Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) prices in the United States were unchanged this week, with trading activity subdued despite a significant policy shift that could reshape the market in the months ahead. Market participants told that spot values remained flat as buyers hesitated to make fresh commitments, preferring to watch how newly imposed tariffs will influence supply chains and cost structures.
The U.S. government recently announced that imports of PET and recycled PET will now face full tariffs effective September 8, a move expected to affect not only finished resin but also key feedstocks such as paraxylene (PX) and purified terephthalic acid (PTA). Industry observers initially anticipated that the tariff decision might lift sentiment and prompt early purchases, given that the United States relies heavily on imported PET and raw materials to meet domestic demand.
However, market sources said most converters and distributors have adopted a wait-and-see approach, delaying new transactions until the practical impact on prices and logistics becomes clearer. With buyers sitting on the sidelines, PET prices held steady at USD 1,070–1,090 per metric ton on a delivered-duty-paid West Coast basis, matching last week’s assessments.
Feedstock costs also provided little impetus for change. PTA was assessed flat at USD 1,316.80–1,316.81 per metric ton FOB U.S. Gulf. Monoethylene glycol (MEG) spot prices eased slightly to 20.50–21.00 cents per pound FOB U.S. Gulf, down about half a cent from the previous week.
Across the Pacific, PET prices in Asia remained stable as well, assessed at USD 770–790 per metric ton FOB Far East Asia, underscoring a broadly steady global market.
Analysts say the coming weeks will be critical as importers gauge the tariff’s effect on trade flows and as downstream users decide whether to secure material ahead of potential cost increases. Until those dynamics play out, the U.S. PET market is likely to stay in a holding pattern.
