Polybutylene Terephthalate Prices are Likely to Remain Unchanged in Germany

The prices of Polybutylene Terephthalate are observed to be increasing in the Domestic market during June, with prices hovering around USD 5131/ton-USD 5484/ton Polybutylene Terephthalate FOB Hamburg and a week-to-week surge of 1% as recorded by Chem Analyst pricing team on June 17. In the automotive industry and the manufacturing of household products such as showerheads and irons, engineered thermoplastics are used in large quantities. Due to this, PBT prices and market activity are sensitive to changes in downstream consumer demand.

An increase in demand from downstream electrical- electronics and automotive parts sector boosted the Polybutylene Terephthalate prices in Germany. With escalating prices of upstream feedstocks 1,4-butanediol (BDO), Dimethyl Terephthalate (DMT), and Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA) put a costs pressure on PBT as well. The global surge in freight costs due to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine impacted all the product prices, broadening the market trend. A modest increase in demand from downstream is believed to be mainly responsible for the spike in PBT prices. PBT spot materials are more readily available now due to low inventory levels and minor supply decreases, and price increases for Butanediol (BDO), the critical feedstock, also support the trend.

The optical fibre in the optical fibre cable is very fragile. The optical fibre’s mechanical strength improves after the primary coating, but cabling requirements still do not meet the requirements, so a secondary coating is needed. A secondary coating provides further mechanical protection against compression and tension and creates an excess length of optical fibre in the optical fibre cable manufacturing process. PBT is usually used as an extrusion material in outdoor optical fibre cables because of its good physical and chemical properties.

A rollercoaster of emotions characterized the engineering thermoplastics market in June, with producers and converters experiencing mixed results. These products offer an excellent compromise in terms of stiffness, strength, and cost. Additionally, PBT polymers have a low intrinsic moisture absorption, enabling us to offer reinforced compounds whose properties remain unchanged over time. Furthermore, domestic niche buyers contacted traders with ample queries regarding the product.

As per Chem Analyst, manufacturers will develop innovative material grades to meet the evolving requirements in various application markets to define future growth in the PBT market. PBT is expected to maintain its high relevance and popularity in various industrial applications.