For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) market in the U.S. trended steady-to-firm through Q2 2025, supported by consistent offtake from pharmaceuticals and semiconductors. Stable domestic production met most demand needs, though tightening margins and firm raw material costs started to tilt sentiment toward mild upward pressure.
• In April, pricing showed early signs of strength as steady consumption for high-purity pharma and semiconductor applications tightened inventories despite smooth logistics and raw material availability. A steady rise in operational costs and expanding global demand for advanced materials began nudging market sentiment upward, setting the stage for firmer offers.
• May held broadly stable as pharma demand remained firm while semiconductors posted modest growth despite tariff-driven disruptions in global chip flows. While freight costs surged and forward bookings softened, steady downstream pull kept balance intact, with most buyers relying on short-term procurement amid economic caution.
• By June, market sentiment stayed neutral, as ample inventories and steady electronics and healthcare demand offset softer industrial activity. Rising global freight costs dampened restocking appetite, with most participants opting for lean inventory strategies and cautious purchasing, reinforcing stable pricing across the U.S. PTFE value chain.
Why did the price of PTFE change in July 2025 in North America?
• In July, the PTFE Price Index in North America remained steady as ample inventories and consistent domestic production balanced moderate semiconductor and electrical sector demand, despite shipping delays from Asia.
• The PTFE Production Cost Trend showed little variation, with steady operating rates and sufficient stock levels preventing supply-driven price fluctuations despite congestion at Shanghai affecting trans-Pacific shipments.
• The PTFE Price Forecast for August points to continued stability, as balanced supply and measured demand are expected to offset minor logistical delays, keeping procurement tied to operational requirements without forward stocking.
Asia
• The PTFE market in China stayed broadly stable through Q2 2025, with sufficient inventory and steady output balancing mild demand fluctuations. Semiconductor and pharmaceutical sectors maintained moderate consumption, though neither saw enough momentum to drive a firm pricing trend. Conservative procurement and subdued sentiment kept trading volumes modest.
• In April, balanced production and adequate stock levels kept the market steady despite weak pull from chipmakers and softening prices in the pharmaceutical sector. Fog-related disruptions at Chinese ports and reduced berth access in Qingdao added minor logistical strain but had little effect on pricing, as supply buffers held firm across major hubs.
• May showed stable pricing as sellers prioritized margin preservation amid sluggish consumption in semiconductors and cosmetics. Rising trans-Pacific freight costs curbed overseas buying appetite, while U.S. export curbs on advanced chips accelerated China’s domestic semiconductor investment, offering only limited indirect support for PTFE.
• By June, oversupply in China capped any pricing gains despite steady orders from domestic chip and pharma producers. Manufacturers kept operating rates moderate and deliveries consistent, while buyers focused on liquidating existing stock. Stable input costs and tepid downstream activity left market sentiment flat, with no near-term demand surge anticipated.
Why did the price of PTFE change in July 2025 in Asia?
• In July, the PTFE Price Index in Asia edged higher as firm automotive demand and steady semiconductor and electrical consumption supported pricing, despite stable production and inventories.
• The PTFE Production Cost Trend remained balanced, with consistent operating rates and adequate stock levels offsetting port congestion at Shanghai, where fog and heavy traffic delayed export flows.
• The PTFE Price Forecast for August points to steady domestic pricing, though typhoon-related disruptions along China’s east coast may slow exports, while overseas buyers are expected to remain cautious and delay bookings.
Europe
• The PTFE market in Germany remained steady across Q2 2025, with balanced production and consistent procurement from key downstream sectors such as pharmaceuticals and semiconductors anchoring market stability. Inventories were well-managed, and diversified import channels cushioned against global trade disruptions, keeping sentiment broadly neutral.
• In April, steady domestic output and diversified EU-based sourcing supported equilibrium despite moderate demand growth. Pharmaceutical and semiconductor consumption ensured stability, while stable intra-EU trade minimized exposure to external shocks. Inventories remained healthy, allowing manufacturers and buyers to sustain planned procurement cycles without volatility.
• May saw prices stay stable as the pharmaceutical sector posted modest growth despite international competitiveness concerns. Semiconductor sales increased, bolstering PTFE demand in electronics applications. However, broader manufacturing weakness, softer input costs, and fewer export orders kept buying behavior cautious, with spot transactions preferred.
• By June, the market stayed balanced as ample inventories and steady downstream offtake offset weak macroeconomic conditions and rising global freight rates. While consumption in pharmaceuticals and semiconductors held firm, buyers largely relied on short-cycle purchases, awaiting clarity on raw material pricing and regulatory trends before committing to larger volumes.
Why did the price of PTFE change in July 2025 in Europe?
• In July, the PTFE Price Index in Europe held steady as balanced domestic supply and moderate semiconductor and electrical sector demand offset shipping delays from Asia, preventing price fluctuations.
• The PTFE Production Cost Trend remained stable, with unchanged operating rates and sufficient inventories buffering the market from the impact of congestion at Shanghai and other Asian ports.
