For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In the USA, the Polycarbonate Price Index fell by 1.88% quarter-over-quarter, due to import pressures.
• The average Polycarbonate price for the quarter was approximately USD 1918.67/MT, per DDP US Gulf.
• Polycarbonate Spot Price softened as Asian import arrivals increased competition, pressuring domestic spot liquidity levels.
• Polycarbonate Price Forecast indicates limited upside near-term given balanced supply and cautious buyer restocking.
• Polycarbonate Production Cost Trend remained stable as bisphenol A and energy input prices stayed range bound.
• Polycarbonate Demand Outlook varied with automotive strength balanced by substitution trends and cautious industrial procurement.
• Polycarbonate Price Index movements reflected distributor inventory adjustments and exporters' allocations moderating domestic spot availability.
• Limited maintenance impact meant steady output and ample inventories restrained upward pressure on Price Index.
Why did the price of Polycarbonate change in September 2025 in North America?
• Asian import volumes and efficient logistics pressured domestic supply, creating downward influence on Price Index.
• Stable bisphenol A costs kept production expenses steady, limiting cost-push risk during quarter ending September.
• Cautious downstream procurement and substitution toward BPA-free resins reduced spot demand across converters and owners.
APAC
• In Japan, the Polycarbonate Price Index rose by 4.98% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting tighter domestic supply conditions.
• The average Polycarbonate price for the quarter was approximately USD 2830.67/MT based on assessed Ex-Tokyo transactional.
• Polycarbonate Spot Price remained range-bound as elevated inventories and steady exports limited upward pressure overall.
• Polycarbonate Price Forecast shows modest upside risk given seasonal restocking and controlled producer allocation volumes.
• Polycarbonate Production Cost Trend stayed muted as Bisphenol A and crude exhibited only limited pass-through.
• Polycarbonate Demand Outlook indicates recovery driven by automotive and electronics restocking before autumn production ramps.
• Polycarbonate Price Index stability reflected steady operating rates and disciplined inventory releases from major producers.
• Periodic logistics delays and higher freight supported offers, lifting Polycarbonate Spot Price and landed competitiveness.
Why did the price of Polycarbonate change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Resumed exports and completed maintenance increased availability, creating mild downward pressure on Polycarbonate Price Index.
• Stable Bisphenol A and crude fluctuations limited cost pass-through, keeping Polycarbonate Production Cost Trend muted.
• Cautious downstream procurement during seasonal slowdowns softened demand, while logistics improvements restored shipment flows swiftly.
Europe
• In Germany, the Polycarbonate Price Index fell by 0.94% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weak automotive electronics demand.
• The average Polycarbonate price for the quarter was approximately USD 1993.67/MT, reflecting steady feedstock balances.
• Polycarbonate Spot Price remained range bound as inventories and steady output constrained upward Price Index momentum.
• Polycarbonate Production Cost Trend showed limited volatility as bisphenol A and energy costs held steady.
• Polycarbonate Demand Outlook remains subdued for automotive and electronics, keeping the Price Index under pressure.
• Polycarbonate Price Forecast implies muted near-term upside without inventory drawdown or unexpected production outages regionally.
• Elevated distributor stocks and weak export demand pressured the Polycarbonate Price Index despite producer output.
• Major producer operations were uninterrupted, keeping production and limiting Polycarbonate Spot Price volatility in September.
Why did the price of Polycarbonate change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Demand pulls softened across automotive and electronics, reducing spot offtakes and pressuring domestic Price Index.
• Ample inventories and steady imports-maintained supply abundance, limiting upward movement despite localized logistical constraints.
• Stable feedstock and energy costs limited production cost pressure, so demand weakness drove Price Index.
MEA
• In Saudi Arabia, the Polycarbonate Price Index fell by 4.77% quarter-over-quarter, pressured by oversupply regionally.
• The average Polycarbonate price for the quarter was approximately USD 1529.33/MT, FOB Jeddah, reflecting spot activity.
• Polycarbonate Spot Price movements remained muted as producers maintained competitive offers amid steady operating rates.
• Polycarbonate Price Forecast indicates modest recovery potential driven by seasonal downstream restocking and feedstock upticks.
• Polycarbonate Production Cost Trend remained neutral as bisphenol A and energy prices provided limited cost-push support.
• Polycarbonate Demand Outlook points to improvement from construction and automotive, though seasonal lull constrained offtake.
• Polycarbonate Price Index reflected regional inventory accumulation while NEOM and mega-project draws provided occasional upward pressure.
