Polybutylene Terephthalate Price Trend and Forecast

Polybutylene Terephthalate Regional Price Overview

Get the latest insights on price movement and trend analysis of Polybutylene Terephthalate in different regions across the world (Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa).

Polybutylene Terephthalate Price Trend for the Q3 of 2024

Asia

The Asian polybutylene terephthalate market witnessed downward pressure during Q3'24, influenced by weakening upstream dynamics. The declining trend in phthalic anhydride prices, coupled with falling feedstock costs, created bearish market sentiment.
 

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While isobutene markets showed strength, the overall polymer demand remained subdued, particularly from the automotive and electronics sectors. Manufacturers adjusted production rates as inventory levels increased amid sluggish buying patterns.

Europe

European polybutylene terephthalate prices demonstrated a mixed trend throughout Q3'24. While upstream isobutene markets provided some upward pressure, the declining phthalic anhydride costs and weak construction sector demand created opposing forces. Producers struggled to maintain margins amid varying feedstock dynamics. Supply remained adequate despite some logistics challenges, while downstream industries adopted a cautious purchasing approach.

North America

The North American polybutylene terephthalate market experienced moderate price fluctuations during Q3'24. Despite positive momentum in isobutene markets, the falling phthalic anhydride prices and weaker crude oil fundamentals limited significant price gains. Regional producers managed output carefully as demand from key end-use sectors remained selective. Supply levels stayed comfortable throughout the quarter.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the market outlook for Polybutylene Terephthalate remains mixed, with competing influences from different feedstock trends. Market recovery will largely depend on improvement in end-use sector performance and stabilization of feedstock dynamics.
 

Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) Price Trend for the Q2 of 2024

Asia

The Asian polybutylene terephthalate market experienced a slight increase in prices during the second quarter, particularly towards the latter phase. This rise was attributed to adjustments made by manufacturers in response to logistical constraints and port congestion at major ports. Meanwhile, the production costs for polybutylene terephthalate remained balanced as feedstock butanediol prices held steady.

However, in the initial phase of the quarter, the cost support from the feedstock sector was only moderate as the onset of the Dragon Boat Festival holidays in China slowed industrial activities. Therefore, with a slight decrease in the average price of butanediol, local polybutylene terephthalate production rose, ensuring an adequate supply in the region and stabilizing the supply-demand equilibrium.

Europe

Throughout the second quarter of 2024, the price trend of polybutylene terephthalate was supported by several factors in European countries. The downstream industries, being its primary driver, presented positive demand for the commodity. Further, these industries shifted their focus on domestic produce as the imports from the Asian countries declined due to rising geopolitical tensions and inclining transportation costs. Additionally, the feedstock industries also exerted a positive influence on the market, raising the production costs of polybutylene terephthalate, which eventually prompted both the manufacturers and traders to increase their price quotations of polybutylene terephthalate.

North America

During the latter phase of the second quarter, the polybutylene terephthalate market in the US displayed relative stability with minor fluctuations, opposite to its trend in the early phase. The polybutylene terephthalate market sentiments were challenged by the insufficient cost pressure from feedstock and moderate downstream consumption. Despite a decrease in the price of feedstock butanediol, driven by weakened demand, polybutylene terephthalate prices remained steady as the demand for polybutylene terephthalate in the automotive sector remained favorable.

However, the US Federal Reserve maintained a higher federal funds rate despite economists forecasting significant rate cuts over the next few years, resulting in the cautious approach of other industries. Additionally, North America's light vehicle production faced reductions as manufacturers dealt with excessive inventory levels and struggled to balance sales and production, reflected in the frail increase in the prices of polybutylene terephthalate.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price of Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) is expected to trail further southwards in the next quarter as well, primarily under the pressure of exceeding inventories and below-par demand from the end-user industries.
 

Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) Price Trend for the Q1 of 2024

Stay updated with the latest Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
 

Asia

Polybutylene terephthalate prices in the Asian markets continued their tepid run during the first quarter of 2024. The markets underwent significant contraction for the majority of the said period. Since polybutylene terephthalate is from an essential class of polyesters just like PET, the market consumption was projected to rise; however, a completely opposite pattern was observed. The deficit in downstream consumption was the primary reason that these prices acquired a downward wavering trajectory.

Since polybutylene terephthalate is made from polycondensation of terephthalic acid or dimethyl terephthalate, the feedstock factors also become major driving factors for the price dynamics. However, the feedstock factors were also not able to provide any significant support to the crashing prices. In both Indian and Chinese markets, the price trend followed a tepid trajectory.

A slower-than-expected economic recovery in China has been detrimental to these industrial activities. The downfall in both domestic and international demands drove the prices to such bearish levels. Overall, feeble market sentiments were witnessed.

Europe

In the European polybutylene terephthalate market, the price trend was observed to be depreciating for the majority of the said period. Even though the crude oil and energy prices were rising the Polybutylene Terephthalate prices tumbled down. The demand depreciation was primarily responsible for such a dull market performance. In Europe, the Russia and Ukraine war has stretched beyond imagination. This year, the war entered its third year. And it has kept the regional supply chains disturbed for far too long. Economic inflation also keeps the end-user spending in check. Conclusively, a lackluster market performance was observed in Q1’24.

North America

The polybutylene terephthalate price trajectory in the USA also followed its Asian and European counterparts during the said period. Other than a gradual decline in terephthalic acid prices, it was a diminished customer interest that drove the prices downhill. Despite a surge in maintenance and shipping charges, the demands remained feeble. Other trade hurdles with the Red Sea and Panama Canal issues and the rising geopolitical uncertainty also complicated international trade. As a result, a faltering price pattern was observed.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the Polybutylene Terephthalate price trends are not likely to improve anytime soon; the demand outlook will remain limiting going forward as well.
 

