This week, U.S. spot import polyethylene terephthalate (PET) prices remained flat as persistent demand weaknesses continued to unsettle the typically robust summer market. Despite traditionally strong demand during the peak bottling season, this year has seen unusually low consumption levels, with macroeconomic headwinds, ranging from inflationary pressures to cautious consumer behavior, clouding market sentiment. Uncertainty over U.S. tariff policies added another layer of restraint, keeping buying interest muted.
This lackluster demand was reflected in steady price assessments: DDP West Coast PET prices held at USD 1,115–1,135/mt, unchanged from the previous week. Meanwhile, feedstock prices told a mixed story: purified terephthalic acid (PTA) remained firm at USD 1,318.50–1,318.51/mt FOB U.S. Gulf, whereas monoethylene glycol (MEG) softened slightly, with spot prices easing to 20.00–20.50 cents/lb, a decline of 1 cent/lb week-on-week.
Across the Pacific, Asia displayed a bit more momentum: PET prices were on the rise in the Far East, ticking up to USD 780–800/mt FOB, representing a modest USD 10/mt gain amid regional supply-demand imbalances.
