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MexicoIn Q1 2025, Polycarbonate (General Purpose) prices in South Korea saw a slight dip, settling at $1,945/MT FOB Busan, reflecting a 1.4% decrease from Q4 2024. This movement was largely attributed to moderate demand from end-use industries and improved inventory management by manufacturers. While global supply chain constraints persisted, better production planning and steady shipments helped maintain a balanced market. However, a significant disruption occurred in late February when a major power outage impacted operations at LG Chem and Lotte Chemical—two of the country’s leading chemical producers—resulting in halted production and substantial financial losses. Despite this setback, demand remained steady, particularly from the electronics and automotive sectors, supporting a stable market outlook going forward.
In Q4 2024, Polycarbonate (General Purpose) prices in South Korea stabilized, dropping to $1973/MT FOB Busan, reflecting a 6.98% slight decrease from Q3 2024. This decline was influenced by abundant supply, as manufacturers ramped up production to meet previous demand surges. Additionally, a temporary slowdown in procurement activity from key industries led to a more balanced market scenario. Improved logistics and a gradual easing of freight challenges also helped stabilize prices, ensuring a steady supply flow into the region.
In Q3 2024, the Polycarbonate (General Purpose) market in South Korea experienced a strong price surge, reaching $2121/MT FOB Busan, marking an 8.3% increase from Q2 2024. This rise was primarily driven by robust demand from key sectors such as automotive, electronics, and construction, where Polycarbonate is widely used for its durability and heat resistance. Additionally, ongoing supply chain disruptions, including port congestion, vessel rerouting, and equipment shortages, contributed to higher freight costs, adding pressure to prices. The global market also saw an increase in industrial activity, further supporting the bullish trend.
In Q2 2024, the Polycarbonate (General Purpose) market in South Korea showed a rebound, with prices reported at $1958/MT FOB Busan, marking an 5.18% increase from Q1. This positive trend was largely influenced by strong demand from the automotive and electrical components industries, which saw a rise in Polycarbonate use due to its lightweight and durable properties. Additionally, technological advancements in Polycarbonate production processes further supported this growth, helping manufacturers meet the higher demand efficiently. Other factors, such as supply chain optimization and increased consumer electronics production, also contributed to the upward price trend.
In Q1 2024, the global Polycarbonate (General Purpose) market showed a mixed trend, particularly in South Korea, where prices were reported at $1860/MT FOB Busan, reflecting a decrease of around 2.3% from the previous quarter. This dip was primarily due to abundant supply and a slowdown in demand from the electronics and automotive sectors in the region. However, despite the decline, demand from other key sectors like construction and packaging remained stable, helping to avoid further price drops. Globally, rising raw material costs, coupled with increasing freight rates, added upward pressure to Polycarbonate prices.
In Q1 2025, Polycarbonate (General Purpose) prices in India edged up to $2050/MT CIF Nhava Sheva, reflecting a slight increase of 0.62% over the previous quarter. This mild uptick was supported by stable procurement from downstream sectors, particularly in the production of headlamp lenses, interior and exterior trims, and transparent casings used in automotive and consumer goods. As the fiscal year kicked off, buyers cautiously resumed restocking, though many maintained lean inventory strategies due to economic uncertainty. On the supply side, post-Lunar New Year export recovery from Korea ensured steady availability, keeping pricing largely in check despite minor fluctuations in freight and currency.
In Q4 2024, Polycarbonate (General Purpose) prices in India declined to $2038/MT CIF Nhava Sheva, marking a notable 9.53% drop from the previous quarter. The sharp correction came amid slower year-end demand and subdued order flow from key downstream applications such as display panels, sports gear, and UV-resistant sunglasses. Indian importers engaged in aggressive destocking, while Korean-origin imports arrived consistently, resulting in ample availability and downward pressure on prices. The market remained heavily buyer-driven, with subdued sentiment limiting any potential for price recovery during the quarter.
