Wankai PET (WK-821) in Mumbai

PET prices remain under pressure due to oversupply, weak demand, and falling upstream costs. Despite a slight recovery in Chinese prices, inventories are high and demand sluggish. Crude oil and feedstock volatility continue to erode cost support, keeping the market bearish. Short-term pricing depends on demand revival and production adjustments.

PET resin prices in India have softened due to global oversupply, weak raw material costs, and sluggish downstream demand. New production capacity, high inventory levels, and low order flow continue to weigh on the market. Experts foresee limited upside in the near term without a significant rebound in demand.

PET prices remained largely stagnant in early March 2025, reflecting weak demand and persistent oversupply concerns. Despite some production cutbacks, the market remains under pressure due to high inventory levels and new capacity additions. Weak cost support from raw materials and cautious buyer sentiment further limit any significant upward price movement.

Ethylene market dynamics remain uncertain as inflation pressures impact supply expansion plans. Westlake’s potential cracker expansion in Louisiana could increase capacity by 40%, but cost concerns delay decisions. Meanwhile, polymer prices remain volatile, with PVC, HDPE, LDPE, and ABS seeing mixed trends across major Indian hubs. Short-term market stability is expected.

PET prices in New Delhi rose to ₹92/kg, driven by higher raw material costs amid U.S. sanctions on Russia and increased energy demand. While production costs remain low, cautious downstream buying has limited trading activity. The market is expected to remain volatile, closely tracking international oil price movements and supply conditions.

The Asian PET market saw a 3-4% price rise in January 2025, driven by seasonal demand and improving global trade. However, weak early January demand and competition from low-cost imports kept the market pressured. Favorable supply conditions and subdued overseas inquiries balanced short-term volatility, with gradual demand recovery anticipated.

PET prices remain stable, with Reliance at Rs. 93,000/MT and Wankai 801 at Rs. 86,500/MT. Malaysia has imposed provisional anti-dumping duties (ADDs) on PET imports from China and Indonesia, ranging from 6.33% to 37.44%, to protect its domestic PET industry. This could stabilize local PET supply while causing minor cost increases for downstream sectors.

PET prices have increased due to rising production costs, fuelled by surging crude oil prices and higher polyester raw material rates. While new production facilities may ease supply constraints, short-term growth remains limited as downstream buyers adopt a cautious approach. The approaching Spring Festival is expected to bolster domestic demand for PET, supporting market stability amidst rising supply levels.

The decline in polymer demand and prices in India is expected to persist, driven by economic conditions, supply chain dynamics, increased domestic production, crude oil price fluctuations, government policies, and environmental factors, shaping market trends and stakeholder decisions.