For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Polycarbonate Prices in North America
- In the USA, the Polycarbonate Price Index rose by 1.09% quarter-over-quarter, driven by feedstock costs.
- The average Polycarbonate price for the quarter was approximately USD 1854/MT under balanced supply conditions.
- Polycarbonate Spot Price firmed March as import allocations tightened and replacement freight elevated landed costs.
- Polycarbonate Price Forecast remains bullish given constrained imports, elevated feedstock bills, and limited distributor inventories.
- Polycarbonate Production Cost Trend increased as Bisphenol A and phenol costs rose, pressuring producer margins.
- Polycarbonate Demand Outlook stayed stable overall, with automotive and electronics supporting steady offtake into spring.
- Polycarbonate Price Index volatility intensified mid-March after Gulf outages and redirected Asian cargoes to Europe.
- Domestic production adjustments and inventory draws limited upside as exporters reallocated volumes away from US.
Why did the price of Polycarbonate change in March 2026 in North America?
- Tighter imports from Korea and Taiwan reduced spot availability, lifting replacement costs and landed prices.
- Bisphenol A feedstock cost increases and phenol tightness pushed production costs higher for integrated producers.
- Logistics disruptions, rail delays, and elevated freight insurance increased landed costs and incentivized distributor drawdowns.
Polycarbonate Prices in APAC
- In Japan, the Polycarbonate Price Index fell by 1.9% quarter-over-quarter, pressured by ample Asian imports.
- The average Polycarbonate price for the quarter was approximately USD 2664.33/MT based on distributor assessments.
- Polycarbonate Spot Price showed limited moves, while the Price Index eased amid import pressure recently.
- Polycarbonate Price Forecast indicates limited upside near term, with potential Q2 recovery if inventories draw.
- Polycarbonate Production Cost Trend rose as Bisphenol A and naphtha energy costs increased in March.
- Polycarbonate Demand Outlook remains subdued as automotive and electronics restocking delays weigh on resin purchases.
- Imports lifted distributor inventories, limiting sellers' price recovery and keeping the Polycarbonate Price Index restrained.
- Japanese producers ran normally with limited outages, maintaining steady domestic availability despite competitive imported cargoes.
Why did the price of Polycarbonate change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Elevated Chinese and regional imports increased Japanese spot availability, overwhelming domestic demand and pressuring quotations.
- Rising Bisphenol A and naphtha costs lifted production expenses but could not be passed through.
- Strait of Hormuz disruptions tightened ethylene feedstocks in March, triggering supply tightness and speculative buying.
Polycarbonate Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the Polycarbonate Price Index rose by 3.26% quarter-over-quarter, amid tighter supply and energy.
- The average Polycarbonate price for the quarter was approximately USD 2269.00/MT, reflecting stable spot trading.
- Polycarbonate Spot Price strengthened through March due to export enquiries and constrained regional feedstock availability.
- Polycarbonate Price Forecast indicates modest upside as elevated utilities and freight marginally inflate conversion costs.
- Polycarbonate Production Cost Trend showed pressure from high German gas and power tariffs impacting margins.
- Polycarbonate Demand Outlook remains cautious as automotive and lighting sectors delay restocking and limit purchases.
- Polycarbonate Price Index movements moderated by balanced inventories and smooth Rhine logistics despite energy cost pressures.
- Producers maintained operating rates; export enquiries and lower warehouse stocks pushed sellers to raise offers.
Why did the price of Polycarbonate change in March 2026 in Europe?
- Elevated gas and electricity tariffs raised production costs, prompting producers to increase polycarbonate offers modestly.
- Chlor-alkali maintenance reduced chlorine availability, tightening phosgene feedstock and constraining regional polycarbonate supply volumes significantly.
- Increased export enquiries from Italy and Turkey diverted cargoes, reducing domestic availability and supporting higher spot pricing.
Polycarbonate Prices in MEA
- In Saudi Arabia, the Polycarbonate Price Index rose by 11.63% quarter-over-quarter, driven by supply disruptions.
- The average Polycarbonate price for the quarter was approximately USD 1676.00/MT, reflecting stable contract terms.
- Polycarbonate Spot Price strengthened intermittently as the Polycarbonate Production Cost Trend rose due to firmer bisphenol-A.