In Q3 2024, Polycarbonate (General Purpose) prices in India surged to $2252/MT CIF Nhava Sheva, up 9.70% from Q2. The price spike was primarily due to strong seasonal demand, especially from manufacturers of automotive components, safety glasses, and electronic display panels. Additionally, scheduled plant turnarounds and logistical bottlenecks in Korea disrupted regular exports, leading to supply tightness in India. This imbalance prompted many processors to purchase material in advance, amplifying pricing momentum throughout the quarter.
In Q2 2024, Polycarbonate (General Purpose) prices in India increased to $2053/MT CIF Nhava Sheva, registering a 5.44% rise over Q1 levels. The upward trend reflected modest recovery in production of transparent and impact-resistant components, including UV-protected eyewear and appliance casings. While imports from Korea remained steady, increased demand from northern and western India drove up offtake. Rising costs of feedstock BPA also played a role in firming offers from Korean producers during this period.
In Q1 2024, Polycarbonate (General Purpose) prices in India stood at $1947/MT CIF Nhava Sheva, a slight decline of 1.09% from Q4 2023. The softening trend resulted from subdued activity in key end-use markets, including automotive trims, safety equipment, and lifestyle goods. High opening inventories and cautious purchasing behaviour led to limited spot transactions, while Korean-origin shipments continued to flow without major disruption, further easing price levels.
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Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Polycarbonate (PC) is a high-performance thermoplastic polymer produced from the polymerization of bisphenol A (BPA) and phosgene. Known for its exceptional toughness, transparency, and impact resistance, Polycarbonate exhibits high thermal stability and resistance to chemicals while offering superior optical clarity. With excellent dimensional stability and flame-retardant properties. Overall, Polycarbonate is a preferred engineering plastic that effectively combines strength, versatility, and durability for a wide range of industries.
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.
Technical specification for Polycarbonate (injection moulding)
| Property | Specification (injection moulding) |
| Specific Gravity | 1.2 |
| Melt Flow Index | 6 g/10min |
| Tensile strength | 66 MPa |
| Tensile Modulus | 2300 MPa |
| Heat Deflection Temperature (Unannealed) | 126 C |
| Flexural Modulus | 2300 MPa |
Applications
Polycarbonate is a highly versatile material used across various industries due to its exceptional toughness, transparency, and heat resistance. In the automotive industry, it is commonly applied in headlamp lenses, interior components, and lightweight panels, benefiting from its impact strength and durability. The electronics sector relies on Polycarbonate for housings, connectors, and display screens, where its electrical insulation and flame-retardant properties are critical. In construction, it is widely used for roofing, skylights, and glazing due to its UV resistance and lightweight nature. Medical devices also use Polycarbonate for surgical instruments, housings, and equipment that require sterilization and durability. In consumer goods, it’s found in everything from eyewear lenses and safety goggles to reusable water bottles and phone cases. Its strength, clarity, and resistance to high temperatures make Polycarbonate an indispensable material for numerous applications, providing both performance and reliability across industries.
The pricing of Polycarbonate is influenced by several key factors, including raw material costs, production methods, and global demand and supply dynamics. Fluctuations in the prices of bisphenol A (BPA) and phosgene, the primary feedstocks for Polycarbonate production, can significantly impact overall pricing. Additionally, supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and natural disasters may lead to price volatility. Finally, market demand from various sectors, including automotive, electronics, and construction, also plays a crucial role in determining pricing trends.
Raw material availability, particularly of Bisphenol A, plays a crucial role in determining Polycarbonate pricing. When there are shortages due to production disruptions, regulatory issues, or geopolitical tensions, Polycarbonate prices tend to increase. Conversely, an oversupply of raw materials or improved production efficiencies can lead to price decreases.
Environmental regulations significantly impact Polycarbonate pricing by influencing production costs and compliance requirements. Stricter regulations related to emissions and waste management can lead to higher operational costs for manufacturers, which may be passed on to buyers in the form of increased prices. Additionally, a shift towards more sustainable production methods may require investment in new technologies, further affecting pricing.
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