• The PTFE Price Forecast for August suggests stable pricing, though lingering delays in Asian shipments may slightly tighten availability, while demand is expected to remain tied to operational needs without speculative stocking.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In the first quarter, the North American PTFE market experienced a 0.65% price decline, driven by multiple bearish indicators across both supply and demand dynamics. Automotive sector sales saw a sharp 25% month-on-month decline in January, significantly reducing PTFE consumption in vehicle manufacturing. This was further compounded by the delayed implementation of 25% tariffs on vehicles from Canada and Mexico, creating uncertainty in production planning and impacting procurement behaviour. In the aerospace sector, Boeing’s steep drop in aircraft deliveries and production rate decline due to strikes and regulatory scrutiny also weighed on PTFE demand.
On the supply side, although inventory levels remained adequate, port congestion and weather-related disruptions on the US East Coast created logistical hurdles that discouraged large-scale purchasing. With muted trading activity and steady import costs, buyers continued to adopt a cautious, the on-demand procurement approach.
These combined factors—sluggish downstream demand, logistical inefficiencies, and market caution—contributed to the slight but notable price dip, reflecting soft market sentiment across the region.
APAC
During the first quarter, the PTFE market in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region experienced a 1.14% price decrease, driven primarily by a cautious demand outlook and stable supply levels. While China’s manufacturing sector showed growth in February, the expected post-holiday demand recovery failed to materialize, particularly from the automotive and construction sectors, both of which displayed subdued performance. This limited purchasing activity, as buyers continued relying on existing inventories rather than placing new orders.
Despite the stable supply environment and a 3% reduction in freight costs in the early quarter which supported domestic trading—the lack of robust downstream demand exerted downward pressure on prices. Additionally, the construction sector in China showed mixed recovery signals, with ongoing challenges in lower-tier cities or semi-rural areas, and automobile sales dropped 12% year-on-year in January, highlighting weak sentiment.
Manufacturers maintained steady price quotations, but limited export orders and lowered business optimism contributed to a bearish outlook. These combined factors weighed down the market, leading to the observed price decline across the region.
EUROPE
During the first quarter, the North American PTFE market observed a 0.64% price decrease, primarily influenced by weakening demand from key downstream sectors and stable yet sufficient supply levels. While pharmaceutical consumption remained steady, the decline in global semiconductor sales through January and February exerted downward pressure on overall PTFE demand, curbing momentum from tech-related industries. Despite steady logistics costs and a 3% drop in container freight rates, which eased trading activities, the market faced a slight oversupply due to sufficient inventory levels and limited urgency in procurement. Buyers maintained cautious purchasing behavior, aligning with stable supply and avoiding overstocking.
Furthermore, stable domestic supply chains and unchanged import prices, especially from Europe, minimized cost volatility, yet did little to stimulate stronger price movement in the absence of robust demand. The market's resilience in maintaining equilibrium couldn't offset the limited consumption, particularly amid the slowdown in the semiconductor segment. This mix of stable supply, muted demand, and cautious buyer sentiment contributed directly to the marginal price decline in the PTFE market across Europe.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
The North American fluoropolymer (PTFE) market experienced fluctuations driven by supply-demand dynamics and industry-specific trends. During Q4, the PTFE market witnessed a decline of 1% in comparison to the previous quarter. In October, an incline in the demand from the automotive and aerospace sectors, particularly for high-performance materials with superior thermal and chemical resistance, underpinned market activity. The automotive sector, bolstered by hybrid and electric vehicle production, showed consistent growth, while the aerospace sector experienced intermittent recovery amid production challenges and muted activity.
Supply chain disruptions, including production setbacks from hurricanes and elevated freight costs, tightened availability at times. However, strategic inventory management, streamlined logistics, and stable import flows ensured a balanced supply and minimized market disruptions. Temporary demand declines in sectors like semiconductors led to occasional bearish sentiments, prompting market participants to scale back activities and align supply with demand. Overall, the market showcased a decline quarter on quarter. Challenges such as port congestion and extended delivery times were mitigated by proactive measures like stockpiling.
APAC
The fluoropolymer (PTFE) market in the APAC region exhibited fluctuating dynamics shaped by supply chain pressures, varying sectoral performance, and broader economic conditions. Supply of the commodity remained balanced to tight, supported by consistent production rates and effective inventory management by manufacturers. However, logistical challenges persisted, driven by port congestion and typhoon-related disruptions in Taiwan and China, which extended lead times and disrupted intra-Asian trade flows. Economic factors such as declining consumer sentiment and consecutive interest rate cuts highlighted weakened market conditions, further softening demand. The automotive sector faced a downturn, while the semiconductor sector provided some support with its steady performance. Manufacturers responded proactively by adjusting operations to stabilize the supply-demand equilibrium amid subdued activity. Despite bearish sentiments, improvements in delivery times and smoother port operations helped mitigate supply chain disruptions. The market demonstrated resilience through its adaptability to mixed demand patterns, inflationary pressures, and fluctuating import costs, maintaining a balance between supply and demand even under challenging circumstances.
