PET Prices Rebound Modestly on Cost Support Amid Weak Seasonal Demand

Key Highlights

1. PET average selling price stood at $810/ton, down 0.23% month-on-month.
2. Cost-driven rebound in prices followed recovery in crude and PX markets. 
3. Operating rates stable at 72.6% as new restarts offset maintenance shutdowns. 
4. Short-term prices likely rangebound between $800–830/ton amid weak demand.

PET Bottle Chip Prices Rebound Slightly After Early Weakness

• PET bottle chip prices displayed a mixed trend during the week of November 3–7, initially declining and then rebounding towards the weekend. 
• The average selling price of PET stood at $810/ton, while the East China market closed in the range of $805–810/ton, showing a marginal 0.23% decline compared to the previous month. 
• In India, Wankai WK-801 prices were recorded at ₹84,500/MT in Hyderabad, ₹83,800/MT in Ahmedabad, ₹82,300/MT in Mundra, ₹83,000/MT in Mumbai, and ₹83,400/MT in Daman.
• The price uptick towards the end of the week was driven primarily by cost-side recovery linked to crude oil and PX market developments.

Demand & Supply: Balanced Market Conditions with Weak End-User Consumption

• Market fundamentals indicate a balanced yet subdued demand scenario. The domestic operating rate of PET bottle plants in China remained steady at around 72.6%, with new restarts in East China offsetting maintenance shutdowns in the South. 
• Supply remains adequate, though downstream consumption has been slow due to the seasonal off-peak period. 
• End-users in packaging and beverage sectors are largely meeting only immediate inventory requirements, avoiding large-scale procurement amid uncertain price direction. 
• The September export data also confirmed weak global demand, with PET bottle flake exports down 10.18% month-on-month to 467,700 tons.

Market News: Cost-Driven Price Recovery Amid Plant Restarts and Shutdowns

• The week’s price recovery was largely cost-driven, following volatility in crude oil and feedstock prices. Earlier weakness in PET was attributed to lower PTA processing margins and oversupply. 
• However, sentiment improved mid-week after rumors of PX plant maintenance circulated, sparking concerns over potential feedstock shortages. This led to a rebound in raw material costs and a modest price rise in bottle chips. 
• On the energy side, crude oil prices rebounded late in the week amid geopolitical risks, restoring partial cost support for the polyester chain.
• ABS prices remained stable at €1,450/MT, while PET prices held at €850/MT FD NWE. 
• In plant operations, UAB Orion Global restarted its 263,000 TPA PET plant in Klaipeda, Lithuania, after completing maintenance that began in September 2025. 
• Meanwhile, Novapet is expected to shut its 100,000 TPA PET unit in Barbastro, Spain, for maintenance by end-November 2025, with the duration of the shutdown yet to be announced.

Market Expectations: Stable-to-Firm Outlook with Limited Upside Due to Weak Demand

• Analysts expect the PET bottle chip market to remain rangebound to slightly firm in the short term, with prices likely fluctuating within $800–830/ton. While feedstock cost recovery could lend mild upward pressure, weak downstream demand and sufficient inventories will cap any significant price rally. 
• Traders and converters are advised to maintain moderate inventory positions, monitor feedstock (PX and PTA) developments closely, and time purchases strategically, as short-term price corrections remain likely amid cost volatility.