polycarbonate Pricing Assessment

Markets Covered:

Korea

India

Indonesia

Mexico

Polycarbonate Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast

In Q1 2024, the global Polycarbonate (PC) market showed a mixed trend, particularly in South Korea, where prices were reported at $1870/MT, reflecting a decrease of 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 Q2 2024, the Polycarbonate market in South Korea showed a rebound, with prices reported at $2087/MT, marking an 11.6% 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.

By early Q3 2024, Polycarbonate prices in South Korea rose slightly to $2151/MT, a +3% increase from Q2. This moderate increase was a result of balanced global supply and demand conditions. Despite an abundant supply in several regions, the steady demand from key sectors, including automotive and consumer electronics, helped stabilize prices. Freight disruptions and port congestion in Asia also played a role, preventing a sharper price drop. However, the overall market sentiment leaned towards a balanced state, as producers adjusted to fluctuating demand patterns.

Looking ahead to Q4 2024, the Polycarbonate market is expected to face continued price pressure due to increased demand from the packaging and electronics sectors as the festive season approaches. Additionally, rising automotive production and the global push for sustainability, which favours lightweight and durable materials like Polycarbonate, could further boost demand. However, any potential supply chain disruptions or increases in raw material costs could lead to price fluctuations.

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is your trusted resource for tracking global polycarbonate price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the polycarbonate market. By monitoring critical events such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts, keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.

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Track 's polycarbonate price assessment on a weekly basis since 2015 onwards, along with short-term forecasts, and get access to the detailed report in a downloadable format.

Historically, several events have caused significant fluctuations in polycarbonate prices

COVID-19 Pandemic (2020-2021): The outbreak of COVID-19 led to unprecedented disruptions in global supply chains. Many manufacturing facilities temporarily shut down, causing a decrease in production capacity for polycarbonate. This disruption resulted in fluctuating prices as demand shifted, particularly for medical and protective equipment.
Trade Tariffs and Trade Wars (2018): In 2018, the introduction of tariffs on various goods, particularly between the U.S. and China, affected the polycarbonate market. These tariffs increased costs for manufacturers and suppliers, leading to higher prices for polycarbonate products as companies adjusted to new trade realities.
Increased Demand from Automotive Sector (2017): The automotive industry began shifting towards lighter materials to improve fuel efficiency. This trend significantly increased demand for polycarbonate, especially for components like headlight lenses and interior parts, leading to price increases in the polycarbonate market.

Methodology and Specifications

polycarbonate Pricing Assessment Research Methodology

Data Collection and Sources

Real-Time Market Data: aggregates real-time pricing data from a diverse range of sources, including global commodity exchanges, industry reports, and proprietary databases. This ensures that our assessments reflect the most current market conditions.

On-the-Ground Intelligence: Our team gathers insights directly from key market participants, including producers, suppliers, traders, and end-users, across major Polycarbonate production hubs. This ground-level intelligence is crucial for understanding localized market dynamics.

Supply Chain Monitoring: We track the entire Polycarbonate supply chain, from raw material availability (Bisphenol A, Phosgene) to production and distribution channels. This includes monitoring feedstock prices, production capacities, and transportation logistics.

Event Tracking and Impact Analysis

Geopolitical Tensions: continuously monitors global geopolitical developments, such as conflicts or trade disputes, which can significantly impact Polycarbonate prices. Our analysis includes potential disruptions to supply chains and their immediate and long-term effects on pricing.

Natural Disasters and Climate Events: We assess the impact of natural disasters, such as hurricanes or winter storms, on Polycarbonate production facilities, particularly in vulnerable regions like the U.S. Gulf Coast. These events are factored into our price forecasts and supply outlooks.

Economic Shifts: evaluates macroeconomic trends, including global economic growth, inflation rates, and sector-specific demand (e.g., automotive, electrical component industry), to predict shifts in Polycarbonate demand and corresponding price movements.

Production Capacity and Supply Analysis

Current Production Monitoring: We maintain a comprehensive database of global Polycarbonate production facilities, tracking their operational status, maintenance schedules, and output levels. This allows us to assess current supply availability accurately.

Future Capacity Projections: Our research includes detailed forecasts of upcoming Polycarbonate production capacities, factoring in new plant constructions, expansions, and technological advancements. This helps in predicting future supply trends and potential price stabilization.

Demand Forecasting

Sectoral Demand Analysis: provides in-depth analysis of demand trends across key sectors, including textiles, automotives and electronics. We track year-on-year demand growth and project future consumption patterns based on economic indicators and industry developments.

Global Demand Dynamics: Our methodology considers regional demand variations and how they influence global Polycarbonate pricing. This includes understanding the impact of shifts in manufacturing bases, trade policies, and environmental regulations.

Pricing Model Development

Dynamic Pricing Models: utilizes advanced econometric models to forecast Polycarbonate prices, incorporating real-time data, historical trends, and projected market conditions. Our models are continuously refined to enhance accuracy and predictive power.

Scenario Analysis: We conduct scenario-based assessments to evaluate potential future market conditions. This includes best-case, worst-case, and most likely scenarios, helping our clients prepare for a range of market outcomes.

Reporting and Client Support

Comprehensive Reports: Our clients receive detailed reports that include current price assessments, future price forecasts, and in-depth analysis of market drivers. These reports are designed to be actionable, providing clear insights and recommendations.

Ongoing Support: offers continuous updates and personalized support to our clients, ensuring they have the most up-to-date information to make informed decisions. Our experts are available to discuss specific market developments and provide tailored advice.

This research methodology ensures that delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable Polycarbonate pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions.

Specifications

Molecular Weight[g/mol]

50,000 to 300,000 grams

CAS No

25037-45-0

HS Code

39074000

Molecular Formula

(C16H14O3)n

polycarbonate

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

25 kg Bag

Grades Covered

Injection moulding

Incoterms Used

FOB Busan, CIF Shanghai (South Korea), CIF Jakarta (South Korea), CIF Manzanillo (South Korea), CIF Nhava Sheva (China)

Synonym

Quotation Terms:

15-20 MT (South Korea)

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.

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.

Disclaimer

Polycarbonate price provided by is a base price and excludes VAT/Taxes, discounts, or offers. The information herein is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the date indicated and is provided solely for the convenience of our customers as a reference for polycarbonate. disclaims any warranties or representations regarding the accuracy of results derived from this information. It is the sole responsibility of the user to assess the suitability of the product for their specific application. This document does not constitute an endorsement to use the product in violation of any applicable patent rights.

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Frequently asked questions

What factors influence the pricing of Polycarbonate? +

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.

How do changes in raw material availability affect Polycarbonate 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.

What impact do environmental regulations have on Polycarbonate pricing? +

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.