• Export inquiries remained limited as Red Sea detours and seasonal buying reduced Polycarbonate buyer urgency.
Why did the price of Polycarbonate change in September 2025 in MEA?
• Steady domestic production and uninterrupted feedstock supply limited cost-push, keeping prices stable during September 2025
• Weak regional export demand and soft downstream orders pressured sellers to offer discounts during the month.
• Moderate inventory accumulation and cautious buyer behavior limited spot activity, extending downward Price Index momentum.
South America
• In Brazil, the Polycarbonate Price Index fell by 1.63% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting subdued demand and inventories.
• The average Polycarbonate price for the quarter was approximately USD 1891.33/MT, per CFR Santos assessments.
• Polycarbonate Spot Price remained pressured by abundant imports, stable feedstock costs, and cautious converter purchasing.
• Polycarbonate Price Forecast shows modest upside risk later in Q4 as inventories gradually normalize seasonally.
• Polycarbonate Production Cost Trend remained muted as BPA and phenol prices held steady, limiting cost-push.
• Polycarbonate Demand Outlook stays soft from automotive weakness; electronics and medical applications provide steady offtake.
• Polycarbonate Price Index remained steady as freight and currency pressures were offset by imported offers.
• High inventories and steady import volumes constrained domestic Polycarbonate Spot Price and limited short-term upside.
Why did the price of Polycarbonate change in September 2025 in South America?
• Ample import arrivals and steady domestic output increased supply, pressuring spot availability and sellers' flexibility.
• Subdued automotive demand and cautious procurement reduced offtake, counterbalancing upstream freight and energy cost pressures.
• Logistics remained functional with minor route risks; currency moves, and tariff stability contained landed costs.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Price Index for Polycarbonate in the U.S. experienced steady downward pressure throughout Q2 2025, with cumulative weakness observed across April, May, and June.
• Inbound shipments surged during the quarter, with a 1.8% increase in overall imports, especially from Southeast Asia, notably Vietnam, contributing to market oversupply.
• Improved throughput at key ports, with Los Angeles (+29.1%) and Long Beach (+18.8%), facilitated faster resin inflow and intensified domestic competition.
• A 2.6% drop in Drewry’s World Container Index reduced import costs, lowering the competitive pricing threshold for overseas sellers.
• Despite stable production and manageable feedstock costs like Bisphenol A, local sellers faced margin compression due to elevated inventories and aggressive offshore offers.
• The Polycarbonate Demand Outlook deteriorated in Q2, as auto sales cooled, and sectors such as furniture, electronics, and appliances showed cautious procurement behaviour.
• Buyers continued destocking amid expectations of sluggish summer demand, further softening market momentum.
Why did the price of Polycarbonate change in July 2025 in North America?
The 1% drop in the Price Index during July was driven by persistent oversupply, reduced freight rates, and muted demand from downstream sectors such as automotive and consumer goods.
Asia
• Throughout Q2 2025, the Price Index for Polycarbonate in Thailand remained relatively stable despite fluctuating freight conditions across the Asian market.
• Scheduled maintenance at Lotte Chemical’s Yeosu facility in South Korea removed over 17,500 tons/year, tightening the availability of high-grade PC in the region.
• Chinese exports remained steady, offsetting any significant shortages and maintaining Polycarbonate Spot Price stability.
• Thailand's EV sector, supported by ongoing government subsidies and foreign investment, boosted engineering plastics consumption in Q2.
• However, demand from electronics and appliances industries remained weak due to ongoing macroeconomic headwinds.
• Inventory levels remained well-managed due to contract-based procurement, which discouraged speculative or forward buying.
Why did the price change in July 2025 in Asia?
Prices stayed stable in July as healthy demand from the EV sector counterbalanced softness in electronics, while regional supply tightened due to maintenance-related outages.
Europe
• The Price Index for Polycarbonate in Germany steadily declined during Q2 2025, driven by growing oversupply and tepid summer-season demand.
• Logistics operations improved at major ports such as Hamburg and Bremerhaven, enhancing distribution efficiency without adding significant cost burdens.
• Lower energy and feedstock costs kept the Polycarbonate Production Cost Trend stable, although they failed to support pricing gains.
• Inventory levels remained high, partly due to early-quarter stockpiling and limited restocking by downstream converters.
• The Polycarbonate Demand Outlook stayed weak, with sluggish production across automotive and electronics segments and widespread adoption of just-in-time procurement strategies in anticipation of the summer slowdown.
