For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
• In the USA, the Polybutylene Terephthalate Price Index fell by 0.75% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting cautious procurement.
• The average Polybutylene Terephthalate price for the quarter was approximately USD 3223.33/MT, per market sources.
• Polybutylene Terephthalate Spot Price stayed range-bound, while the Price Index signalled muted volatility amid steady production.
• Polybutylene Terephthalate Price Forecast indicates modest monthly swings driven by seasonal logistics and cautious buyer replenishment.
• Polybutylene Terephthalate Production Cost Trend remained stable as PTA and BDO input prices held largely flat.
• Polybutylene Terephthalate Demand Outlook remains subdued as automotive and electronics buyers defer purchases, limiting spot activity.
• Polybutylene Terephthalate Price Index softness reflected year-end destocking, mixed export pull, and cautious converter procurement.
• Short-term outlook expects modest recovery as converters restock before Q1, supporting firmer offers and tighter availability.
Why did the price of Polybutylene Terephthalate change in December 2025 in North America?
• Balanced domestic supply and steady feedstock costs limited upside, while cautious buying restrained short-term offtake.
• Year-end destocking and healthy inventories reduced spot demand, pressuring the Price Index downward in December.
• Logistics congestion and tariff-related vendor delays increased execution costs, moderating bids while producers held output.
APAC
• In Japan, the Polybutylene Terephthalate Price Index fell by 2.633% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting softer domestic demand during December.
• The average Polybutylene Terephthalate price for the quarter was approximately USD 2847.33/MT, per FOB assessment and monthly reported levels.
• Polybutylene Terephthalate Spot Price stayed range bound amid steady production and limited converter buying activity this quarter.
• Polybutylene Terephthalate Production Cost Trend eased as BDO and PTA softened, reducing conversion cost pressures.
• Polybutylene Terephthalate Demand Outlook remains subdued with converters relying on inventories despite some automotive pockets.
• Polybutylene Terephthalate Price Forecast suggests modest winter volatility as maintenance and holiday scheduling influence availability.
• Polybutylene Terephthalate Price Index remained restrained by ample inventories and weak export demand throughout December.
• Producers ran at steady rates, aligning output with muted demand and avoiding significant inventory accumulation recently.
Why did the price of Polybutylene Terephthalate change in December 2025 in APAC?
• Balanced domestic supply and contained feedstock costs removed upward pressure despite subdued downstream consumption December.
• Logistics delays and labour shortages lengthened lead times but did not materially tighten material availability.
• Weak export momentum, cautious year-end procurement sustained neutral pricing and contributed to quarterly downward pressure.
Europe
• In Germany, the Polybutylene Terephthalate Price Index fell by 3.73% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting expanded domestic output.
• The average Polybutylene Terephthalate price for the quarter was approximately USD 3974.67/MT, FOB Hamburg levels.
• Polybutylene Terephthalate Spot Price remained subdued as ample feedstocks and flat energy costs restrained offers.
• Polybutylene Terephthalate Production Cost Trend was neutral as BDO and PTA eased, preserving producers' margins.
• Polybutylene Terephthalate Demand Outlook remains weak despite higher registrations, constrained by elevated inventories and exports.
• Polybutylene Terephthalate Price Forecast signals modest holiday uplift followed by limited post-holiday recovery in demand.
• Polybutylene Terephthalate Price Index exhibited limited movement as port delays and competitive imports balanced supply.
• Inventory accumulation and plant operations pressured FOB offers, prompting undercutting of import parity to clear.
Why did the price of Polybutylene Terephthalate change in December 2025 in Europe?
• Expanded domestic PBT output reduced reliance on imports, increasing effective supply and applying downward pressure.
• Easing BDO and PTA costs flattened production cost trend, preserving margins and limiting price momentum.
• Port congestion and longer lead times disrupted deliveries while weak exports reduced procurement urgency significantly.
South America
• In Brazil, the Polybutylene Terephthalate Price Index fell by 0.74% quarter-over-quarter, driven by import competitiveness.
• The average Polybutylene Terephthalate price for the quarter was approximately USD 3278.33/MT, CFR Santos report.
• Polybutylene Terephthalate Spot Price remained rangebound amid steady imports, balanced inventories, and muted freight dynamics.
• Polybutylene Terephthalate Demand Outlook remains weak as automotive output declines limit converter procurement interest levels.
