In September 2025, Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) prices in both the United States and China remained flat. Steady production, limited feedstock support, and cautious downstream demand held sentiment even, with no forceful movements in supply or pricing conditions in either market.
In China, PBT prices maintained on a stable trajectory during September supported by stable domestic production and managed supply. The manufacturers operated with minimal outages and adjusted production levels to forestall inventory builds, especially with thin margins due to poor upstream economics. Feedstock PTA values lowered amid poor polyester demand while BDO prices stabilized with minimal cost-push drivers for PBT price actions.
At the start of the month, logistics problems—shipping delays, and tight transport capacity —created slight pressure however, these were managed by suppliers using inventory buffers and flexible sourcing plans.
The demand for exports remained varied, with strong growth from Southeast Asia and India offsetting weaker pull from places like Spain, where car sales fell precipitously. The domestic downstream auto market remained strong, as seen by the 7% month-over-month increase in August passenger vehicle sales. Converters, however, exercised caution and chose to make short-term purchases as opposed to forward stocking.
Mid-month PBT trading volumes improved modestly as customers stockpiled ahead of the National Day holiday. Nonetheless as the festive season has commenced, market activity has slowed down, and prices continue to fluctuate within a narrow band, reflecting balanced market conditions.
In the US as well, PBT prices were stable in September underpinned by balanced supply-demand and stable production cost. Local resin plants operated at steady levels, driven by flat PTA and BDO prices that served to keep input costs under control.
Production conditions improved—allowing PBT manufacturers to maintain steady operating rates—while logistics performance showed slight improvement through shorter lead times and more consistent delivery schedules at prime hubs.
Downstream PBT demand from engineering plastics and auto markets was flat, with buyers maintaining a cautious procurement strategy. Export trade was calm—with soft auto sales in Canada and Mexico— contributing minimal support to export levels.
Overall, the American PBT market remained in balance, with neutral sentiment in charge of the marketplace and no meaningful pricing triggers developing during the period.
Looking ahead, the PBT prices in the U.S. and China are expected to stay firm, though regional dynamics may introduce subtle shifts. Restocking in China after the holidays can register a temporary boost in trading volumes but overall demand is likely to stay subdued as converters continue to keep cost management and inventory restraint on the agenda.
In the U.S., steady production and restrained downstream activity suggest continued price stability for PBT. With fundamentals hardly changed and world trade flows subdued, both markets will be poised to remain within a thin pricing band into early Q4.