Why did the price change in July 2025 in Europe?
The 1.3% decline in July's Price Index was due to continued inventory overhang, fragile downstream demand, and squeezed producer margins limiting their ability to maintain prices.
South America
• In Q2 2025, the Price Index for Polycarbonate in Brazil showed signs of pressure due to fragile downstream recovery and increased global trade activity.
• U.S. cargoes continued to dominate imports with over 35% market share in April, helping maintain steady resin availability despite rising freight charges globally.
• The narrowing price gap between imported and domestic PC pushed more buyers toward local sources, further stabilizing inventory levels.
• Although the Polycarbonate Production Cost Trend stayed relatively flat, logistical disruptions in the Red Sea affected shipping schedules and delivery timelines.
• On the demand side, the Polycarbonate Demand Outlook weakened as Brazilian auto production dropped 6.5% in June, stifling demand for engineering resins.
• Market participants hesitated to replenish inventories amid economic uncertainty, opting for minimal forward purchases.
Why did the price change in July 2025 in South America?
The 1% fall in the Price Index stemmed from continued softness in demand from auto and electronics sectors and sustained import competition that prevented any price rebound.
Saudi Arabia
• The Price Index for Polycarbonate Injection Grade FOB Jeddah remained largely stable throughout Q2 2025, supported by consistent production, efficient feedstock supply, and subdued but steady demand.
• Despite short-term bearish signals in May, the overall market environment was balanced, with no major supply disruptions across key industrial hubs like Yanbu and Jubail.
• Market sentiment was cautiously optimistic, underpinned by Vision 2030-driven infrastructure investments and strong private sector indicators.
• Polycarbonate Spot Price stayed flat as export demand from Egypt and UAE remained stable, while domestic end-use consumption from non-oil sectors gradually picked up.
• Feedstock availability was adequate; Bisphenol A (BPA) and phenol input prices showed little fluctuation, helping stabilize the Polycarbonate Production Cost Trend.
• Price correction was triggered by weak export demand (particularly from Asia and North Africa) and rising domestic inventory levels.
• Steady domestic output and soft overseas inquiries prompted competitive price adjustments as suppliers aimed to stimulate offtake.
• Despite steady run rates, demand from construction and electronics sectors weakened amid peak seasonal heat and global caution.
• Export offers were stable, though demand from Asia and Africa stayed subdued due to monsoons and sufficient inventories.
• Week ending June 6 summary: Prices held steady due to firm offtake from Tier-1 suppliers and competitive regional offers despite global freight volatility.
Why Did the Price Change in July 2025 in Saudi Arabia?
• In July 2025, Polycarbonate Injection Grade FOB Jeddah prices rose by 1.0%, attributed to:
• Lower stock levels after May’s inventory drawdown.
• Seasonal demand rebound from construction and automotive segments.
• Stable upstream costs enabling modest pricing confidence.
• Anticipated Q3 procurement cycles for infrastructure under Vision 2030, which lifted sentiment.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, Polycarbonate (PC) Injection Grade prices in North America exhibited a marginally decreasing trend, driven by consistent supply levels and tepid downstream demand. Prices began the quarter in January, remaining stable due to balanced market fundamentals and moderate demand from the automotive and electronics sectors. However, as the quarter progressed, demand faltered slightly particularly in the construction and export markets prompting price corrections in February and March.
By the end of March, prices had softened to approximately USD 1980/MT, reflecting an overall quarterly decline of around 1.5%. Contributing factors included cautious procurement behavior amid economic uncertainties, steady production rates, and minimal fluctuations in upstream Bisphenol A (BPA) costs. The influx of competitively priced imports from Asia and stable logistics conditions also played a role in limiting upward price movement.
Despite moments of stability in February and early March, softening export demand and swelling inventories ultimately weighed on market sentiment. Barring major feedstock disruptions, Polycarbonate prices in the U.S. are expected to remain under mild pressure in the near term.
