For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
• In USA, the Polylactic Acid Price Index fell by 6.46% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting oversupply, muted demand.
• The average Polylactic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 2590.67/MT, based on contracts.
• Polylactic Acid Spot Price held range-bound as distributors managed inventories amid subdued buying and normalization.
• Polylactic Acid Price Forecast points to near-term softness driven by excess stocks and restrained ordering.
• Polylactic Acid Production Cost Trend stayed subdued as stable feedstock and energy prices limited inflation.
• Polylactic Acid Demand Outlook shows cautious converter procurement, subdued exports and seasonal strength in packaging.
• Polylactic Acid Price Index weakness reflected uninterrupted imports, steady domestic runs and multi-week distributor stocks.
• Export demand softened, while seasonal offtake for cups and filaments provided limited support to prices.
Why did the price of Polylactic Acid change in December 2025 in North America?
• Full domestic runs and Asian exports increased inventories, eroding seller pricing leverage in North America.
• Stable feedstock and gas costs limited producers' ability to raise offers despite tariff cost pressures.
• Lower freight and improved logistics reduced landed import costs, keeping overseas offers competitive against domestic.
APAC
• In Japan, the Polylactic Acid Price Index fell by 8.16% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting subdued demand and ample inventories.
• The average Polylactic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 3100.67/MT, reported across surveyed channels and contract types.
• Polylactic Acid Spot Price showed modest recovery mid-December, supported by firmer ocean freight and tighter import availability.
• Polylactic Acid Price Forecast indicates near-term mild softness, with seasonal restocking partially offsetting downward momentum.
• Polylactic Acid Production Cost Trend remained mixed as lactic acid firmed while corn-based feedstock costs stayed subdued.
• Polylactic Acid Demand Outlook stayed weak for packaging converters but strengthened for compostable food-service applications ahead of regulations.
• Polylactic Acid Price Index volatility compressed late December as buyers accepted offers to avoid year-end supply tightness.
• Inventory overhang and steady imports constrained domestic margins, pressuring spot and contract Price Index levels across distributors.
Why did the price of Polylactic Acid change in December 2025 in APAC?
• Tighter import costs from Thailand and increased freight raised landed costs, prompting higher offers and acceptance.
• Stronger year-end packaging and food-service demand supported offtake, reducing visible stocks despite ample overall inventories.
• Local energy and labor cost increases elevated producers' breakevens while oversupply limited full pass-through of higher expenses.
Europe
• In Germany, the Polylactic Acid Price Index fell by 4.57% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weak industrial demand.
• The average Polylactic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 2493.33/MT across spot transactions.
• Polylactic Acid Spot Price remained under pressure amid comfortable imports and subdued converter procurement activity.
• Polylactic Acid Price Forecast indicates modest downside risk driven by seasonal demand and inventory accumulation.
• Polylactic Acid Production Cost Trend softened as feedstock corn and sugar prices eased limiting pressure.
• Polylactic Acid Demand Outlook was muted with packaging sectors delaying purchases ahead of year end.
• Polylactic Acid Price Index movements reflected logistical constraints at Hamburg and balanced supply flows across origins.
• Market balance inventory normalization and policy support preserved structural demand despite short-term price weakness levels
Why did the price of Polylactic Acid change in December 2025 in Europe?
• Balanced imports from Thailand US and Netherlands prevented supply shortages and capped price upside regionally.
• Flat EUR/USD and benign freight rates limited currency and logistics cost pass-through to spot quotations.
• Seasonal end-user slowdown and cautious procurement reduced near-term demand producing neutral to slight downward pressure
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In the USA, the Polylactic Acid Price Index rose by 0.18% quarter-over-quarter, balancing supply conditions.
• The average Polylactic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 2769.67/MT, per assessed contracts.
• Polylactic Acid Spot Price remained muted as steady domestic runs and imports preserved balanced inventory.
• Polylactic Acid Price Forecast indicates range-bound pricing driven by healthy stocks and measured downstream procurement.
• Polylactic Acid Production Cost Trend remained stable, with lactic acid and corn feedstock prices unchanged.
• Polylactic Acid Demand Outlook is constructive as packaging, 3D printing, and medical applications sustain offtake.
• Polylactic Acid Price Index readings oscillated narrowly, reflecting neutral market balance between exporters and buyers.
• Inventory accumulation and import competition pressured spot offers, while contractual volumes capped downside for sellers.
• Operational continuity at major producers sustained availability, moderating volatility despite intermittent freight surcharges and delays.
Why did the price of Polylactic Acid change in September 2025 in North America?
• Balanced production and steady imports maintained ample supply, limiting upward pressure on Price Index.
• Stable lactic acid and corn feedstock costs constrained production cost pass-through, keeping margins predictable.