• Polybutylene Terephthalate Production Cost Trend was stable as PTA and BDO inputs remained largely unchanged.
• Polybutylene Terephthalate Price Forecast signals modest downside near-term, followed by gradual recovery from Q1 restocking.
• Polybutylene Terephthalate Price Index stability reflected adequate import volumes, moderate inventories, and weak export pull.
• Exporters maintained offers without plant outages, while freight volatility intermittently influenced landed economics and timing.
Why did the price of Polybutylene Terephthalate change in December 2025 in South America?
• Adequate imports from Asia and Americas met demand, offsetting domestic weakness, keeping CFR offers stable.
• Stable PTA and BDO costs limited input-driven upside, while rising freight increased landed cost pressure.
• Cautious converter procurement and sufficient inventories reduced spot urgency restraining price upside during December month.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In the USA, the Polybutylene Terephthalate Price Index fell by 0.0717% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting muted demand and stable costs.
• The average Polybutylene Terephthalate price for the quarter was approximately USD 3247.67/MT, based on FOB New York data.
• Polybutylene Terephthalate Spot Price remained range-bound, reflecting steady supply and cautious converters avoiding forward purchasing.
• Polybutylene Terephthalate Price Forecast signals marginal oscillations around current levels due to balanced supply-demand dynamics.
• Polybutylene Terephthalate Production Cost Trend was subdued as lower PTA and stable BDO prices kept costs contained.
• Polybutylene Terephthalate Demand Outlook remains weak to steady with automotive and electronics supporting volumes, limiting Price Index upside.
• Elevated inventories and soft export demand weighed on offers, keeping the Polybutylene Terephthalate Price Index subdued.
• Major producers ran steady rates, improved logistics and shorter lead times reduced upside risk for Polybutylene Terephthalate Spot Price.
Why did the price of Polybutylene Terephthalate change in September 2025 in North America?
• Balanced domestic production and steady feedstock costs limited price movement despite modest downstream demand recovery.
• Weak export inquiries and elevated inventories constrained offers, preventing meaningful upward pressure on domestic prices.
• Improved logistics and shorter lead times reduced urgency, while PTA softness suppressed production cost-driven hikes.
APAC
• In Japan, the Polybutylene Terephthalate Price Index fell by 0.39% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weak demand overall.
• The average Polybutylene Terephthalate price for the quarter was approximately USD 2924.33/MT with limited volatility.
• Polybutylene Terephthalate Spot Price remained range bound as producers maintained steady runs amid cautious buying.
• Polybutylene Terephthalate Production Cost Trend was muted as PTA and BDO costs stayed broadly unchanged.
• Polybutylene Terephthalate Demand Outlook is cautious with automotive and electronics procurement remaining hand to mouth.
• Polybutylene Terephthalate Price Forecast indicates modest near term softness before seasonal restocking supports higher offers.
• Distributor inventories remained adequate, tempering the Polybutylene Terephthalate Price Index and limiting urgent spot demand.
• Weak export inquiries from Southeast Asia constrained offtake, keeping the Polybutylene Terephthalate Spot Price subdued.
• Major Japanese producers operated with no outages, limiting supply shocks, stabilizing Polybutylene Terephthalate Price Index.
Why did the price of Polybutylene Terephthalate change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Balanced domestic supply versus cautious downstream demand kept transactional activity muted, preventing noticeable price recovery.
• Flat PTA and BDO costs removed upstream support, resulting subdued Polybutylene Terephthalate Production Cost Trend.
• Logistical delays, weak export inquiries from buyers reduced offtake, weighing on Polybutylene Terephthalate Spot Price.
Europe
• In Germany, the Polybutylene Terephthalate Price Index fell by 5.44% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting ample inventories nationally.
• The average Polybutylene Terephthalate price for the quarter was approximately USD 4128.67/MT on FOB Hamburg.
• Polybutylene Terephthalate Spot Price showed soft activity as downstream buyers delayed restocking amid seasonal holidays.
• Polybutylene Terephthalate Price Forecast remains muted given oversupply, weak automotive and electronics demand through Q3.
• Polybutylene Terephthalate Production Cost Trend eased as PTA and energy costs declined, reducing suppliers' cost pressure.
• Polybutylene Terephthalate Demand Outlook stays weak with converters operating need-based procurements and elevated inventories depressing offtake.