Asia
During Q1 2025, Polycarbonate (PC) prices in the Asian market followed a downward trajectory, primarily driven by a persistent supply-demand imbalance. Prices slipped from USD 1832/MT in late January to USD 1755/MT by the end of March, reflecting a cumulative drop of over 4%. Despite steady production and plant turnarounds in March and early April, domestic operating rates averaged above 80%, resulting in elevated inventory levels and sluggish factory auctions. The cost support from feedstock Bisphenol A (BPA) remained weak, further pressuring producers to lower offers. On the demand side, procurement from key downstream sectors such as automotive and electronics remained minimal, with buyers cautious amid high inventories and slow market circulation. Stabilized prices in February gave way to successive declines in March, triggered by slow post-holiday recovery and lackluster order flows. This bearish sentiment persisted into April, reinforcing market softness. Looking ahead, any potential recovery will hinge on stronger end-use demand or substantial supply corrections, which appear limited in the near term. Overall, Q1 2025 was marked by soft fundamentals, reinforcing a bearish price trend for Polycarbonate in Asia.
Europe
Polycarbonate prices in Europe exhibited a bearish trend throughout Q1 2025. Prices remained largely stable during January and early February, supported by balanced supply-demand fundamentals, consistent procurement from downstream sectors, and minimal feedstock volatility. However, by mid-to-late February, signs of market weakness emerged as demand from the automotive and electronics sectors softened, and energy cost relief further pressured margins. In March, the downtrend accelerated with PC prices falling nearly 3.5% from early to late March, driven by tepid demand, excess inventory levels, and weakening feedstock Bisphenol A costs. Despite logistical constraints in early March providing brief support, high interest rates and cautious restocking sentiment kept buyer activity subdued. The bearish momentum persisted into early April, with prices dropping another 2.4% amid ample supply and limited export interest. Overall, the PC market in Germany faced a challenging Q1 2025, weighed down by persistent macroeconomic headwinds, high inventories, and muted downstream demand, setting the stage for continued price softness in the near term.
Middle East Asia
Polycarbonate (PC) prices in Saudi Arabia witnessed a moderate but consistent downward trend throughout Q1 2025. Prices declined from USD 1735/MT in mid-January to USD 1648/MT by the end of March, reflecting an overall quarterly drop of approximately 5%. The decline was driven primarily by weak downstream demand from the automotive and construction sectors amid ongoing global economic uncertainty. Although supply remained steady with uninterrupted domestic production and stable imports from Asia, elevated inventory levels and subdued procurement activity exerted persistent pressure on prices. Feedstock Bisphenol A costs also softened slightly, offering limited cost support. While short-term price stability was observed during February and early March due to balanced supply-demand dynamics, sluggish buying interest and competitive import offers from Asian markets ultimately led to price corrections by the end of the quarter. Despite this bearish trajectory, infrastructure projects under Vision 2030 continued to provide a cushion for baseline demand.
South America
During the first quarter of 2025, polycarbonate (PC) prices in Brazil exhibited a marginal downward trend amid mixed market fundamentals. Prices held largely stable throughout January and February, averaging around USD 1970/MT CFR Santos, supported by balanced supply-demand dynamics, stable feedstock costs, and consistent imports from Asia and North America. However, sluggish demand from the automotive and construction sectors, attributed to high interest rates and inflationary pressures capped any upward price momentum. By March, sentiment began to soften, with prices gradually edging down by the end of the quarter. Ample inventory levels, steady inflows from South Korea and the U.S., and weak procurement activity amid a cautious macroeconomic outlook collectively pressured prices. While domestic production remained steady and logistics showed improvement, subdued downstream offtake, particularly in the automotive and consumer goods segments, contributed to the bearish pricing sentiment. Overall, Q1 2025 concluded with a marginal decrease in Brazilian polycarbonate prices, reflecting cautious market behavior, sufficient supply, and restrained demand recovery in key end-use industries.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
Polycarbonate (PC) prices in North America remained stable throughout Q4 2024, supported by steady demand and balanced supply dynamics. In the USA, automotive demand, a key driver for PC consumption, showed robust growth, with vehicle sales rising 2.8% month-over-month and 9.8% year-over-year in November. This uptick bolstered demand for Polycarbonate in applications such as interior panels and bumpers.
Manufacturing costs eased during the quarter due to a decline in crude oil prices, with Brent crude falling to USD 75.29 per barrel by early November. Bisphenol A, a critical feedstock for Polycarbonate, also exhibited stable pricing, mitigating production cost pressures. However, potential logistical disruptions, including East Coast port delays and ongoing negotiations over U.S. rail labor contracts, raised concerns over supply continuity.
Despite seasonal factors such as year-end holidays and adverse weather conditions, inventory levels at U.S. ports exceeded expectations, ensuring sufficient market supply. Producers adjusted output to match slower demand during December, while stable freight rates and potential anti-dumping duties on imports from South Korea and Taiwan provided further support to the market. Looking forward, strong automotive performance and stable supply chains are expected to sustain Polycarbonate price stability into early 2025.