• Logistics largely functional, though freight surcharges and occasional rail delays created localized spot tightness.
APAC
• In Japan, the Polylactic Acid Price Index fell by 13.03% quarter-over-quarter, driven by regional oversupply.
• The average Polylactic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 3376.00/MT, reflecting moderate seasonal weakness.
• Polylactic Acid Spot Price weakened as distributors discounted offerings to reduce elevated inventories across domestic and import channels.
• Polylactic Acid Production Cost Trend remained subdued as lactic acid feedstock prices held steady, limiting upward pressure.
• Polylactic Acid Demand Outlook showed recovery in packaging and biomedical segments, supporting a firmer Price Index momentum.
• Polylactic Acid Price Forecast indicates modest normalization ahead, with limited upside absent sustained export or feedstock disruption.
• Operational stability at major Japanese producers constrained volatility, while imports from China maintained competitive positioning.
• High local inventories and smoother port operations limited upward pressure despite a weak yen and steady freight rates.
Why did the price of Polylactic Acid change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Regional oversupply from Asian mills increased imports, pressuring domestic availability and driving the September Price Index downward.
• Stable lactic acid feedstock costs limited producers' need to raise offers, moderating cost-push inflationary forces.
• Port operational delays and container congestion intermittently tightened deliveries, prompting buyers to accelerate procurement, supporting transient firmness.
Europe
• In Germany, the Polylactic Acid Price Index fell by 2.318% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting managed supply pressures.
• The average Polylactic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 2612.67/MT, assessed CFR Hamburg.
• Polylactic Acid Spot Price remained stable as steady imports and converter buying limited speculative purchasing.
• The Polylactic Acid Price Forecast indicates range-bound Q4 movement as inventories and demand broadly balance.
• Polylactic Acid Production Cost Trend showed stability as lactic acid and lactide prices remained steady.
• Polylactic Acid Demand Outlook remained constructive supported by packaging regulation, 3D printing, and textile growth.
• Polylactic Acid Price Index volatility increased during August declines, reflecting uninterrupted imports and easing freight.
• Port congestion and rail diversions created friction, yet proactive scheduling and inventory avoided supply disruptions.
Why did the price of Polylactic Acid change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Steady domestic production and predictable imports increased available tonnes, easing modestly short-term upward pricing pressure.
• Stable lactic acid feedstock costs contained margins, limiting producer incentives to raise Polylactic Acid list prices.
• Port line-ups and rail disruptions created logistical friction, but inventory management prevented widespread supply shortages.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• Polylactic Acid (PLA) Price Index across the U.S. stood at USD 2890/MT, FOB USGC in Q2 2025, up by 3% over Q1, courtesy of strong demand and shrinking supply in the face of logistical and cost pressures.
• PLA Price was strong as the percentage of packaging, 3D printing, textile, and agrisector usage supported downstream strength, consistent with ESG objectives and state plastic regulation initiatives (e.g., California).
• PLA Demand Forecast remained strong with increasing uptake in compostable coffee capsules, biodegradable e-retail packaging, and eco-friendly textile filaments, especially in the wake of increased environmental awareness.
• Despite mild raw material stability (corn starch, sugarcane), the PLA Production Cost Trend remained upward due to energy costs and increasing freight rates, especially on transpacific lanes post-tariff implementation.
• Domestic producers like NatureWorks operated consistently, but capacity constraints and limited plant expansions kept supply tight, especially during mid-Q2 maintenance phases.
• Port congestion, rising container charges, and strategic stockpiling by buyers ahead of potential tariff escalations reinforced price stability and gradual increases across the quarter.
• PLA Price Forecast for July 2025 signals further price increase due to upcoming demand surges in food packaging and agriculture, tariff-driven import cost escalations, and continued supply limitations from delayed ramp-up of new U.S.-based production lines.
Europe
• Polylactic Acid (PLA) Price Index in Germany averaged USD 2720/MT, CFR Hamburg during Q2 2025, reflecting a 7% rise from Q1, driven by firm demand and logistical bottlenecks.
• PLA Price gained steadily through Q2, supported by rising consumption in sustainable packaging, 3D printing, and textiles amid EU regulatory compliance under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
• PLA Demand Outlook remained strong due to growing interest in biodegradable alternatives and increased adoption in food service, automotive interiors, and agriculture.
• Port congestion at Hamburg and Bremerhaven, compounded by rail access closures and summer truck bans, created supply-side delays that contributed to upward pressure on the PLA Price Index.
• Despite stable raw material prices like lactic acid and corn starch, the PLA Production Cost Trend remained elevated due to energy-intensive processing and inland freight surcharges.
• Producers such as TotalEnergies Corbion and local compounders ensured steady output and import coordination, maintaining market balance despite intermittent supply strain.