• Polybutylene Terephthalate Price Index weakened as export constraints and competitive imports pressured domestic offers downward.
• Polybutylene Terephthalate Price Index movement influenced by steady plant runs and absence of unplanned producer outages.
Why did the price of Polybutylene Terephthalate change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Seasonal holiday slowdowns significantly reduced converter purchases and delayed restocking across automotive and electronics sectors.
• Falling PTA prices and energy costs eased production expenses, allowing suppliers to offer softer quotes.
• High inventories and weak export demand incentivised sellers to lower offers, sustaining downward pressure globally.
South America
• In Brazil, the Polybutylene Terephthalate Price Index fell by 0.07% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting subdued import demand.
• The average Polybutylene Terephthalate price for the quarter was approximately USD 3302.67/MT, per CFR Santos.
• Polybutylene Terephthalate Spot Price remained range bound as the Price Index showed limited volatility recently.
• Polybutylene Terephthalate Production Cost Trend stayed muted as PTA and BDO input costs remained flat.
• Polybutylene Terephthalate Demand Outlook remains weak as automotive and electronics sectors delay purchases, de-stock aggressively.
• Polybutylene Terephthalate Price Forecast shows modest downside near term, with potential Q4 restocking supporting recovery.
• Inventory builds and steady import volumes kept the Polybutylene Terephthalate Price Index largely neutral again.
• Lower freight rates and eased container costs improved import affordability, tempering further pressure on prices.
Why did the price of Polybutylene Terephthalate change in September 2025 in South America?
• Well-supplied import flows from Asia and Europe balanced demand, preventing upward pressure on domestic prices.
• Stable feedstock PTA and BDO costs in exporting regions limited production cost pass-through to buyers.
• Weaker automotive and electronics demand plus cautious converter procurement reduced spot activity and transactional volumes.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) prices in North America increased marginally by 0.2% QoQ in Q2 2025, supported by tight inventory control and stabilized supply-demand fundamentals.
• Domestic producers maintained measured output, aligning production with the muted demand environment to prevent inventory overhang, while stable PTA feedstock prices provided a predictable cost base.
• Supply chains remained functional despite sporadic logistical constraints, as import flows from Asia and Europe ensured adequate material availability, cushioning against localized stock gaps.
• Downstream demand from automotive and electronics sectors stayed subdued, with buyers executing only immediate-need procurement strategies amid policy uncertainties and sluggish end-product sales.
• Despite tariff-related disruptions being temporarily paused, cautious business sentiment prevailed, limiting aggressive offtake across major PBT-consuming industries.
• Overall, the U.S. PBT market maintained a stable pricing environment throughout Q2, with inventory discipline and subdued demand acting as key balancing forces, resulting in a narrow trading range.
Why did the PBT Price Index change in July 2025 in North America?
• PBT prices in early July remained stable, with market participants maintaining a cautious approach due to lacklustre demand from the automotive and electronics sectors.
• However, a slight upward adjustment in prices occurred mid-July, driven by rising PTA feedstock costs, which increased production expenses for PBT manufacturers. This cost-push factor prompted domestic producers to revise their offers upward to safeguard margins.
• The price adjustment was also supported by producers’ disciplined inventory management, which prevented oversupply and allowed them to pass through modest cost increases despite soft demand conditions.
• While downstream consumption remained tepid, converters accepted the minor price hikes due to the inevitability of elevated input costs, leading to a marginal firming of PBT prices in the latter part of July.
Europe
• PBT prices in Europe declined by 5.9% QoQ in Q2 2025, pressured by persistent oversupply and lacklustre demand from key downstream sectors, particularly automotive and electronics.
• Domestic producers maintained steady operating rates, but continuous inflows of competitively priced Asian imports compounded inventory surpluses, forcing sellers into a highly competitive pricing environment.
• Supply chains faced intermittent logistical challenges, including port congestion and inland transport delays, which restricted export opportunities and further exacerbated domestic stock accumulation.
• Demand from the automotive sector remained tepid, with buyers adopting just-in-time procurement strategies amid economic uncertainty and sluggish vehicle production schedules.
• Despite minor feedstock cost fluctuations, weak offtake and intensified pricing competition prevented any meaningful price recovery, keeping market sentiment bearish throughout Q2.
• Overall, the German PBT market remained under sustained downward pressure, with the imbalance between ample supply and muted demand leading to continuous price erosion over the quarter.
