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VietnamIn Q1 2025, the Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) market for Natural Injection Moulding IV (1–1.2) grade showed mixed pricing trends across key regions. In China, FOB Shanghai prices increased by 2.6%, settling at USD 1135/MT, supported by steady demand from automotive and electrical sectors. In Taiwan’s, FOB Kaohsiung prices declined by 4.1% to USD 1113/MT due to weaker regional demand and competitive Chinese offers.
Southeast Asia saw modest fluctuations, in Thailand, the CIF Bangkok (China-origin) price slipping by 0.8% to USD 1178/MT amid cautious procurement, in Vietnam, the CIF Haiphong (China-origin) price rose 2.0% to USD 1187/MT, backed by stable imports and limited inventories. Meanwhile, in Turkey, the CIF Izmir (China-origin) increased by 2.3%, reaching USD 1321/MT, driven by firm automotive demand and longer lead times from Asian suppliers.
In Q4 2025, the Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) market for Natural Injection Moulding IV (1–1.2) grade witnessed a broad-based decline across major Asian and Eurasian ports, driven by sluggish downstream demand and elevated inventories. In China, the FOB Shanghai price fell by 4.6% to USD 1109/MT as subdued orders from automotive and appliance sectors weighed on market activity.
Similarly, Taiwan’s FOB Kaohsiung price dropped by 4.4%, settling at USD 1160/MT, amid persistent supply-side pressure and lacklustre regional demand. Southeast Asia also reflected a softening trend, in Thailand, the CIF Bangkok (China-origin) price decreasing by 3.0% to USD 1188/MT and the CIF Haiphong (China-origin) price in Vietnam plunging by 7.0% to USD 1163/MT, both affected by cautious procurement and limited production runs in key end-use segments. In Turkey, the CIF Izmir price declined sharply by 7.0%, landing at USD 1290/MT, influenced by currency volatility, weak import appetite, and an oversupplied domestic market.
In Q3 2024, the PBT market for Natural Injection Moulding IV (1–1.2) grade exhibited a consistent downward trend across key regions, primarily influenced by reduced demand from electrical, electronics, and automotive segments alongside sufficient inventories. In China, the FOB Shanghai price dropped by 6.0%, settling at USD 1162/MT, due to weaker buying activity and aggressive pricing from domestic producers.
Taiwan followed with a modest 0.5% decline in the FOB Kaohsiung price, which closed at USD 1213/MT, reflecting stable but cautious procurement patterns. Southeast Asian ports also saw notable corrections—Thailand’s CIF Bangkok (China-origin) price fell by 4.23% to USD 1225/MT, while Vietnam’s CIF Haiphong (China-origin) price decreased by 4.7% to USD 1248/MT—both influenced by sluggish manufacturing output and tepid export orders. , In Turkey, the CIF Izmir (China-origin) price dipped by 1.5%, landing at USD 1387/MT, amid currency volatility and soft end-user demand in the plastics processing industry.
In Q2 2024, the PBT market for Natural Injection Moulding IV (1–1.2) grade continued to face downward pricing pressure across major regional ports, driven by persistent weakness in downstream sectors such as automotive, electronics, and appliances, along with moderate inventory buildup. In China, the FOB Shanghai price declined by 2.6%, settling at USD 1240/MT, amid subdued local demand and competitive pricing from producers.
Taiwan’s FOB Kaohsiung price saw a sharper decline of 4.2%, closing at USD 1220/MT, as buyers adopted a wait-and-watch approach amid fluctuating input costs. Southeast Asian destinations also recorded declines—Thailand’s CIF Bangkok (China-origin) price dipped by 2.27% to USD 1279/MT, while Vietnam’s CIF Haiphong (China-origin) price dropped by 1.97% to USD 1311/MT, both reflecting softer regional trade flows and cautious replenishment by converters. In Turkey, the CIF Izmir (China-origin) price slipped by 1.17%, settling at USD 1409/MT, influenced by weak macroeconomic sentiment and conservative raw material procurement among processors.
In Q1 2024, the PBT market for Natural Injection Moulding IV (1–1.2) grade experienced broad-based price corrections across key Asian ports, largely driven by sluggish demand in downstream sectors such as automotive and electronics, alongside cautious purchasing behaviour amid uncertain macroeconomic conditions. In China, the FOB Shanghai price fell sharply by 5.8%, settling at USD 1273/MT, impacted by reduced domestic consumption and intensified competition among local suppliers. Taiwan’s FOB Kaohsiung price also registered a notable drop of 5.6%, closing at USD 1236/MT, reflecting persistent buyer resistance and soft export orders. In Southeast Asia, Thailand, the CIF Bangkok (China-origin) price declined by 4.26% to USD 1309/MT, and Vietnam’s CIF Haiphong (China-origin) price slipped by 2.94% to USD 1337/MT, both mirroring weak manufacturing activity and inventory optimization efforts. In contrast, in Turkey, the CIF Izmir (China-origin) price bucked the regional trend, inching up by 1.20% to USD 1426/MT, supported by marginal recovery in converter demand and relative currency stabilization.