• Proactive procurement strategies by converters ahead of July’s infrastructure-related disruptions and tighter port access have reinforced bullish momentum.
• PLA Price Forecast for July 2025 indicates further increase due to anticipated rail closures at Hamburg Waltershof, low inventory buffers, and firm offtake from converters, especially before the August holiday slowdown.
APAC
• Polylactic Acid (PLA) Price Index in Thailand averaged USD 2105/MT, FOB Laem Chabang for Q2 2025, showing a 9% decline from Q1, due to oversupply and subdued regional demand.
• PLA Price remained under downward pressure as expanded production capacities from NatureWorks and TotalEnergies Corbion led to increased regional availability.
• PLA Production Cost Trend declined with Thailand’s record sugarcane harvest and stable cassava prices, reducing input costs and compressing producer margins.
• PLA Demand Outlook remained steady in packaging and agriculture, but muted activity in 3D printing and textiles created temporary demand imbalances.
• Inventories rose as converters in Southeast Asia engaged in cautious procurement amid excess supply, dampening buying interest and pushing prices lower.
• Export orders to China, South Korea, and the U.S. weakened due to global tariff pressures and soft overseas demand, further weighing on local pricing.
• PLA Price Forecast for July 2025 indicates a potential price increase, driven by inventory correction, stronger seasonal demand from agriculture and food packaging, and expected delays in new capacity ramp-ups.
• Thailand’s strategic position as a bioplastics hub and strengthening policy support for sustainable materials is expected to gradually lift PLA price sentiment moving into Q3.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
The Polylactic Acid (PLA) market in North America exhibited a mixed trend during Q1 2025, influenced by varying demand levels, evolving trade dynamics, and supply adjustments. In early January, prices remained stable due to balanced supply-demand conditions post-holiday, with adequate production and steady raw material costs supporting the market.
However, by mid-January, prices experienced a slight dip owing to competitive pressures and seasonal slowdown, though demand from sectors like packaging and agriculture remained resilient. February saw another dip in prices, driven by oversupply, economic uncertainties, and increasing competition from traditional plastics and alternative bioplastics. Rising import volumes and logistical inefficiencies, particularly at East Coast ports, further pressured prices.
Nonetheless, the market rebounded in March with a 3.7% increase amid rising demand for compostable packaging and policy shifts supporting sustainability. New innovations like Ingeo Extend also contributed to industry optimism. Despite trade uncertainties and tariff concerns, the market remained steady by the end of the quarter. Thus, the price of PLA closed at USD 2800/MT, FOB USGC, in March 2025.
Despite this, prices reflected 2% decrease as compared to the previous quarter.
Europe
Polylactic Acid (PLA) prices in Europe showed an inclining trend throughout Q1 2025, supported by strong demand and growing sustainability regulations. The quarter began with relatively stable prices, as consistent demand from packaging, 3D printing, and textiles helped maintain a balanced market. Regulatory developments under the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and the inclusion of PLA-based mulch films in the Fertilising Products Regulation supported its use across agriculture and food packaging sectors. As the quarter progressed, production and logistics costs started rising, driven by higher energy prices and inflation across the Eurozone.
In March, severe congestion at the Rotterdam port delayed shipments and created supply bottlenecks, pushing prices higher. Feedstock costs, particularly for lactic acid and lactide, also rose, compounding the upward price pressure. Meanwhile, the EU’s push for a circular bioeconomy and initiatives to reduce microplastic pollution further strengthened long-term demand for PLA. Despite some market resistance to volatility, the outlook remained bullish. By the end of March, PLA prices in Europe reached USD 2490/MT, FOB Amsterdam.
Despite this, prices reflected no change as compared to the previous quarter.
APAC
In Q1 2025, the Polylactic Acid (PLA) market in the APAC region, particularly in China, exhibited a mixed price trend. At the start of the quarter, prices rose due to strong post-holiday demand recovery, inventory replenishment, and tight supply driven by maintenance shutdowns and raw material cost pressures. By mid-January, prices saw a slight dip as downstream activity moderated and new production capacity entered the market. February brought renewed price increases, supported by strong demand across sustainable packaging, agriculture, and 3D printing, coupled with ongoing supply constraints and rising input costs.
However, March witnessed a steady decline in prices, influenced by weakening demand from sectors like packaging and consumer goods, increased domestic production, and oversupply concerns. Logistical improvements and competition from other polymers added further pressure. While long-term prospects for PLA remained positive due to sustainability trends and government support, short-term price fluctuations were shaped by economic conditions and market adjustments. By the end of March 2025, PLA prices in China had declined to USD 2300/MT, Spot Ex-Qingdao, reflecting the cumulative impact of softer demand and growing supply. Despite this, prices reflected a 8% decrease compared to the previous quarter.
