This week, the U.S. polyethylene terephthalate (PET) market remained stable, with prices showing no movement despite ongoing discussions around tariffs and feedstock costs. Market sentiment reflected a cautious balance, as buyers and sellers continued to negotiate terms in an environment where trade-related costs remain a key factor shaping pricing dynamics.
An industry source in the United States told that the rollover was largely a direct outcome of these negotiations. “The rollover was the outcome of price negotiations between buyers and sellers with discussions primarily focused on allocation of tariff costs,” the source explained, adding that both sides appeared reluctant to push prices in either direction until greater clarity emerges on cost pass-throughs.
Delivered duty paid (DDP) West Coast PET prices were assessed steady at USD 1095–1115/mt, unchanged from the prior week. This stability indicates that despite fluctuations in related markets, U.S. PET continues to be cushioned by balanced supply-demand fundamentals and an absence of major buying surges.
Upstream trends presented a mixed picture. Feedstock purified terephthalic acid (PTA) values in the U.S. Gulf were steady at USD 1316.80–1316.81/mt FOB, holding unchanged from the previous week. However, monoethylene glycol (MEG), another key feedstock, saw some weakness. Spot MEG prices declined to 19.50–20.00 cents/lb FOB U.S. Gulf, a week-on-week fall of 0.50 cents/lb, signaling slight downward pressure on PET production economics.
Beyond the U.S., regional divergences became more apparent. In Asia, PET prices slipped, with assessments at USD 750–770/mt FOB Far East Asia, down USD 10/mt compared with the previous week. This decline highlights softer demand in overseas markets, which contrasts with the cautious but stable conditions observed in the U.S.
Market watchers note that PET’s short-term direction in the U.S. will likely hinge on trade cost negotiations and feedstock price swings. While steady values provide temporary relief for both producers and converters, the softness in Asia could eventually influence sentiment if global demand continues to waver.
