Purified Terephthalic Acid Pricing Assessment
UNSPC: 13111039

  • Commodity Pricing

purified terephthalic acid Markets Covered: 

cnChina
aeUnited Arab Emirates
inIndia
beBelgium
nlNetherlands
deGermany
krKorea
bdBangladesh
trTurkey

purified terephthalic acid Markets Covered: 

Global purified terephthalic acid Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast​

In Q1 2025, the Purified Terephthalate Acid (PTA) 99.9% purity market exhibited signs of marginal stabilization, with Purified Terephthalate Acid prices edging slightly lower to around 644 USD/MT FOB Shanghai (China), reflecting only a 0.37% decline from the previous quarter. This relatively flat movement signaled that the market was approaching a demand-supply equilibrium.

Polyester production gradually resumed post the Lunar New Year break, and the raw material cost curve showed signs of flattening. However, with macroeconomic uncertainties and only modest recovery in end-use industries like textiles and bottling, buyers remained cautious, preferring short-term contracts over bulk procurements. 

In Q4 2024, PTA 99.9% purity prices in China continued their downward trajectory, declining by 8.58% to approximately 647 USD/MT FOB Shanghai. The ongoing weakness in feedstock PX prices and lackluster downstream performance across polyester yarns and fibers played a key role in the decline.

Furthermore, the year-end inventory management cycle and seasonal slowdown in textile manufacturing contributed to reduced purchasing activity. Despite some support from stabilized energy markets, subdued export orders and high stockpiles kept prices from rebounding. 

In Q3 2024, the Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA) 99.9% purity market in China faced significant downward pressure, with prices falling sharply to around 708 USD/MT FOB Shanghai, marking a 10.21% decline from the previous quarter. This drop was primarily attributed to plummeting crude oil values, which affected the cost structure of PTA feedstocks such as Paraxylene (PX).

Additionally, sluggish polyester demand, especially from the textile and packaging sectors, further impacted PTA offtake. The market was also burdened by oversupply from domestic producers, as new capacities came online amidst already tepid demand. 

In Q2 2024, the global PTA 99.9% purity market exhibited mixed trends, with China and India experiencing a bearish price movement, while South Korea and Europe saw a bullish trend. The downturn in China and India was attributed to lower feedstock costs, weak demand from sectors such as PET, polyester films, textiles, and packaging, coupled with ample supply.

High financing costs and decreased consumer spending are further depressed demand. Conversely, in Europe and South Korea, rising demand from downstream industries, particularly textiles and packaging, alongside increasing energy costs, labor expenses, and raw material prices, prompted producers to raise PTA prices to sustain profitability.  

In Q1 2024, the global Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA) 99.9% purity market displayed mixed trends, influenced by rising prices of Paraxylene and Acetic acid, alongside strong demand from sectors like PET, polyester films, textiles, and packaging. However, prices fell in China, Belgium, and Germany due to ample supply in China, where new production capacity and high operating rates led to increased inventories and weakened demand.

The European PTA market faced weak demand from downstream industries, particularly the Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyester sectors. This led to lower operating rates and reduced consumption of PTA.  In contrast, South Korea and India saw price increases, fueled by heightened consumer demand during the Lunar New Year festivities. 

India purified terephthalic acid Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast

In Q1 2025, the PTA 99.9% purity market showed early signs of recovery, with Purified Terephthalate Acid prices edging up to 858 USD/MT Ex-Mumbai, reflecting a 1.93% increase over the previous quarter. This mild rebound was driven by a gradual revival in demand post-year end and pre-budget stockpiling by converters.

The feedstock scenario also stabilized, with Paraxylene and Acetic Acid availability improving, which supported balanced production rates. However, overall sentiment remained cautious amid macroeconomic uncertainties and expectations of only a modest demand recovery in Q2. 

In Q4 2024, PTA 99.9% purity prices plunged sharply to 842 USD/MT Ex-Mumbai, registering a steep 12.00% decline. The drop was primarily due to excess inventories, muted demand from the polyester segment, and competitive import alternatives, especially from countries like China and South Korea.

Furthermore, the slowdown at the end of the year, along with reduced seasonal textile production, contributed to a continued suppression of downstream demand. Market players adopted a cautious procurement strategy, further intensifying price pressure. 

In Q3 2024, with Purified Terephthalic Acid 99.9% purity prices dipping further to 956 USD/MT Ex-Mumbai, a 4.05% decline from Q2. A combination of monsoon-related disruptions reduced industrial activity, and export market uncertainty further subdued domestic procurement. Despite stable operations at most PTA production units, oversupply conditions weighed heavily on prices. 

In Q2 2024, Purified Terephthalic Acid 99.9% purity prices witnessed a correction, declining to 997 USD/MT Ex-Mumbai, marking a 4.19% drop. The decline was attributed to weakening demand in polyester yarn and film manufacturing, along with ample availability of PTA inventories in the domestic market. Additionally, softened global crude oil prices during the period impacted feedstock economics, easing upstream cost pressures. 

Q1 2024, the Indian Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA) 99.9% purity market recorded a modest upward movement, with prices averaging 1040 USD/MT Ex-Mumbai, up by 2.56% from the previous quarter. This increase was supported by stable demand from the polyester and textile sectors, particularly in anticipation of the upcoming festive production cycles. The firm sentiment was also linked to slight tightening in feedstock supply chains, particularly for Paraxylene, which is a key upstream material for PTA. 

purified terephthalic acid Parameters Covered: 

  • p-Xylene (para-xylene)
  • China
  •  South Korea
  •  Belgium
  • Netherlands
  • Polyester staple fiber (PSF) Production, PET Resin production 
  • India
  • UAE
  • Bangladesh
  • Oman
  •  Turkey

purified terephthalic acid Parameters Covered: 

  • p-Xylene (para-xylene)
  • China
  •  South Korea
  •  Belgium
  • Netherlands
  • Polyester staple fiber (PSF) Production, PET Resin production 
  • India
  • UAE
  • Bangladesh
  • Oman
  •  Turkey

Why PriceWatch?