In Q1 2025, a rebound in PBT pricing was observed in the Indian market. Ex-Delhi prices increased by 6.54% to INR 119077/MT, supported by improved sentiment, moderate restocking, and slight tightening in availability. CIF Nhava Sheva (China) prices also rose by 4.87% to INR 105305/MT, driven by increased offshore inquiries and firmer overseas offers. However, CIF Nhava Sheva (Taiwan) prices continued to decline, falling by 2.28% to INR 102085/MT, as market participants preferred sourcing from alternative origins.
In Q4 2024, prices continued their downward trajectory in India’s PBT market. Ex-Delhi prices fell by 2.35%, closing at INR 111769/MT amid persistent market resistance and slow movement in the electronics and appliances segments. CIF Nhava Sheva (China)prices dropped by 3.26% to INR 100411/MT, under pressure from oversupply and soft international demand. Meanwhile, CIF Nhava Sheva (Taiwan) prices declined by 2.66% to INR 104462/MT, as trade activity remained low and converters operated cautiously.
In Q3 2024, the PBT market in India experienced a sharper correction. Ex-Delhi prices dropped by 5.57%, settling at INR 114462/MT, impacted by seasonal demand weakness and accumulated stock. CIF Nhava Sheva (China) prices registered a 4.44% decline to INR 103793/MT as competitive Asian supply and sluggish domestic orders weighed on pricing. In contrast, CIF Nhava Sheva (Taiwan) prices edged up by 1.51%, reaching INR 107315/MT, due to limited availability and slightly improved buying in some end-use sectors.
In Q2 2024, the Indian PBT market remained largely subdued. Ex-Delhi prices declined marginally by 0.34%, closing at INR 121208/MT, as moderate inventory levels and stable domestic production kept prices in check. CIF Nhava Sheva (China) prices eased further by 1.61% to INR 108615/MT, driven by subdued end-user demand. CIF Nhava Sheva (Taiwan) prices continued their downward trajectory, falling by 3.27% to INR 105723/MT amid weak downstream consumption and low procurement interest.
In Q1 2024, the PBT market for Natural Injection Moulding IV (1–1.2) grade in India showed a weakening trend. Ex-Delhi prices declined by 6.07%, settling at INR 121615/MT, as buyers adopted a cautious stance amid muted demand from the electrical and automotive sectors. Similarly, CIF Nhava Sheva (China) prices dropped by 3.56% to INR 110392/MT, impacted by reduced import activity and competitive regional offers. CIF Nhava Sheva (Taiwan) prices also slipped by 3.93%, reaching INR 109292/MT, reflecting broader market bearishness.
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Global Inflation and Economic Slowdown (2023–Present):
Since 2023, the combined impact of high global inflation, surging energy costs, and ongoing logistics constraints has raised production costs for PBT. Feedstock prices, especially for BDO and PTA, remained elevated due to energy market volatility. Despite these cost pressures, PBT prices have faced sustained downward pressure, as broader economic slowdowns in key regions—including the Eurozone and parts of Asia—reduced end-use demand in sectors such as automotive, appliances, and electronics. Additionally, fluctuating freight rates and oversupply from major Asian producers have further weighed on market sentiment, contributing to the persistent softness in global PBT prices.
Slowing Global Economy and Rising Crude Oil Prices (2019):
In 2019, rising crude oil prices—partly triggered by geopolitical disruptions such as the attacks on Saudi Aramco facilities—pushed feedstock costs for PBT upward. However, this coincided with a global economic slowdown, impacting industrial output and consumer sentiment. Demand for PBT, particularly from the automotive and consumer electronics sectors, weakened. As a result, the market experienced mixed price trends: while feedstock-driven cost pressure pushed prices higher in the early part of the year, sluggish demand led to price stabilization or even softening in the latter half.
Crude Oil Price Collapse (2015–2016):
The global crude oil price collapse during 2015–2016—driven by oversupply and OPEC’s decision to maintain output—resulted in a dramatic drop in oil prices. Since PBT production relies on upstream feedstocks such as Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA) and 1,4-Butanediol (BDO), both of which are closely linked to Naphtha and Crude Oil derivatives, this led to a significant reduction in raw material costs. Consequently, PBT prices declined sharply across global markets, especially in Asia and Europe, where buyers benefited from lower procurement costs amid generally weak end-use demand from the electrical, electronics, and automotive sectors.