- Polycarbonate Demand Outlook remained mixed with stronger export restocking but muted domestic converter inquiries, constraining spot momentum.
- Polycarbonate Price Forecast shows near-term upward bias while Price Index volatility persists amid logistics and geopolitical risks.
- Tight export flows and elevated insurance premiums reduced available shipments, pressuring the Polycarbonate Price Index and regional availability.
- High plant utilization cushioned markets earlier, but feedstock cost increases altered the Polycarbonate Production Cost Trend upwards.
- Saudi Jubail plant discipline and export allocation limited spot volumes, influencing Polycarbonate Spot Price and global arbitrage flows.
Why did the price of Polycarbonate change in March 2026 in MEA?
- Strait of Hormuz closure sharply reduced outbound shipments, creating immediate supply tightness and logistics premium increases.
- Bisphenol-A and energy cost upticks raised production costs, narrowing margins and prompting seller price pass-throughs.
- Export restocking by Turkey, India, China increased demand while domestic inventories remained lean, sustaining upward pressure.
Polycarbonate Prices in South America
- In Brazil, the Polycarbonate Price Index rose by 1.22% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting overall balanced import flows.
- The average Polycarbonate price for the quarter was approximately USD 1829.67/MT with inventories modestly stocked.
- Brazilian Polycarbonate Spot Price firmed as global offers tightened, supporting the domestic Price Index momentum.
- Polycarbonate Price Forecast indicates modest gains into April, reflecting constrained shipments and firmer feedstock costs.
- Polycarbonate Production Cost Trend shows upward pressure from elevated freight and rising global energy prices.
- Polycarbonate Demand Outlook remains stable, driven by automotive and electronics restarts, but procurement remains cautious.
- Distributor stocks remained light at terminals, while export demand and logistics risks supported Price Index.
- No domestic resin production pressured reliance on imports, amplifying sensitivity to supply and freight disruptions.
Why did the price of Polycarbonate change in March 2026 in South America?
- Geopolitical tensions reduced Asian Middle Eastern exports, constraining import availability and tightening Brazilian supply chains.
- Higher freight and insurance surcharges raised landed costs, prompting buyers to secure limited import cargoes.
- Steady downstream demand from automotive and electronics supported purchasing, keeping market tight despite distributor inventories.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
- In USA, Polycarbonate Price Index fell by 4.41% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting balanced supply and muted demand.
- The average Polycarbonate price for the quarter was approximately USD 1834.00/MT, dataset reported delivered-duty-paid assessments.
- Polycarbonate Spot Price remained range-bound with ample Gulf inventories, keeping the Polycarbonate Price Index stable.
- Polycarbonate Production Cost Trend showed limited upward pressure as bisphenol A feedstock remained contained domestically.
- Polycarbonate Demand Outlook anticipates cautious procurement, automotive and electronics pull moderating into year-end across sectors.
- Near-term Polycarbonate Price Forecast suggests modest volatility as seasonal restocking competes with inventory overhang pressure.
- Stable plant run-rates at major U.S. producers sustained supply, while distributors adopted hand-to-mouth purchasing strategies.
- Elevated stocks and muted export demand weighed on the Polycarbonate Price Index, limiting price momentum.
- Favourable port dwell times and steady freight kept costs predictable, supporting Polycarbonate Spot Price stability.
Why did the price of Polycarbonate change in December 2025 in North America?
- Balanced domestic production and steady imports kept availability ample, reducing urgency for spot buying significantly.
- Muted automotive ordering, distributor inventory drawdowns and substitution trends softened downstream demand for polycarbonate resin.
- Contained bisphenol A and freight costs limited cost pressures, logistics remained predictable, capping price upside.
APAC
- In Japan, the Polycarbonate Price Index fell by 4.05% quarter-over-quarter from oversupply and weaker costs.
- The average Polycarbonate price for the quarter was approximately USD 2716.00/MT, reflecting reported contractual averages.
- Polycarbonate Spot Price remained pressured by abundant imports and buying across automotive and electronics segments.
- Polycarbonate Price Forecast shows modest near-term declines, followed by seasonal restocking that supports recovery later.
- Polycarbonate Production Cost Trend showed muted cost-push as bisphenol A and energy costs remained stable.
- Polycarbonate Demand Outlook stays soft with automotive headwinds and electronics procurement, limiting spot market upside.
