The U.S. Tartaric Acid market experienced gains in the first two weeks of September 2025 and then softened in the third week. Initial price gains were spurred by disruptions in ocean freight such as blank sailings, heavy congestion at key Asian ports, and reconfiguring capacity. Buyers also cleared higher-than-average inventories from previous shipments, and tariff uncertainty led most to delay ordering new material. Preparations for China's Golden Week also tightened supply, and selective buying and marginal price rises were maintained despite weak downstream demand. In mid-September, prices also relaxed marginally because well-supplied warehouses and restricted new imports offset the market. Prices should stay firm through the rest of September underpinned by high inventories and soft seasonal demand. Looking forward to Q4 2025, sustained freight disruptions, port congestion, and reluctant purchasing in anticipation of tariffs changes could exert slow-rising upward pressure on U.S. Tartaric Acid prices.
Selenis has effectively manufactured recycled PET chips using terephthalic acid sourced from Circ®, a textile-to-textile recycler based in Virginia. The chip production took place through a series of batches at Selenis' pilot plant in San-Giorgio, Italy. By utilizing inputs recovered from polycotton textile waste, Selenis has created high-quality PET chip, which has been further processed into DTY yarn. This yarn will play a crucial role in product development as Circ prepares for additional capsule launches. Selenis is leveraging the success of this initial collaboration phase and is committed to advancing towards an offtake partnership to support Circ's inaugural industrial facility.
Eduardo Santos, Head of Corporate Strategy at Selenis, remarked that the monomer synthesis showed a performance comparable to virgin terephthalic acid. He expressed optimism about the consistent quality of Circ's monomer output and anticipated future commercial success. Santos pointed out that the Circ partnership complements Selenis's existing mission and goals for a more sustainable textile industry. He further stated their anticipation of expanding upon this collaboration and providing support for Circ's forthcoming commercial production trials.