Why did the PBT Price Index change in July 2025 in Europe?
• PBT prices in early July remained stable initially, as subdued demand from downstream sectors and elevated inventory levels kept market participants cautious, limiting trading activity.
• However, a noticeable price decline occurred in mid-July, driven by persistent oversupply and weak purchasing momentum across key consuming industries, particularly automotive and electronics, which failed to absorb existing stockpiles.
• The influx of competitively priced Asian-origin PBT further intensified pricing pressures, compelling domestic producers to lower offers in a bid to clear rising inventory, as export channels remained constrained by logistical bottlenecks and sluggish overseas demand.
• Although feedstock PTA prices remained stable, the overwhelming surplus in the domestic market and converters’ restrained procurement behaviour left suppliers with limited pricing leverage, leading to continued price corrections throughout July.
APAC
• PBT prices in APAC increased by 3.1% QoQ in Q2 2025, driven by persistent upstream cost pressures and constrained supply availability across key exporting regions, notably China and South Korea.
• Feedstock prices for PTA and BDO remained elevated throughout most of the Q2, tightening production margins and compelling exporters to raise their offers, which Malaysian importers had to reflect in domestic pricing.
• While import flows remained consistent, rising freight rates and currency depreciation added cost-side inflation, narrowing the scope for price negotiations and keeping landed costs firm.
• Downstream demand from automotive and electronics sectors showed sporadic restocking activity, primarily led by supply risk concerns rather than organic consumption growth.
• Despite soft terminal demand, proactive inventory acquisition by converters and limited low-cost import alternatives supported a bullish pricing trend through most of Q2.
• Overall, the Asian PBT market witnessed steady price increases, underpinned by cost-push dynamics and supply-side constraints, though demand fundamentals remained cautious and volume-driven buying stayed muted.
Why did the PBT Price Index change in July 2025 in APAC?
• PBT prices in Malaysia began to decline from early July, as the regional supply landscape eased significantly with Chinese exporters ramping up shipments post-PTA plant turnarounds, flooding the Southeast Asian market with surplus volumes.
• The sustained fall in intra-Asia freight rates further reduced import costs, eroding the earlier cost-push pressures that had propped up PBT prices during Q2, and prompting traders to offer discounts to clear accumulated inventories.
• Downstream demand from key sectors such as automotive and electronics remained lacklustre, with buyers maintaining restrained procurement strategies amid high existing stock levels and weak order visibility, exacerbating the oversupplied market conditions.
• With no immediate demand-side triggers and import-driven oversupply persisting, suppliers were compelled to adjust prices downward throughout July to maintain cash flows and prevent inventory build-up, reinforcing a bearish market trajectory.
South America
• PBT prices in South America increased marginally by 0.3% QoQ in Q2 2025, supported by disciplined inventory management and steady supply flows, despite a persistently weak demand backdrop.
• Domestic production was aligned with muted offtake from key sectors, with suppliers opting for controlled output to avoid excess stock accumulation. Stable PTA feedstock costs ensured predictable production expenses throughout the quarter.
• Import flows from the U.S. and Europe remained consistent, providing adequate material availability while localized logistical inefficiencies—such as port congestion and customs delays—had minimal impact on overall supply continuity.
• Demand from downstream automotive and consumer goods industries stayed subdued, with buyers adhering to cautious, need-based procurement strategies amid economic uncertainty and sluggish order books.
• Overall, Brazil’s PBT market maintained a narrow trading range through Q2, with stable supply-demand fundamentals and inventory discipline preventing sharp price movements, despite a lack of demand-side triggers for growth.
Why did the PBT Price Index change in July 2025 in South America?
• PBT prices in early July remained stable in Brazil, with market participants holding a cautious stance as weak automotive and consumer goods demand failed to stimulate fresh procurement activities.
• However, a slight upward movement in prices was observed in mid-July, driven by rising PTA feedstock costs, which exerted upward pressure on production expenses for both domestic producers and importers.
• This cost-driven adjustment was further supported by proactive inventory control among local suppliers, who managed to maintain tight stock levels, thereby avoiding oversupply and enabling a moderate price increase despite subdued end-user demand.