Polybutylene Terephthalate Price Trend for the October - December of 2023

Asia

For the majority of the fourth quarter of 2023, the polybutylene terephthalate prices wavered on the lower end of the graph. But in the last month, the market witnessed some price stability in China, which was on the back of a slight improvement in demand.

However, a supply-demand imbalance brought on by the limited capacity of polybutylene terephthalate production during these times asserted a positive influence on the polybutylene terephthalate price trend. There were some instances when the producers of polybutylene terephthalate experienced a shift in consumer preferences as they moved towards more environmentally friendly products that raised the hopes of both traders and producers.

Europe

In the last month of Q4 of 2023, the demand for polybutylene terephthalate in Europe surged, mostly due to the packaging industry's rising demand brought on by the expansion of the consumer base. The market's growth was also driven by government legislation encouraging eco-friendly purchases and growing customer desire for biodegradable packaging. On the other hand, the influx of raw materials required for polybutylene terephthalate synthesis declined as the ports of European countries suffered from the disruption of the Red Sea route, leading to the rapid depletion in inventories and a surge in polybutylene terephthalate price graph.

North America

Due to its environmental friendliness, polybutylene terephthalate became more and more popular in the latter half of the fourth quarter after registering a slow start. It can be utilized in farming, clothing production, and item packing, all these industries witnessed positive momentum at the end of the year 2023. Additionally, polybutylene terephthalate production cost seemed to be under the direct influence of changes in the price of crude oil. In addition to the fall in crude oil cost, the feedstock materials also failed to showcase any appreciation in their prices, which posed challenges in the upward journey of the polybutylene terephthalate price graph.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price trend of Polybutylene Terephthalate are expected to face a number of challenges in terms of falling prices of raw materials, but the demand outlook of the market is likely to improve in upcoming quarters.
 

Polybutylene Terephthalate Price Trend for the July - September of 2023

Asia

In the initial phase of the third quarter, the upswing in the polybutylene terephthalate price trend was supported by high demand and improvement in the automotive and electronics sectors. However, in the second half, the rates of production soon matched the demand for polybutylene terephthalate and gradually surpassed it, resulting in a hike in the level of inventories. In view of degrading market sentiments, the manufacturers and traders reduced their price quotations of polybutylene terephthalate, which resulted in the downfall of polybutylene terephthalate price trend.

Europe

The positive momentum of the polybutylene terephthalate market in European countries was influenced by a significant rise in the demand for polybutylene terephthalate. Amid rising rates of procurement of polybutylene terephthalate, the production activities slumped, depleting the inventory levels.

The main cause of this fall in production rates was the rising cost of crude oil that escalated the prices of production, challenging the manufacturing sector. In addition to this, the increased number of sales of automotive industries and industrial growth seen in European countries led to the northward movement of polybutylene terephthalate prices.

North America

In North America, too, the surge in market activities of automotive industries and the strong confidence of consumers in this sector led to the upward trajectory of the polybutylene terephthalate price graph. The polybutylene terephthalate price history also suggested a surge in the trend in the third quarter, which was fulfilled by a noticeable improvement in the number of offers from the domestic and overseas industries while its supply in North America was limited.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price trend of Polybutylene terephthalate are expected to bloom on account of rising demand from the automotive industries and worldwide reduction in its production.
 

Polybutylene Terephthalate Price Trend for the First Half of 2023

Asia

Polybutylene Terephthalate prices exhibited mixed price behaviour throughout the first half of 2023, given the fluctuations in downstream demands from the automotive, polymer, and EV sectors. The first quarter started with low prices; however, soon, the prices inclined as the demand-supply gap widened.

The rising crude oil prices (given the production cuts) led to high upstream cost pressure. Further, after the holiday season, the manufacturing capacities were not running at full, leading to a fall in inventory stocks. Hence, the PBT prices inclined towards the end of the first quarter. This inclined trend continued well within the second quarter, considering the high downstream offtakes amidst inventory shortages.

Europe

The European Polybutylene Terephthalate market fluctuated throughout the period under discussion. Q1 majorly witnessed an inclination in prices, as the demands exceeded the supplies and existing stocks could not cater to high downstream demands. But as the second quarter approached, the manufacturers enhanced their production rates churning products at a much faster pace, which, combined with the consistent downstream demands, resulted in an almost flattened curve. Hence, polybutylene terephthalate prices experienced stable market dynamics in the second quarter.

North America

In North America, Polybutylene Terephthalate price trend mostly wavered on the upper end, as the EV and automotive sectors posed consistently high demands. Suppliers kept ordering more products to fulfil the demands as decent profit margins were maintained. These trend continued till mid-Q2, after which they stabilized as demands got steady. Overall, positive market sentiments were recorded for PBT prices.

Analyst Insight

According to the Procurement Resource, Polybutylene Terephthalate prices are expected to fluctuate in the coming months. The strong demand amid erratic supplies and feedstock fluctuations will likely impact the market heavily.

Procurement Resource provides latest prices of Polybutylene Terephthalate. Each price database is tied to a user-friendly graphing tool dating back to 2014, which provides a range of functionalities: configuration of price series over user defined time period; comparison of product movements across countries; customisation of price currencies and unit; extraction of price data as excel files to be used offline.