In Q1 2024, the global Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA) 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.
In Q2 2024, the global PTA 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 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.
By Q3 2024, the global PTA market showed mixed trends, with prices around 753 USD/MT FOB Shanghai. The APAC region experienced a bearish price trend as demand from key sectors, including PET, Polyester films, textiles, and packaging, remained sluggish. A slow recovery in the Chinese economy led to reduced consumer spending and fewer PTA orders. In contrast, the European market exhibited a bullish trend, driven by supply constraints for Paraxylene (PX), a key feedstock. Improved economic conditions in Europe also spurred a resurgence in demand from the textile and packaging industries.
In Q4 2024, Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA) prices are expected to rise due to recovering demand from textiles and packaging, alongside ongoing supply constraints for Paraxylene (PX). While new capacity additions in Asia may help, rising production costs from inflation and energy prices could further drive prices up. Geopolitical factors may also introduce fluctuations in the market.