Europe
The fluoropolymer (PTFE) market in the European region demonstrated a mix of stability and fluctuation during the given period, driven by demand shifts, supply chain challenges, and economic factors. Demand from the automotive and aerospace industries remained a key driver, with the aerospace sector showing positive momentum despite moderate performance in the automotive sector. The market benefitted from strong domestic production capabilities and steady import availability, which helped maintain a balanced supply-demand dynamic. Geopolitical tensions and inflationary pressures increased operational costs and constrained raw material availability, contributing to tighter supply chain conditions. Port congestion, particularly in Hamburg, caused delays but saw gradual improvements by the end of the year, enhancing supply chain efficiency. Suppliers strategically managed inventory levels and adjusted operations to align with market conditions, preventing disruptions and maintaining equilibrium. Despite external challenges, effective supply chain management, improved delivery performance, and resilient supplier actions ensured market stability. These dynamics highlight the adaptability and efficiency of the German PTFE market in navigating fluctuating demand and logistical constraints while maintaining balanced market conditions.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In the third quarter of 2024, Fluoropolymers (PTFE) prices in the North American region experienced a significant decline, with the USA showing the most pronounced changes. This downward trend was driven by several factors, including moderated demand from key sectors such as automotive and construction, as well as supply chain disruptions and rising production costs, all of which exerted pressure on market prices. In particular, the USA reported a notable 3% decrease from the previous quarter, reflecting the challenging market environment. Seasonality also played a role, resulting in a 2% price variance between the first and second halves of the quarter.
Overall, the price change compared to the same quarter last year remained stagnant at 0%, indicating a consistent downward trajectory in recent market performance. This stagnation highlights the ongoing struggles within the market and the impact of external factors on pricing.
By the end of the quarter, the price for Fluoropolymers (PTFE) Fine Powder CFR New York in the USA was recorded at USD 12,970/MT. This figure underscores the prevailing negative sentiment in the pricing environment. The overall landscape has been characterized by a steady decline, reflecting the challenging dynamics and subdued market conditions affecting the Fluoropolymers sector in the region.
APAC
In Q3 2024, the Fluoropolymers (PTFE) market in the APAC region witnessed a significant decline in prices, with China experiencing the most notable changes. Various factors contributed to this downward trend. Firstly, subdued demand from key sectors like automotive and construction played a crucial role in driving prices lower. The oversupply in the market, coupled with weak demand, exerted downward pressure on PTFE prices. Additionally, global economic uncertainties and reduced export demand further dampened market sentiment.China saw a substantial decrease in PTFE prices. The -12% change from the same quarter last year underscored the ongoing price erosion. Moreover, the -5% change from the previous quarter in 2024 highlighted the persistent downward trajectory. The -3% difference between the first and second halves of the quarter emphasized the continued price decline throughout the period. As the quarter concluded, the price stood at USD 6030/MT of PTFE Fine Cut-EXW Dongying in China, reflecting the prevailing negative pricing environment in the region. The overall trend showcased a consistent decrease in prices, indicating a challenging market landscape with limited positive indicators.
Europe
In Q3 2024, the Fluoropolymers (PTFE) market in Europe experienced a significant decline in prices, particularly in Germany, where the most pronounced changes were observed. This downturn was driven by several factors, including weakened demand from critical sectors like automotive and aerospace, along with reduced industrial activity and cautious spending behaviors. Additionally, an oversupply stemming from increased production capacity contributed to the downward pressure on prices, while diminishing export demand exacerbated the surplus and further depressed PTFE prices.The anticipated lower bids for inventory accumulation, coupled with expectations of rising freight charges, adversely affected pricing dynamics. Despite stable pricing trends in the first half of the quarter, a notable 2% decrease was recorded in the latter half, reflecting the overall negative sentiment within the market. When comparing this quarter to the same period last year, where prices remained steady, and the previous quarter in 2024, which saw a 3% decrease, the current quarter-ending price for PTFE Powder form CFR Hamburg in Germany was USD 13,170/MT. This figure underscores the prevailing downward trend in pricing in the region.
FAQs
• What is the current price of PTFE?
PTFE prices remain stable across most regions, with steady domestic production and inventories balancing minor shipping delays from Asia.
• Who are the top PTFE producers globally?
Major producers include Chemours, Daikin Industries, 3M, Gujarat Fluorochemicals, and Solvay, which lead production and supply chains across Asia, North America, and Europe.
• What is the PTFE Price Forecast for August 2025?
Prices are expected to hold steady as balanced supply and moderate semiconductor and electrical sector demand.
• Which sectors are driving PTFE demand?
Semiconductor and electrical industries remain the primary demand drivers, with automotive components such as seals and O-rings providing additional support, while broader industrial demand stays moderate.
