Polytetramethylene Ether Glycol (PTMEG) prices in Asia remained steady during mid-May 2025 as factories slowly restarted after holidays, increasing supply and preventing any price hikes. While prices gained modest momentum in Europe and the U.S. amid seasonal recovery.

In China, PTMEG production gradually increased as several facilities resumed operations post-Labor Day. Although scheduled maintenance at units like Sichuan Tianhua Fubang and Mitsubishi Chemical briefly constrained supply, ample inventories across the value chain prevented tightness. Feedstock tetrahydrofuran (THF) prices stayed low, offering minimal cost support.

China’s PTMEG demand stayed weak amid slow textile and spandex activity. New orders declined, and inventory levels rose as spandex producers operated cautiously. Utilization rates in circular and warp knitting segments were below 60%, leading to subdued procurement. The Q1 2025 earnings report from Sinopec showed declining margins for spandex production, reinforcing a conservative outlook. Trade tensions with the U.S. also continued to affect textile exports, limiting growth in spandex related PTMEG consumption.

The trading environment in China was light, with most buyers limiting purchases to spot volumes as the PTMEG prices are declining on m-o-m basis. Public holidays in early May slowed export movement and order placement. Although seasonal fabric orders offered brief support, market sentiment remained cautious.

South Korea’s PTMEG market also showed limited movement, as domestic demand remained flat. Economic contraction and rising U.S. tariffs weighed on South Korea’s export performance, with shipments dropping by 5.2% in the first 20 days of April. With construction and retail consumption under pressure, downstream spandex demand remained weak, limiting PTMEG purchasing.

In Europe, PTMEG prices rose moderately as spring demand picked up. Improved activity in spandex-linked applications such as non-woven and coated fabrics helped drive consumption. EU textile manufacturers reported higher utilization rates, particularly in summer garment production. Feedstock THF costs stayed firm, adding upward cost pressure to local producers.

Manufacturers in Germany noted better order flows from textile converters and spandex producers. Despite ongoing energy cost concerns, PTMEG demand for functional fabrics and industrial textiles helped improve market conditions. Non-woven and medical fabric segments also showed signs of recovery.

In the U.S., PTMEG demand rebounded with strong retail sales in April. Clothing and accessories sales rose by 1.14% month over month and 5.14% year over year, supporting downstream spandex demand. Retailers moved to secure stretch fabrics early ahead of potential tariff changes. Increased capacity utilization by spandex manufacturers helped support short-term bullish sentiment.

Looking ahead, global PTMEG prices may face renewed downward pressure as Asian producers ramp up output. The restart of multiple Asian facilities is boosting supply, which, combined with soft demand in Asia, may weigh on global prices into the next quarter.