demand for cost-effective solutions in the region is pushing the prices in an upward direction. Surging prices of upstream feedstock Fluorspar and Ethylene due to the ongoing war between Russia caused fluctuations in the petrochemical market. Increasing freight charges was also one of the major causes for the prices to rise. Inclination in the imports from the importing countries like Italy, France, and the USA supported the market.
For the Quarter Ending March 2022
North America
PTFE prices increased consistently in the North American market throughout the first quarter. Values of feed Propylene rose during Q1, but Ethylene prices decreased in the region. Demand from electrical insulation, automotive & aerospace industries remained consistent in Q1. During March, the prices of PTFE increased due to weak supply of raw materials from Asian countries amidst the high demand for fluoropolymers from the automotive sector. Fluoropolymers prices settled at USD 11420 per tonne in March, with a consistent increase of 3% in values throughout the period.
Asia Pacific
Prices of Fluoropolymer remained stable and increased in China during Q1. In January, PTFE values decreased due to subdued demand from downstream textile and automotive sectors but rose after January when the demand for Fluoropolymer increased from importing countries. The feed Ethylene and Propylene values rose throughout the quarter. The estimated values of Fluoropolymer were USD 9656.5 per tonne in the Chinese market at the end of Q1. High demand from the automotive sector in March and disrupted supply chains further pushed up PTFE prices in Asian Market.
Europe
The European market witnessed an uptrend in the prices of Fluoropolymer in Q1 of 2022. Significantly increased feed Ethylene and Propylene values influenced Fluoropolymers production cost. Manufacturing industries in Europe import PTFE from Asian countries like India, China & South Korea. Thus, the increased values in Asia influenced the market prices of Fluoropolymer in the European region. Demand remained high from the downstream automotive & aviation sector towards the end of the quarter. Consequently, PTFE prices fluctuated in a firm range showcasing a revision between USD 250-300 per MT in Q1.
For the Quarter Ending December 2021
North America
Production disruptions in China and India worsened the supply dynamics of Fluoropolymers in USA throughout the last quarter. Supply chain further weakened on the back of resolutely high freight charges from Asia to both US East Coast and US West Coast. USA, which depends majorly on exports of Fluoropolymers from Asia and Europe. On demand side, consumption of Fluoropolymers remained strong throughout the quarter as fluoropolymers forms staple for several key industries including electrical and electronics. Consequently, on the back of aforementioned factors prices of fluoropolymers rose incessantly during Q4.
APAC
Fluoropolymers prices kept its upward trajectory for first two months of the quarter on the back of stable demand from the domestic market. China, being largest consumer and producer of PTFE, production halts in the country during October affected the overall market dynamics of Asian market. PTFE prices in India rose consistently till November and hovered around INR 807380/MT PTFE General Moulding 610 Ex-location. However, market observed stagnancy in later stages of Q4 and consequently Fluoropolymer prices stabilized in December. In China, producers faced production disruption in H1 of Q4 in lieu of dual energy control policy which increased inflationary pressure on the available material and consequently prices of PTFE climbed up in early parts of the quarter. However, production levels improved towards later stages of Q4 which led to drop in PTFE prices amid declining demand during second half of the last quarter.
Europe
European Fluoropolymer market followed the trend of previous quarters where demand remained firm throughout while snug supply fundamentals increased inflationary pressure over the available material. Several key European countries rely heavily on exports of Fluoropolymers from Asia mainly from India, China and Taiwan. Production disruptions in Asia exacerbated the weakened supply fundamentals where Fluoropolymers reaching European shores remained limited as strong freight charges further discouraged Asian manufacturers. Therefore, prices of Fluoropolymers increased consistently throughout the last quarter.
For the Quarter Ending September 2021
North America
In Q3 2021, Fluoropolymers market witnessed an upward trajectory backed by the upsurge in the values of its raw materials during this period in North America. Shortage in the supply of feedstock Ethylene, Tetrafluoroethylene and Propylene was caused as the industrial infrastructure in the US Gulf Coast remained shut due to the impact of Ida hurricane. Furthermore, recovery in the automotive, electronics, construction and other downstream sectors also kept the market sentiments of various polymers high in this quarter. Polytetrafluoroethylene and Fluoroelastomer experienced improvement in the offtakes from the downstream sectors in the US region in this quarter. Thus, sturdy demand and constrained availability pushed the prices of Fluoropolymers in North America. PTFE Fine Cut grade prices reached INR 988120 per MT during September in US.
Asia Pacific
In Asia, an exponential rise in the demand for Fluoropolymers was registered during the third quarter of 2021. Surge in the values of PTFE was supported by the spike in the values of feedstock Ethylene, Propylene and other petrochemical derivatives along with the growth in the downstream market scenario in Asian markets. In China, Fluoropolymers market witnessed an upward rally due to the supply chain disruption following the shut-down of the Ningbo-Zhoushan port for around 12-14 days in August. In India, inflation in the prices of PTFE was observed supported by the constant hike in values of petrochemical like Ethylene, Tetrafluoroethylene & Propylene which are the key raw materials involved in Fluoropolymer production. Therefore, PFTE general Moulding 610 EX-Vadodara prices settled at USD 9903.88 per MT in September showcasing a spike by USD 1515.7 /MT since July.
Europe
In Q3 2021, European market witnessed an upsurge in the prices of PFTE during this period backed by the constant increase in values of feedstocks including Ethylene. Besides, an improvement in the offtakes from the downstream manufacturers in this timeframe after the resurgence in the industrial and the commercial activities also contributed to the surge in its prices. Moreover, high energy rates kept the prices high in this timeframe. Additionally, hike in the freight charges and shortage of shipping containers further sent ripples to the prices of PFTE in this quarter.
