Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA) prices in the USA surged sharply in early March 2026, rising about 3.5% for the week ending 8 March from late-February. The rally was driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including the US airstrikes on Iran, missile attacks, and intermittent port closures, which disrupted global crude oil flows, the primary feedstock for paraxylene and PTA production. Logistical disruptions compounded supply pressures. Major shipping lines such as Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, and Hapag-Lloyd rerouted vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, adding 10–14 days to transit times, while war-risk surcharges of USD 2,000–3,000 per TEU/FEU elevated delivered freight. These factors tightened available vessel capacity and reversed the post-Lunar New Year shipping softness. Downstream demand remained selective, with PET, flexible packaging, and polyester resin converters limiting purchases to essential volumes. PTA prices are expected to remain firm and sensitive to crude, paraxylene supply, and geopolitical developments.
