Polycarbonate Prices to Remain on a Declining Trajectory in the USA

The prices of polycarbonate have been falling in the USA since the past five months now. The prices are expected to remain on a downward trajectory for the upcoming month also given that the prices of feedstock Bisphenol A (BPA) are expected to decline in the USA and the demand from the downstream sectors appears bearish. The prices reached yearly high in the month of June with the prices at USD 4585 per tonne and the prices have been falling since then. The prices fell to USD 4275 per tonne in July, USD 4171 per tonne in August, and USD 4105 per tonne in September. The prices in November also have been falling with the prices falling from USD 4040 per tonne in mid- October to USD 3950 per tonne in November the past week.

The demand for polycarbonate is majorly driven by construction sector and automotive sector. In both of these sectors, the demand for polycarbonate appears to be stagnant as the demand for substitutes such as glass, polypropylene, ABS has been increasing.

Polycarbonate resins are tough thermoplastics which have high application in electrical and electronics sector, and construction, automotive industries. Other uses of polycarbonate include safety helmets, housing components, household appliances, water cooler bottles, sports equipment etc. Polycarbonates are long-chain linear polyesters of carbonic acid and dihydric phenols, such as bisphenol-A (BPA). It is hydroscopic, has only fair chemical resistance and is attacked by many organic solvents. The global demand for polycarbonate stood at around 4.6 million tonnes and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.4% during the upcoming years till 2030.

As per ChemAnalyst, “the prices of polycarbonate are not expected to take an upturn soon in the USA as the prices of BPA are expected to fall and the demand from the downstream sectors also appears to be stagnant. The prices are expected to rise in the first quarter of the next year with mild fluctuations as the demand from the export market rises.”