Asia
The Polycarbonate (PC) market in the Asia-Pacific region witnessed a marginal decline in prices during Q4 2024 due to persistent supply-demand imbalances. Despite stable production levels, oversupply remained a challenge, particularly in China, where inventory levels were high. Maintenance shutdowns at key facilities such as Cangzhou Dahua and Jiaxing Teijin marginally reduced operating rates but were insufficient to alleviate the saturated market conditions. Raw material costs, including Bisphenol A, remained stable throughout the quarter, providing cost support to producers. However, high stock levels and weak procurement activity from downstream sectors, particularly automotive and electronics, limited price recovery. Buyers adopted a cautious approach amid economic uncertainties and slow-moving orders, leading to subdued demand. Despite government subsidies boosting demand for household appliances and a modest improvement in export activities, overall consumption patterns remained sluggish. Price reductions aimed at stimulating orders proved largely ineffective. As the quarter ended, cautious buyer behavior and abundant supply continued to weigh on market sentiment. The Polycarbonate market is expected to remain under pressure into early 2025, with no significant recovery in sight.
Europe
The European Polycarbonate (PC) market experienced a declining price trend in Q4 2024, driven by subdued demand and fluctuating supply dynamics. In Germany, a key market, prices initially stabilized in November due to steady domestic production and balanced Bisphenol A feedstock costs. However, challenges in the automotive sector, a major consumer of Polycarbonate, weighed heavily on demand. Weak sales of electric vehicles and operational cutbacks at key automakers like Volkswagen and Stellantis further dampened the outlook. Supply-side pressures intensified with logistical disruptions at Hamburg’s Container Terminal Altenwerder and broader shipping delays. Despite maintenance at production facilities and reduced end-year operating rates, high inventory levels limited upward price adjustments. Additionally, rising production costs fueled by inflation in the Eurozone added to manufacturers' challenges. By December, the market remained subdued, with stable supply and cautious purchasing behavior among downstream users. Automotive recovery in late December and consistent demand from the electronics and appliance sectors provided limited support. Anti-dumping measures on South Korean and Taiwanese imports may enhance European competitiveness in 2025.
Middle East Asia
Polycarbonate prices in the Middle East Asia region exhibited a steady decline in Q4 2024, influenced by supply chain disruptions and fluctuating demand dynamics. In Saudi Arabia, prices initially stabilized in November, supported by adequate supply, stable Bisphenol A feedstock costs, and declining crude oil prices. However, geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea, including vessel attacks and port congestion, significantly impacted logistics, leading to increased shipping costs and emergency surcharges for importers. Demand for Polycarbonate remained steady in key sectors, particularly construction, bolstered by Vision 2030 projects like the Jeddah Tower. However, inflationary pressures and labor shortages affected project timelines, potentially tempering long-term demand. The automotive sector, a secondary consumer, saw balanced activity, reflecting regional economic stability. By December, improved port operations at Yanbu and Al Jubail ports eased logistical bottlenecks, stabilizing Polycarbonate prices. Declining Bisphenol A costs and reduced production rates due to seasonal slowdowns further influenced the market. Robust non-oil activities and steady export traffic underpinned regional demand, despite global trade uncertainties.
South America
Polycarbonate prices in South America, particularly in Brazil, displayed a steady decline during Q4 2024, driven by supply chain challenges, fluctuating demand, and economic pressures. Early in the quarter, prices stabilized as balanced domestic production and imports offset logistical disruptions caused by a customs strike at major ports like Santos. Although rising freight costs and oil prices added supply-side pressure, local producers managed to maintain market equilibrium. Demand dynamics were mixed throughout the quarter. The automotive sector, a key consumer of Polycarbonate, demonstrated strong performance, with domestic car sales and production reaching record highs. Electric vehicle production surged, driven by market leaders such as BYD and GWM. However, increasing reliance on imported components and subdued export performance tempered broader demand growth. Inflationary pressures and rising logistics costs further constrained purchasing power, limiting potential price rebounds. By late December, logistical challenges, including port congestion and elevated freight rates, along with rising oil prices, pushed up production costs, contributing to a modest price increase. Despite these challenges, the robust automotive sector and steady construction demand provided a strong foundation for Polycarbonate consumption, ensuring a relatively stable yet cautious market environment throughout the quarter.