- Polycarbonate Price Index volatility was contained by balanced inventories and import arrivals despite logistic disruptions.
- Producers maintained steady operating rates; export demand weakness and substitution pressures constrained price recovery prospects.
Why did the price of Polycarbonate change in December 2025 in APAC?
- Regional oversupply and steady domestic production kept merchant inventories elevated, reducing immediate upward price pressure.
- Weaker upstream feedstock costs, including stable bisphenol A and lower crude benchmarks, decreased input cost push.
- Localized logistical disruptions from flooding temporarily delayed deliveries, but punctual imports maintained availability and price stability.
Europe
- In Germany, the Polycarbonate Price Index fell by 1.58% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting balanced supply conditions overall.
- The average Polycarbonate price for the quarter was approximately USD 2197.33/MT, based on averages and monthly distributor settlements.
- Polycarbonate Spot Price remained range-bound amid balanced inventories, steady imports and limited spot market trading.
- Polycarbonate Price Forecast indicates upside potential driven by seasonal automotive restocking and constrained seaborne supply.
- Polycarbonate Production Cost Trend remained elevated due to high energy and benzene prices pressuring margins.
- Polycarbonate Demand Outlook supports near-term stability as automotive and electronics procurement offsets weaker industrial restocking.
- Polycarbonate Price Index showed mild volatility last month, influenced by shipping delays and export demand.
- Domestic inventories remained near average, while scheduled maintenance and exports tightened availability influencing spot negotiations.
Why did the price of Polycarbonate change in December 2025 in Europe?
- Elevated energy and benzene costs increased production expenses, supporting modest upward price pressure during December.
- Balanced imports and adequate inventories limited upside, while automotive restocking provided consistent but restrained demand.
- Minor port congestion and longer Asian transit times tightened spot availability, strengthening domestic market sentiment.
MEA
- In Saudi Arabia, the Polycarbonate Price Index fell by 1.83% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting balanced supply and steady demand.
- The average Polycarbonate price for the quarter was approximately USD 1501.33/MT, reflecting contract and spot settlement influences.
- Polycarbonate Spot Price activity stayed muted with limited enquiries, keeping the regional Price Index restrained.
- Polycarbonate Price Forecast suggests modest upside into early 2026 as seasonal restocking and exports firm.
- Polycarbonate Production Cost Trend recorded upward pressure from firmer bisphenol A and benzene cost increases.
- Polycarbonate Demand Outlook remains steady as construction and automotive procurement maintain volumes and spot buying.
- Inventories stayed moderate across Saudi warehouses while scheduled restarts and exports constrained aggressive price declines.
- Operational discipline at major producers kept run-rates high, limiting spot volatility and supporting FOB stability.
Why did the price of Polycarbonate change in December 2025 in MEA?
- Balanced domestic output and high run-rates met demand, preventing significant inventory drawdowns or upward pressure.
- Stable bisphenol A and feedstock costs limited production cost pass-through, moderating Polycarbonate Price Index movements.
- Smooth logistics and export liftings absorbed surplus volumes, reducing spot trading and sustaining FOB pricing.
South America
- In Brazil, the Polycarbonate Price Index fell by 4.42% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weak automotive demand conditions.
- The average Polycarbonate price for the quarter was approximately USD 1807.67/MT, reflecting import flows and inventories.
- Polycarbonate Spot Price remained range-bound near import parity, while the Price Index showed muted pressure.
- Polycarbonate Price Forecast shows modest Q1 recovery as seasonal restocking and automotive demand gradually improve.
- Polycarbonate Production Cost Trend stayed stable due to contained bisphenol-A and firm freight rates helping.
- Polycarbonate Demand Outlook remains cautious as automotive uptake steadies but fails to reduce distributor inventory.
- Price Index changes were limited by three-week hub inventories and steady import arrivals preventing tightness.
- Domestic operating constraints minimal; import-reliant supply and normal vessel turnarounds kept the Price Index stable.
Why did the price of Polycarbonate change in December 2025 in South America?
- Smooth import flows from Asia maintained availability despite inland transport delays and port congestion persisting.
- Stable upstream bisphenol-A and freight rates contained production cost pressure, avoiding sharp supplier-driven price increases.
- Weak downstream demand, lower automotive builds and converter switching to alternatives weighed on spot buying.
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.