• Although downstream offtake remained modest, converters accepted the minor price hikes as a pass-through of unavoidable input cost escalations, leading to a marginal firming of PBT prices in the latter part of July, as supply-side firmness offset weak consumption trends.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025 Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) prices in North America recorded a marginal quarter-on-quarter decline compared to Q4 2025. At the start of the quarter, prices declined amid stable feedstock costs and subdued procurement, with balanced supply and a contracting manufacturing sector limiting momentum. Demand from the automotive sector was steady but insufficient to drive gains. Supply-side stability improved after the ILA and USMX resolved port strike threats through a six-year labour agreement, averting major logistical disruptions and easing concerns over domestic oversupply.
Mid-quarter, prices rebounded, driven by rising PTA costs and supply chain disruptions from adverse weather and labour shortages. While export orders softened, steady domestic demand—buoyed by proactive buying ahead of anticipated tariffs—helped sustain the market.
By quarter-end, PBT prices stabilized as supply chains normalized and raw material costs levelled off. Automotive sector consumption improved, yet weak export demand and continued economic uncertainties curtailed stronger momentum, keeping prices firm without further movement. THE U.S. witnessed the most significant change with a noticeable drop of 0.5% in Q1 2025 compared to Q4 2024, with the quarter-end price settling at USD 3250/MT FOB New York, reflecting cautious sentiment, and restrained buying interest.
APAC
In Q1 2025 Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) prices in APAC region recorded a quarter-on-quarter incline of 1.4% to Q4 2024. At the start of the quarter, prices declined slightly due to subdued demand and cautious inventory management by end-users. The automotive and electronics sectors showed average offtake, while export activity weakened amid global economic headwinds. With limited pre-holiday restocking ahead of the Chinese New Year and restrained industrial activity, the market lacked upward momentum. Mid-quarter, PBT prices rebounded modestly, supported by higher feedstock costs—especially PTA—and improved market activity following the Spring Festival. Manufacturers resumed operations with a focus on inventory replenishment. Demand from the automotive sector stayed moderate as automakers prioritized stock rebuilding, contributing to short-term firmness in market sentiment. By quarter-end, prices declined again due to oversupply pressures and weak downstream demand, though raw material costs softened. Despite this late-quarter dip, the earlier recovery driven by post-holiday demand and higher input costs lifted the overall quarterly average, resulting in a net Q1 price incline. Thailand saw the steepest rise, with quarter-end prices at USD 310/MT CFR Bangkok.
Europe
In Q1 2025 Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) prices in European region recorded a quarter-on-quarter decline of 0.7% compared to Q4 2024. At the start of the quarter, prices held steady as supply remained balanced due to stable production schedules during seasonal holidays. However, demand was weak, particularly in the automotive sector, where reduced incentives and high costs suppressed new vehicle registrations. Buyers adopted a cautious stance following year-end destocking, limiting fresh procurement, and keeping market activity subdued. Mid-quarter, prices recorded a marginal increase as rising PTA feedstock costs lifted production expenses. Manufacturing sentiment improved slightly amid easing contraction in new orders and output. Though demand remained below average, a modest uptick in inventory restocking supported temporary price recovery. By quarter-end, the market retreated again. Falling raw material costs and competitive imports from Asia weakened pricing. End-user demand in automotive and electrical sectors remained soft, with no signs of near-term revival. Germany witnessed the most significant change with a noticeable drop compared to Q4 2024, with the quarter-end price settling at USD 4490/MT FOB Hamburg, reflecting lacklustre demand and limited buying interest.
South America
In Q1 2025 Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) prices in the South American region recorded a quarter-on-quarter decline compared to Q4 2024. Early in the quarter, PBT prices in Brazil remained stable, supported by balanced supply-demand dynamics. Despite inflationary pressures and rising costs in the manufacturing sector, the market remained steady, with adequate inventories meeting demand. Weaker international demand did not significantly affect the local market. As the quarter progressed, PBT prices rose slightly due to tightening supply, driven by feedstock price pressures, logistical delays, and Brazil’s weak currency inflating import costs. Disruptions from labour shortages and extreme weather conditions in the U.S. exacerbated the supply situation. Despite mixed automotive sector performance, with a decline in month-over-month sales, the tight supply kept prices on an upward trajectory. By the end of the quarter, prices stabilized, driven by steady supply and balanced demand. Imports from global suppliers and declining raw material costs in Europe helped maintain stability. Brazil saw the most significant change with a noticeable 0.4% decline compared to Q4 2024, with the quarter-end price settling at USD 2645/MT CFR Santos, reflecting lacklustre demand and limited buying interest.
