Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) prices in the United States remained unchanged this week, with market conditions described as subdued and sentiment depressed by sluggish demand.
A US-based industry source told that, “The US spot import PET market experienced limited activity, keeping prices steady due to weak demand. Sentiment remained depressed due to low end-consumer demand, with no notable indications of recovery. Trading conditions were tough, with buyers showing minimal interest in new volumes as inventories were considered sufficient.”
On a delivered duty paid (DDP) West Coast basis, PET was assessed at USD 1,095–1,115/mt, unchanged from the previous week. Feedstock costs also remained stable, with PTA assessed at USD 1,316.80–1,316.81/mt FOB US Gulf and MEG spot values steady at 20.50–21.00 cents/lb FOB US Gulf.
In contrast, sentiment in Asia weakened further. PET was assessed at USD 770–790/mt FOB Far East Asia, down USD 10/mt from last week. Market players attributed the fall to subdued downstream pull, highlighting the regional imbalance between steady supply and hesitant demand.
The divergence between flat US prices and slipping Asian values reflects the persistent fragility in global PET markets, where oversupply, weak downstream consumption, and muted trading activity continue to cap upside potential.