This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable PBT pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions.
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) is a high-performance, semi-crystalline thermoplastic polyester engineered for durability, dimensional stability, and high heat resistance. It is produced by the polycondensation of terephthalic acid or dimethyl terephthalate with 1,4-butanediol. PBT exhibits excellent electrical insulation, low moisture absorption, and high mechanical strength, making it ideal for automotive components, electrical housings, appliance parts, and industrial machinery.
Packaging Type
Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
Typical Properties – Natural Injection Moulding Grade IV (1.0–1.2)
| Property | Unit | Typical Value |
| Intrinsic Viscosity (IV) | dl/g | 1.0 – 1.2 |
| Density | g/cm³ | 1.30 – 1.55 |
| Melting Point | °C | 220 – 230 |
| Vicat Softening Point | °C | 220 – 230 |
| Tensile Strength | MPa | 50 – 60 |
| Elongation at Break | % | 5 – 15 |
| Flexural Modulus | MPa | 2200 – 3000 |
| Impact Strength (Notched Izod) | J/m | 25 – 50 |
| Water Absorption (24h) | % | < 0.1 |
Applications
Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic widely valued for its excellent dimensional stability, high heat resistance, and electrical insulating properties. It is extensively used in the automotive industry for connectors, sensor housings, and under-the-hood components due to its resistance to heat and chemicals. In the electrical and electronics sector, PBT is utilized in switchgear housings, sockets, and insulating sleeves owing to its low moisture absorption and consistent dielectric performance. The appliance industry relies on PBT for making components such as handles, control panels, and pump housings. Its high rigidity and strength also make it suitable for industrial machinery, while glass-fiber reinforced grades are ideal for structural applications that demand enhanced mechanical performance.
Several factors influence the commodity prices of PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate), including:
1. Raw Material Costs: Prices of feedstocks like purified terephthalic acid (PTA) and 1,4-butanediol (BDO) directly impact PBT production costs.
2. Supply and Demand: Market balance between PBT supply and demand, driven by industries such as automotive, electronics, and textiles, affects pricing.
3. Energy Prices: Energy costs for manufacturing processes can significantly impact PBT prices.
4. Technological Advancements: Innovations in production methods can lead to cost reductions, influencing prices.
5. Global Economic Conditions: Economic growth or downturns can influence demand for PBT in various sectors.
6. Trade Policies and Tariffs: Import/export regulations, tariffs, and geopolitical tensions can affect PBT pricing.
7. Environmental Regulations: Stricter environmental regulations can increase production costs, thus affecting prices.
Feedstock prices play a crucial role in determining the commodity prices of Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT). Since PBT is primarily produced from purified terephthalic acid (PTA) and 1,4-butanediol (BDO), fluctuations in the prices of these raw materials directly impact the production cost of PBT.
1. Increased Feedstock Costs: When the prices of PTA and BDO rise, the cost of producing PBT increases. This often leads to higher commodity prices for PBT, as manufacturers pass on the additional costs to consumers.
2. Supply Chain Disruptions: If there are disruptions in the supply of key feedstocks (due to geopolitical factors, natural disasters, or production issues), feedstock shortages can reduce PBT supply, driving prices higher.
3. Energy and Transport Costs: The cost of transporting and energy-intensive production of PTA and BDO also affects overall feedstock prices, and subsequently, the cost of PBT.
In essence, fluctuations in feedstock prices directly influence PBT production costs, thereby impacting its market price.
The relationship between commodity prices and inflation for Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) is influenced by several factors:
1. Rising Feedstock Costs: When the prices of key feedstocks like purified terephthalic acid (PTA) and 1,4-butanediol (BDO) increase, it directly raises the production costs of PBT. Higher production costs often lead to increased commodity prices for PBT, which can contribute to inflationary pressures in the overall economy, particularly in industries reliant on PBT, such as automotive and electronics.
2. Cost-Push Inflation: If PBT prices rise due to increased feedstock costs, manufacturers may pass on these costs to consumers, contributing to cost-push inflation. This can affect the prices of goods that depend on PBT as a raw material, leading to higher prices in end-products.
3. Impact on Supply Chains: If PBT production becomes more expensive due to rising commodity prices, it can disrupt supply chains, further driving up prices of finished goods and contributing to broader inflationary trends.
4. Economic Pressures: High PBT prices may reflect overall economic conditions, where inflation is driven by rising raw material and production costs across various sectors. This, in turn, can increase the cost of living and production for other industries, perpetuating inflation.
In summary, rising commodity prices for PBT can contribute to inflation through higher production costs, leading to increased prices for goods that use PBT, and creating broader cost-push inflation across affected industries.
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