PBAT materials saw a sharp rebound earlier in spring, but mid-May activity moderated as buyer resistance and ample import supply tempered earlier cost pressures. April demand was driven by aggressive procurement from biodegradable packaging buyers and converter positioning ahead of regulatory changes, yet May brought softer consumption in key end-use channels and sellers trimmed offers. Early-month restocking by converters supported sentiment, while mid-month caution from flexible packaging players and drawdowns in inventory created room for import cargoes to influence CFR Los Angeles pricing. Market participants adopted guarded buying as seasonal slowdowns and evolving feedstock costs weighed on decisions. Demand remained uneven across end uses, with pockets of strength in biodegradable packaging and compostable bags, while flexible packaging and fresh-produce disposables cooled, drawing down inventories. Feedstock dynamics were mixed: modest cost pressures from some inputs offset by easing others, and industry disruptions limited pass-through. Outlook suggests modest downside into June, with support later in the year amid regulatory positioning and restocking.