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

In addition, PriceWatch provides detailed forecasts and updates on production capacities, enabling you to anticipate market changes and make well-informed decisions. With PriceWatch, you gain a competitive edge in understanding all the elements that influence purified terephthalic acid prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely purified terephthalic acid market data.

Track PriceWatch's purified terephthalic acid 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 Purified Terephthalic Acid prices

  • Russia-Ukraine Conflict (2022-Present): The conflict disrupted energy supplies, especially natural gas and oil, which are crucial for the petrochemical industry. Europe, a major consumer of Russian energy, faced significant supply issues. The conflict impacted the availability and cost of energy and raw materials like Paraxylene and Acetic acid which is derived from petrochemical processes. This led to increased production costs and supply disruptions in European PTA markets. 
  • COVID-19 Pandemic (2020-2022): The pandemic led to significant disruptions in global supply chains, causing widespread manufacturing shutdowns and labour shortages. Transportation logistics were severely affected, which resulted in production halts in the PTA   industry. This disruption, combined with reduced demand from key sectors like PET, Polyester films, textile and packaging, contributed to fluctuations in PTA prices during this period. 
  • U.S.-China Trade War (2018-2019): Tariffs on chemicals and textiles, including PTA   disrupted global trade flows, leading to price volatility due to supply chain uncertainties, especially between the U.S. and China.

Data Collection and Sources​

  • Real-Time Market Data: PriceWatch 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 PTA   production hubs. This ground-level intelligence is crucial for understanding localized market dynamics. 
  • Supply Chain Monitoring: We track the entire PTA supply chain, from raw material availability (e.g., Paraxylene and Acetic acid) to production and distribution channels. This includes monitoring feedstock prices, production capacities, and transportation logistics. 

Event Tracking and Impact Analysis​

  • Geopolitical Tensions: PriceWatch continuously monitors global geopolitical developments, such as conflicts or trade disputes, which can significantly impact PTA   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 PTA 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: PriceWatch evaluates macroeconomic trends, including global economic growth, inflation rates, and sector-specific demand (e.g. Paraxylene and Acetic acid), to predict shifts in PTA demand and corresponding price movements.

Production Capacity and Supply Analysis

  • Current Production Monitoring: We maintain a comprehensive database of global PTA   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 PTA 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: PriceWatch provides in-depth analysis of demand trends across key sectors including manufacture of PET, Polyester films, textile and packaging. 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 PTA   pricing. This includes understanding the impact of shifts in manufacturing bases, trade policies, and environmental regulations. 

Pricing Model Development

  • Dynamic Pricing Models: PriceWatch utilizes advanced econometric models to forecast PTA 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: PriceWatch 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 PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable PTA pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions. 

Molecular Weight[g/mol]

166.13 g/mol Lit.

CAS No

100-21-0

HS Code

29173600

Molecular Formula

C8H6O4
purified terephthalic acid

Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA) is a white crystalline powder used primarily as a raw material for Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and polyester fibres. Produced from paraxylene, PTA is essential in textiles, packaging, and automotive industries. Recent advancements include bio-based PTA alternatives, promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact in manufacturing processes.

Packaging Type

1100 Kg Bag

Grades Covered

Purified terephthalic acid purity 99.9%

Incoterms Used

FOB Shanghai, CIF Jebel Ali (China), CIF Nhava Sheva (China), CIF Izmir (China) Ex-Mumbai, FD Antwerp, FD Rotterdam, FD Rotterdam, FOB Busan, CIF Chittagong (China), CIF Izmir (South Korea), CIF Salalah (China)

Synonym

Terephthalic Acid, p-Phthalic Acid, 1,4-Benzenedicarboxylic Acid,

PriceWatch Quotation Terms:

25-28 MT

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  
Appearance   White free flowing crystalline powder  
Water content   0.15-0.2 wt% 
Acid number   675 ± 2 mg KOH/gm 
Ash content   6-8 wt ppm  
Total Heavy Metal Content   <3 wt ppm 
Iron (Fe) Content  <1mg/kg 

Applications

Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA) is a vital raw material with diverse applications. It is primarily used in the production of polyester fibres for textiles, which constitutes about 65% of its consumption. PTA is also crucial for manufacturing PET resin, especially for packaging applications like plastic bottles (27% usage). Additionally, it is utilized in polyester films, automotive components, and home furnishings, as well as in various resins and copolymers. This versatility makes PTA essential across multiple industries, driving significant demand.

Purified Terephthalic Acid price provided by PriceWatch 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 purified terephthalic acid. PriceWatch 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.

The pricing of PTA is influenced by several key factors, including fluctuations in raw material costs (especially Paraxylene and Ethylene), production capacity and operational rates, global supply-demand dynamics, and geopolitical events. Additionally, market conditions in downstream sectors, such as textiles and packaging, significantly impact PTA pricing trends.

The textile industry is a major consumer of PTA, accounting for a significant portion of its demand for polyester production. When the textile sector experiences growth, it drives up the demand for PTA, which can lead to increased prices. Conversely, a slowdown in the textile market can result in reduced PTA demand and lower prices. Monitoring trends in textile production is crucial for anticipating PTA price movements.

Global supply chain stability is crucial for PTA pricing as disruptions can lead to shortages or excess inventory in the market. Events such as natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, or trade restrictions can impact the availability of raw materials and transportation logistics. Procurement heads should assess supply chain risks and develop contingency plans to mitigate potential price volatility in PTA.

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