US BOPET Film Prices Increase 1% in Late August; Outlook Remains Bullish

Overseas producers from China, South Korea, Oman, and other origins maintained firm export offers. Several Chinese port clusters temporarily suspended operations following Typhoon Dolphin, creating shipment delays and cargo backlogs. Although carriers are operating near maximum capacity, flexible schedule adjustments are expected to gradually clear accumulated cargoes. These disruptions nevertheless kept prompt BOPET film availability sensitive to weather conditions.

Demand in the US packaging sector remained steady, with converters gradually increasing procurement after the softer previous month. Food, pharmaceutical, retail, and e-commerce applications provided consistent consumption, while electronics and EV battery insulation offered additional support. Film-and-media and optical applications remained comparatively subdued. Restocking ahead of the October holiday period in Asia encouraged some US buyers to secure material earlier, supporting the late-August improvement in BOPET film market sentiment.

Social inventories remained relatively low, making inexpensive cargoes increasingly difficult to locate. Traders therefore maintained firmer offers and showed limited willingness to discount. Buyers continued purchasing mainly for immediate requirements, but the gradual inventory drawdown may encourage additional replenishment before the fourth-quarter demand cycle. This dynamic supported the recovery in BOPET film prices during late August.

Upstream PET costs provided further support. PET prices increased across overseas and US markets, raising production costs for BOPET film manufacturers. Global PET pricing remained supported by elevated crude-oil prices, geopolitical uncertainty, and volatile energy markets. Continued tensions around major energy routes could keep upstream costs elevated and limit producers’ willingness to reduce offers.

Freight remained another important cost factor. Ocean freight from Asia to the North America West Coast increased 0.53% week-on-week to USD 6,986/FEU during August 10–16 and was 1.61% higher month-on-month. Higher freight costs increased import expenses, while weather-related delays in China could create additional premiums for prompt BOPET film cargoes.

According to Chemanalyst data, BOPET film prices are anticipated to remain firm as US packaging demand gradually improves ahead of the fourth-quarter holiday season. Retailers, FMCG manufacturers, and packaging converters may increase inventory building.

Asian weather and logistics risks remain key upside factors. Additional typhoons or heavy rainfall could disrupt Asian production and port operations, delaying BOPET film shipments to the US. Port congestion may intensify as buyers secure cargoes before October holidays. Consequently, importers may accelerate procurement to avoid delays, potentially supporting firmer BOPET film prices through the coming months.